My take: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)

HD Goofnut · 11-04-2009, 07:28 PM

Title: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc/Two Disc Set
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect Ratio: 2:40:1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
Run time: 106 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rating: R
Region Coding: Region Free
Player used for review: LG BH200

Cast/Crew Info:
Denzel Washington as Walter Garber
John Travolta as Ryder
Luis Guzmán as Phil Ramos
John Turturro as Camonetti
James Gandolfini as Mayor
Directed by Tony Scott

My take: (the breakdown)

I typically like any film that is directed by Tony Scott and I will most certainly add The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 to that list. The story follows the hijacking of a subway train in New York City. The hijackers of course want a large sum of money and expect the dispatcher on duty, Garber played by Washington, to arrange for money to be given to them or they will start shooting hostages. The problem is that the hijackers have many hostages and want the money in an hour. What entails is a race to get the money to the hijackers before they start executing hostages. Filled with plenty of drama and suspense I say this is worth at least a rental and maybe even a purchase. This is not for kids though due to strong violence and language.

This is exactly what I would expect from a movie that was released earlier this year. This title has everything you could want from a high def experience. Colors are well saturated and jump off the screen creating that three-dimensional look. Flesh tones are also accurate as well. Grain is moderate to minimal, but it does become slightly noisy in some of the darker subway tunnel scenes. Fine detail is excellent throughout the run time as everything is clearly visible right down to the finest details.

We are supplied with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is just as good as the video. Dialogue is crisp and clear and never struggles to be heard. The surrounds get plenty of use in the form of various discrete effects, louder effects, and the intense musical score. Your sub will also get plenty of work throughout the second half of the film. My sole complaint is that sometimes the action packed scenes become slightly overpowering, but this is a minor nitpick on my part.

We are given a rather decent supplemental package with this Blu-ray release. We get two audio commentaries featuring Scott on the first one and the writer and producer on the second one. We also get a 30 minute making of feature, a 16 minute feature of NYC's public transit system, a seven minute feature on how the film was marketed, several trailers for other movies, and finally a five minute feature on the importance of the right haircut (extremely worthless feature). We also get a digital copy on a second disc. The haircut piece is presented in 480 while the other features are in 1080.

Movie: 7/10
VQ: 9.5/10
AQ: 9/10
Supplements: 6/10
Final word: A Purchase For Fans

As always thanks for reading folks.

Loves2Watch · 11-04-2009, 07:39 PM

How does it compare to the original?

HD Goofnut · 11-04-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

How does it compare to the original?

You know I haven't seen the original in years. I'd have to go back and watch it again to give you an honest comparison.

**PFC5** · 11-04-2009, 09:41 PM

I added this to my Netflix queue but it says long wait.

Thanks for the review!

HD Goofnut · 11-04-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

I added this to my Netflix queue but it says long wait.

Thanks for the review!

That's because it just came out yesterday, but you should be able to get it within the next couple weeks.

You are welcome.

GymBrat98 · 11-05-2009, 04:42 PM

Hiya Goof
I almost bought this yesterday at Walmart, but then I remembered I just bought SOA, Tues, lol! I love Denzel, he's a really good actor.
L2W mentioned this was a remake, I have never seen the original, I don't think. It sounds like a good flick, thanks for the review.

HD Goofnut · 11-05-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GymBrat98

Hiya Goof
I almost bought this yesterday at Walmart, but then I remembered I just bought SOA, Tues, lol! I love Denzel, he's a really good actor.
L2W mentioned this was a remake, I have never seen the original, I don't think. It sounds like a good flick, thanks for the review.

You're welcome.

The original was released in 1974 and stars Walter Mathau and Kirk Douglas.

dsskid · 11-06-2009, 08:01 AM

Thanks for the review HD. I watched it last night, and thought they did a good job with this remake, and the video transfer and audio was very good.

HD Goofnut · 11-06-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsskid

Thanks for the review HD. I watched it last night, and thought they did a good job with this remake, and the video transfer and audio was very good.

I am glad you enjoyed it ds.

HD Goofnut · 11-06-2009, 07:11 PM

Whoever cleaned the mess up in this thread: Thank you very much.

soupnazi · 11-06-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

You're welcome.

The original was released in 1974 and stars Walter Mathau and Kirk Douglas.

Thanks for the review Goofnut. I haven't had the chance to watch this one yet but I always enjoy a good Tony Scott / Denzel Washington movie. I didn't know this was a remake. Unfortunately and no fault of yours Goofnut, I now know the ending of the original

HD Goofnut · 11-06-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soupnazi

Thanks for the review Goofnut. I haven't had the chance to watch this one yet but I always enjoy a good Tony Scott / Denzel Washington movie. I didn't know this was a remake. Unfortunately and no fault of yours Goofnut, I now know the ending of the original

No problem soup and thanks again.

gossamer · 11-08-2009, 07:44 PM

The ending is nothing like the original (which is one of the most famous endings in movie history).

Kirk Douglas is NOT in the original. It's Robert Shaw...whom John Travolta does not channel at all. In fact he mostly channels Hector Elizando's chracter (re: loose canon).

This was not good at all and Denzel is totally wasted as is James Gandolfini. I would wait for the cable broadcast.

gossamer · 11-08-2009, 07:55 PM

Holy shit...I just glanced through the other 1 2 3 review. If you want to know what happens, plot-point to plot-point go ahead and read it.

This guy leaves nothing to the enjoyment of a movie. Why does he insist on writing about the entire plot?! How is that a review? It should be called "A Cliff Notes Exclusive"!!

HD Goofnut · 11-08-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamer

Holy shit...I just glanced through the other 1 2 3 review. If you want to know what happens, plot-point to plot-point go ahead and read it.

This guy leaves nothing to the enjoyment of a movie. Why does he insist on writing about the entire plot?! How is that a review? It should be called "A Cliff Notes Exclusive"!!

He's been asked to use spoiler tags repeatedly, but he refuses to do it. Talk to PFC if you want something done about it goss.

11-04-2009, 07:28 PM	#1
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,267	My take: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) Title: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc/Two Disc Set Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Aspect Ratio: 2:40:1 Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese Run time: 106 minutes Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rating: R Region Coding: Region Free Player used for review: LG BH200 Cast/Crew Info: Denzel Washington as Walter Garber John Travolta as Ryder Luis Guzmán as Phil Ramos John Turturro as Camonetti James Gandolfini as Mayor Directed by Tony Scott My take: (the breakdown) I typically like any film that is directed by Tony Scott and I will most certainly add The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 to that list. The story follows the hijacking of a subway train in New York City. The hijackers of course want a large sum of money and expect the dispatcher on duty, Garber played by Washington, to arrange for money to be given to them or they will start shooting hostages. The problem is that the hijackers have many hostages and want the money in an hour. What entails is a race to get the money to the hijackers before they start executing hostages. Filled with plenty of drama and suspense I say this is worth at least a rental and maybe even a purchase. This is not for kids though due to strong violence and language. This is exactly what I would expect from a movie that was released earlier this year. This title has everything you could want from a high def experience. Colors are well saturated and jump off the screen creating that three-dimensional look. Flesh tones are also accurate as well. Grain is moderate to minimal, but it does become slightly noisy in some of the darker subway tunnel scenes. Fine detail is excellent throughout the run time as everything is clearly visible right down to the finest details. We are supplied with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is just as good as the video. Dialogue is crisp and clear and never struggles to be heard. The surrounds get plenty of use in the form of various discrete effects, louder effects, and the intense musical score. Your sub will also get plenty of work throughout the second half of the film. My sole complaint is that sometimes the action packed scenes become slightly overpowering, but this is a minor nitpick on my part. We are given a rather decent supplemental package with this Blu-ray release. We get two audio commentaries featuring Scott on the first one and the writer and producer on the second one. We also get a 30 minute making of feature, a 16 minute feature of NYC's public transit system, a seven minute feature on how the film was marketed, several trailers for other movies, and finally a five minute feature on the importance of the right haircut (extremely worthless feature). We also get a digital copy on a second disc. The haircut piece is presented in 480 while the other features are in 1080. Movie: 7/10 VQ: 9.5/10 AQ: 9/10 Supplements: 6/10 Final word: A Purchase For Fans As always thanks for reading folks. __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 420~136 Latest BD Review: *Twilight Zone: The Movie*

11-04-2009, 07:39 PM	#2
Loves2Watch Natures Beauty Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Evermore Posts: 18,432	How does it compare to the original? __________________ Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Blu-ray players. Main HT Room TV, Projector, Receiver, Speakers, Blu-ray player, HD DVD player, Dish Network HD DVR, 300 Disc CD Changer and so on.

11-04-2009, 09:41 PM	#4
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,937	I added this to my Netflix queue but it says long wait. Thanks for the review! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

11-05-2009, 04:42 PM	#6
GymBrat98 HD Is Off Da Hook! Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7,503	Hiya Goof I almost bought this yesterday at Walmart, but then I remembered I just bought SOA, Tues, lol! I love Denzel, he's a really good actor. L2W mentioned this was a remake, I have never seen the original, I don't think. It sounds like a good flick, thanks for the review. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UuLAZpHbMo http://www.highdefforum.com/sports-f...s-you-f91.html "Stereotypes are devices for saving a biased person the trouble of learning"

11-06-2009, 08:01 AM	#8
dsskid ISF Calibrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Age: 46 Posts: 2,891	Thanks for the review HD. I watched it last night, and thought they did a good job with this remake, and the video transfer and audio was very good. __________________ There is no one perfect display. Read as many professional reviews as possible on the models you are interested in, and then go to the store and actually view them before making your final decision. Living Room - Panasonic TH58PZ700U, Panasonic DMP-BD55AK Man-Cave (Den) - Sony KDL-46Z5100, Sony S360

11-06-2009, 07:11 PM	#10
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,267	Whoever cleaned the mess up in this thread: Thank you very much. __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 420~136 Latest BD Review: *Twilight Zone: The Movie*

11-08-2009, 07:44 PM	#13
gossamer 50 is the new 42 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Da Boogie-down Bronx Posts: 573	The ending is nothing like the original (which is one of the most famous endings in movie history). Kirk Douglas is NOT in the original. It's Robert Shaw...whom John Travolta does not channel at all. In fact he mostly channels Hector Elizando's chracter (re: loose canon). This was not good at all and Denzel is totally wasted as is James Gandolfini. I would wait for the cable broadcast. __________________ Living Room: Panasonic TH-50PZ700U Plasma Scientific-Atlanta SA8300HD DVR Sony PlayStation 3 80GB Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD Toshiba SD-4700 SD DVD Apple Mac mini, 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Onkyo TX-SR706 Receiver Paradigm Cinema 110 Speaker System Pioneer CLD-3070 LaserDisc Player Quasar VHQ760 VCR Bedroom: Panasonic TC26LX50 26-inch LCD Scientific-Atlanta SA8300HD DVR Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Panasonic DMRES15 DVD Recorder JVC HR-S8000U S-VHS

11-08-2009, 07:55 PM	#14
gossamer 50 is the new 42 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Da Boogie-down Bronx Posts: 573	Holy shit...I just glanced through the other 1 2 3 review. If you want to know what happens, plot-point to plot-point go ahead and read it. This guy leaves nothing to the enjoyment of a movie. Why does he insist on writing about the entire plot?! How is that a review? It should be called "A Cliff Notes Exclusive"!! __________________ Living Room: Panasonic TH-50PZ700U Plasma Scientific-Atlanta SA8300HD DVR Sony PlayStation 3 80GB Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD Toshiba SD-4700 SD DVD Apple Mac mini, 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Onkyo TX-SR706 Receiver Paradigm Cinema 110 Speaker System Pioneer CLD-3070 LaserDisc Player Quasar VHQ760 VCR Bedroom: Panasonic TC26LX50 26-inch LCD Scientific-Atlanta SA8300HD DVR Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Panasonic DMRES15 DVD Recorder JVC HR-S8000U S-VHS

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