Blu-ray Movie Reviews

In exchange for extraordinary powers, Doctor Parnassus (Chrstopher Plummer) makes a deal with the Devil to turn over any child he fathers when they turn sixteen. But as his daughter Valentina's (Lily Cole) birthday approaches, a mysterious stranger (Heath Ledger) arrives with the power to change everything. Does the good Doctor risk everything and make another deal with the Devil?

I'm not a huge fan of director Terry Gillium, but I enjoyed this much more than his other films. It could have something to do with Ledger's final performance, but I found the script engaging and entertaining, plus, the visuals are to die for. Of the three stand-ins, I liked Johnny Depp's adaptation the best but that's no slight against Colin Ferrell or Jude Law who do bang-up jobs as well.

Video Highlights

• AVC/1080p encode on a BD-50 disc
• Extraordinary color palette with vivid primaries
• Exquisite detail in facial pores, clothing, and backgrounds
• Elevated black level
• Blue/green screen scenes aren't seamless

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack
• Plethora of discrete effects enveloping the room
• Ample LFE
• Score occasionally overpowers the dialog

Gilliam creates yet another interesting world and the audio and video serve it well. The detail is first-rate although his choice to elevate the black level washes out some of the darker scenes. The audio track is very impressive with plenty of action and dynamics.

Bonus Materials

• Commentary by Terry Gilliam
• Terry Gilliam film introduction (HD)
• Deleted scenes (HD)
• 10 featurettes (HD)
• Theatrical trailer (HD)
• 16 previews of other Sony titles (HD)
• BD-Live with MovieIQ

The quirky screenplay is very entertaining and with any other director I doubt this would have seen the light of day (or the dark of the theater). Gilliam seamlessly and brilliantly integrates three other actors into the production filling the shoes of Ledger and the audio and video quality is exceptional. Recommended.

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Release Date: April 27, 2010
Studio: Sony

Movie: 8/10
Picture: 9/10
Sound: 9/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
JVC DLA-RS1 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier
Panamax M5400PM power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics