Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Based on Frank Miller's popular series of graphic novels, Sin City is a tale of killers, cops, hookers, and hit men, all inhabiting one very dangerous, very sexy city. The three interwoven stories star Bruce Willis as a cop who'll do anything to protect the girl (Jessica Alba); Mickey Rourke, hell-bent on revenge; and Benicio del Toro as a human Pez dispenser.

From a movie-making perspective, Sin City is brilliant in its concept and faithfully captures the essence of Frank Miller's graphic novels, but the story is too bloody violent for my taste. The endless murders, shootings, beheadings, and torture pummel you for two hours, and we wonder why there's so much violent crime in America?

Shot with a Sony HDC-950 high-definition digital camera while the actors worked in front of green screens, the artificially created world comes to life in 1080p. The AVC encode is perfect with inky blacks, phenomenal shadow detail, and some vivid smatterings of color jumping off the predominantly black-and-white image. Resolution is jaw-dropping, especially the fine details of the actors' hair, facial pores, and the intricate, digitally created sets. Yes, it's violent—but damn, it's pretty.

The engaging DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is impressive in its own right with an engaging soundstage. Dialog is crisp and clear with a lifelike tonal quality, and the track is extremely aggressive with reference-quality dynamics and ample use of the LFE channel. The surround speakers are put to good use with discrete effects, creating a 360-degree immersive atmosphere.

The two-disc set includes a wide assortment of supplements, including an interactive game called "Kill 'em Good," which lets viewers play Marv on his quest to avenge his true love's death. Other bonus materials include PIP, commentary by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, interviews, and behind-the-scenes featurettes showcasing the production. Although this isn't my cup of tea, it was interesting to see how the unique film was brought to life.

The world created by Rodriguez and Miller is depressing and revolting yet visually gorgeous. The reference-quality audio and video is the only reason I stuck it out to the end, but I know there's a big following, and fans will be ecstatic with the presentation.

Release Date: April 21, 2009
Studio: Walt Disney Studios

Movie: 4/10
Picture: 10/10
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
Belkin PF60 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