Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Last time we saw this couple together they were trying their best to lose each other while falling in love at the same time. This time isn't too different except the couple is already married and in the process of a divorce. I guess treasure hunting doesn't keep the thrills alive like it used to. Fool's Gold is a fun ride that is good brainless fun with a little bit of action flare. The film is set in the beautiful Caribbean and balances a good mix of adventure, flirting and romance. While I wouldn't put in the same category of adventure as National Treasure or the Indy films, it is still good popcorn fun with a good cast and gorgeous scenery.

The HD video presentation is a bit of a mixed bag. The gorgeous locale provides plenty of eye candy throughout the film and I was elated with the vibrant hues and lush photography. My only real complaint is fine detail. Close ups didn't have the detail I was expecting given the quality of the rest of the photography. This is especially apparent during the dimmer moments on the boats. The image has a slight haze at times that hurts depth and dimension and leaves this one short of the better transfers out there. Thankfully this only affects the darker moments of the film and most of the daytime environments look great.

Warner once again falls short in the audio department and includes only a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 mix for this Blu-ray release. I'm surprised to see a lack of lossless audio on their day-and-date releases like this and I hope it doesn't become a trend. With even independent studios offering lossless mixes on the majority of their releases I'm really surprised that Warner continues to be so hit or miss. The 5.1 mix is a bit front heavy overall and didn't have the immersive quality that I normally expect from a movie like this. Imaging from channel to channel seems to be a bit boxed in and I didn't get that seamless soundstage across the main channels that I've become accustomed to with newer releases. Dialogue sounds natural though and the balance of the sound effects and voice work is excellent. Dynamic range isn't bad but the mix never gets that intense regardless of the action onscreen. I don't know how much the limitations of the soundtrack had to do with the lack of a lossless mix, but this one fell a bit short of my expectations.

Extras include a look at the production of the film including on set footage and interviews.

Despite the lack luster box office response Fool's Gold was definitely a good time. The film does a great job balancing the comedy, romance and action and doesn't take itself too seriously. While Warner didn’t blow me away with the A/V presentation, this is still a pretty decent presentation. Definitely worth at least a rental.