Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Satine (Nicole Kidman) is a seductive courtesan and star of a popular French nightclub that caters to society's decadent elite. When she unwittingly draws Christian (Ewan McGregor) into her spell, true love turns to tragedy.

Moulin Rouge is one of the most unique films of the 21st century featuring outstanding performances by the two leads, elaborate sets, and entertaining music and choreography. Kidman was rewarded with her first of two Oscar nominations (winning the following year for The Hours) and the film received seven additional nominations including Best Picture (winning two awards for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume Design). Sadly, writer/director Baz Luhrmann was snubbed for Best Director although I feel he was more than deserving.

Video Highlights

• AVC/1080p encode on a BD-50 disc
• Luscious color palette with special attention paid to red
• Outstanding detail
• Inky blacks and revealing shadows
• CGI scenes are easily spotted

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack
• Outstanding dynamics
• Enveloping surround presentation
• Wide separation across the front soundstage
• Robust mid-range in musical numbers

After this film hit DVD early in the 2000s, DTS used a clip from the song "Come What May" on one of its demo discs and if the company decides to make Blu-ray demo discs, this particular scene should be used again. The audio and video presentation is outstanding.

Bonus Materials (all in SD)

• Spectacular, Spectacular PIP Mode with Audio Commentary by Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Donald M. McAlpine and Craig Pearce featuring Behind-the-Scenes footage and stills
• All-New Featurette A Creative Adventure and Introduction by Baz Luhrmann
• Uncut footage including an alternate opening and Nicole Kidman's first vocal test
• 6 Production Featurettes and Interviews
• "Making-of" featurette
• BD-Live enabled

People I've spoken to over the years either love or hate this film, but I fall into the former and couldn't wait for its release on Blu-ray. The new high-definition transfer supervised by Director Baz Luhrmann is definitely worth the upgrade cost. Highly recommended.

Release Date: October 19, 2010
Studio: Fox

Movie: 9/10
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