Blu-ray Movie Reviews

In this dazzling adaptation of Shakespeare's classic love story, Leonardo DiCaprio stars opposite Claire Danes. They light up the screen as the original star-crossed lovers against a thumping soundtrack and a boldly imagined modern-day setting.

Baz Luhrmann oversaw the transfers for his two films hitting Blu-ray this week. Of the two, this one looks the best, but I think it has more to do with the brighter image and less tinkering than the transfer itself. Detail looks a bit better and dimensionality is strong. There are still a lot of post processing effects that take their toll on the overall visual experience, but this was intended from the start. The soundtrack is a lot of funny and nearly as zany as Moulin Rouge. Plenty of surround use, lots of dynamic range and a perfect balance of just about every element. Overall a solid presentation.

Extras are very similar to the Moulin Rouge release and include a picture-in-picture feature with commentary by the director and lots of interviews and on-set footage. You also get some deleted scenes and a look at the music from the film.

Luhrmann did a fantastic job with this modern take on Shakespeare’s classic love tale. The Blu-ray is by far the best presentation I’ve seen of it yet making for a solid recommendation.