About.com Rating
The third episode in the Transformers saga makes a second appearance on Blu-ray as Transformers: Dark of the Moon Limited 3D Edition. This Blu-ray double-dip comes packaged with four Blu-ray discs that include both the 3D and 2D version of the film, a third Bonus Feature-only disc, and a fourth disc containing the film in the standard DVD format.
Description
The third episode in the Transformers saga makes a second appearance on Blu-ray as Transformers: Dark of the Moon Limited 3D Edition.
This Blu-ray double-dip comes packaged with four discs that include Blu-ray Discs that contain both the 3D and 2D version of the film, a third Blu-ray Bonus Feature-only disc, and a fourth disc containing the film in the standard DVD format.
Studio: Paramount/Dreamworks
Running Time: 154 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Prinicpal Cast:Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Patrick Dempsey, Peter Cullen (voice of Optimus Prime), and Leonard Nimoy (voice of Sentinel Prime).
Director:Michael Bay
Executive Producer:Steven Spielberg
Discs: Three 50 GB Blu-ray Discs (1 3D, 1 2D, 1 2D Bonus Features), One DVD-9 DVD Disc). Ultraviolet Digital Copy A cloud-based copy of the film that allows you access it anywhere on a compatible internet connected portable device (only available in U.S. at the time this review was written).
Video Specifications: Video codec used - AVC and MVC MPEG4, Video resolution - 1080p, Aspect ratio - 2.40:1 - Special features and supplements in various aspect ratios.
Audio Specifications:
Dolby TrueHD 7.1, 5.1, 2.0 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (French, Spanish, Portuguese).
Subtitles: English SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing), French, Spanish, Portuguese.
DVD copy of the film
Bonus Features and Supplements
There is a whole disc provided just for the bonus features, and the best thing is that they are all in HD.
Above and Beyond: Exploring Dark of the Moon: This is a five-part documentary that runs over 90 minutes and provides an extensive look at the film-making process. This includes a very interesting segment on how Michael Bay was reluctant to use 3D. As a result of his cautionary approach, the 3D aspects of the film turned out better, as Bay made the necessary adjustments to make the 3D effects work within his vision of the film. Another segment titled Rising from the Fallen, actually discusses the criticism moviegoers had about the second film how those criticisms led to changes in how the third film would be executed.
The remaining segments show more aspects of the production process, including how physical effects were used in addition to CGI, how downtown Chicago was transformed into a giant battlefield, and a great segment on the real "birdmen" used in the film.
Uncharted Territory: NASA's Future Then and Now: This 26 minute documentary includes a concise retrospective of the U.S. manned space program, including both archival footage and current interviews. This segment also includes a very blunt assessment of the current state of the space program and what it might mean for the both future of the U.S. space exploration and our place on the world stage.
Deconstructing Chicago: Multi-Angle Sequences: This documentary features some interesting comparison of pre-visualization footage and visual effects with the final shots. Includes optional commentary track.
The Art of Cybertron: Still photo gallery containing concept art of Cybertron, the home planet of the Decepticons and Autobots.
The Dark of the Moon Archive: The highlights of this group of short documentary snippets includes a conversation with Michael Bay and James Cameron on the use of 3D, as well as a great segment on sound effects design.
The Matrix of Marketing: Footage of the premieres, as well as a look at posters and other other promotional materials used to market the film.
The Story
OK, nothing complicated here. In this episode, Sam Witwicky (Shia leBouf) has left his parents nest and is trying to live a "normal" life with his beautiful new girl friend, Carly Spencer (Rosie Hunington-Whiteley). However, the idyllic life gets interrupted as once again the evil Decepticons take revenge against the Autobots, this time for their defeat in the previous episode, Revenge of the Fallen. Then, on top of that, it turns out that the U.S. Government (and other nations) have been keeping a dark secret that involves the Moon and the space program. Let the battle to save the Earth begin again!
Review
I previously selected the 2D Blu-ray Disc edition of Transformers: Dark of the Moon as a bonus product pick, but now I also have to suggest that even those of you that may have the previous edition, also get the new 3D Limited Edition. Even if you aren't interested in the 3D version, this new package also comes with the 2D Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Copy, as well as a complete fourth disc that includes some great bonus features that delve into the complete film-making process for this film.
However, for those of you that do have a 3D TV or 3D video projector and a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, you are in for a real treat as the 3D is very well executed. When the 3D effect requires a more subtle look, it is presented accordingly. However, when the 3D needs to deliver that "wow" factor, Michael Bay pulls out all the stops with some excellent 3D effects that standout, but don't poke you unnecessarily. The 3D has a lot of natural depth, without exhibiting the "paper-doll" effects that sometime plague lesser 3D productions.
What is interesting to point out, in terms of the 3D process, is that while most of the film was shot natively in 3D, 2D-to-3D conversion was also employed in a significant portion of the film provided by the Legend3D studio. Although 2D-to-3D conversion has been criticized in many applications, the technique was blended very well with the rest of the native 3D portions of the film.
Also, aside from 3D, the 1080p transfer boasts excellent color (albeit with some over-saturated skin tones) and detail which does not become muddled with the 3D effect.
Of course, just as in the previous release, the sound is loud and aggressive. The 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD mix extends the boundaries of what surround sound is capable of with sounds coming almost constantly from all directions, but with logic and preciseness. Even with all the audio chaos, dialog does not get lost. It is obvious that as much attention was given to the audio and with the video.
However, as good as the video and audio portions of this release are, I must admit, if you are looking for great acting, you are watching the wrong movie - which brings its overall rating down. However, forget about the acting and sit down with that large bowl of hot buttered popcorn and just marvel at the sights and sounds of giant battling robots, dig into those bonus features, and all will be well.
If you are a die-hard Transformers fan, this package is definitely worth it, but even if you aren't, the Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Limited Edition makes for a great home theater viewing and listening experience (both the 3D and 2D versions are included). Also, the 3 hours of bonus content that is included is definitely worth watching, and can provide a whole second evening of enjoyment.
Finally, If you currently own the previous Blu-ray Disc release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, check the package for a possible $10 off coupon that you can use towards the purchase of the 3D Limited Edition.
Also, be sure to also read additional perspectives on Transformers: Dark of the Moon in the theatrical reviews by Rebbecca Murray, About.com Guide to Hollywood Movies and Carey Bryson, About.com Guide for Kids Movies/TV.
I purchased this disc for review.