My take: The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

HD Goofnut

Title: The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc/Three Disc Set
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Subtitles: Several Languages
Run time: 104 minutes
Studio: Fox Home Entertainment
Rating: PG-13
Region Coding: Region A Only
Player used for review: LG BH200

Cast/Crew Info:
Keanu Reeves as Klaatu
Jennifer Connelly as Helen Benson
Kathy Bates as Regina Jackson
Jaden Smith as Jacob Benson
John Cleese as Professor Barnhardt
Jon Hamm as Michael Granier
Directed by Scott Derrickson

My take: (the breakdown)

A remake of the 1951 original of the same name The Day the Earth Stood Still falls into the same rut as most remakes of classic films do. Using a new screenplay and parts of the original 1951 screenplay the remake just doesn't hold up to the original. The story focuses on the landing of a alien sphere in Central Park New York as humans are met by a humanoid alien that is named Klaatu (Reeves). When it is discovered that the planet is being exterminated of human life so that the planet itself can be saved. Klaatu begins to discover that humanity can possibly change for the better so that Earth can be saved. To be honest the 1951 version is much better and it's even included in this set and in high definition on top of that. If you thoroughly enjoyed the 1951 version then I would pick this one up just because you get both versions for about the price of the original version by itself. Don't forget to check out my screen shots at the bottom of the page.

This is the kind of title that benefits the most on Blu-ray. Released in April of this year the picture is absolutely perfect. Colors instantly jump off the screen creating that sought after three-dimensional experience. Flesh tones (even Reeves paleness) are rendered extremely well. Grain is extremely light even in darker scenes so it is probably wise to assume that some of the best filming equipment was used for this title. Fine detail is also perfect as ever pore, hair, and fold of clothing is clearly visible, even in the wider shots. Fox should be given a pat on the back for this one.

Like the video quality this 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track will rock your surround system. Dialogue is clear and understandable even during the more intense scenes, even though there are few. The fantastic musical score surges through all channels, but it is not overpowering in the slightest. Explosions and more discrete effects like leaves blowing in the wind make it the surrounds as well. Your sub will get quite a workout during several of the action scenes as well. Like the video, the audio is indeed reference material.

We get an absolutely loaded supplemental package with this Blu-ray release. On the feature disc we get a commentary with writer David Scarpa, four making of features that total about 70 minutes, three deleted scenes at two minutes, three still galleries, and the film's theatrical trailer. What's best is that all of the above features are in 1080. If all that wasn't enough Fox has included a Digital Copy of the film on a second disc. Finally, we receive the original 1951 version of the film on a third disc and what's great is that it is presented in 1080p.

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

As always thanks for reading folks.

Note: Screen shots have a resolution of 1024x768

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PFC5

I have not seen the original for decades, but I was a little disappointed in this remake after having high hopes for it. I saw it in the theater and it just left me thinking something was missing. I liked it more than the other people who normally like these types of movies, but they could have done better so I agree with your assessment.

Thanks as usual for a great review!

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HD Goofnut

You are very welcome.

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GymBrat98

Hi Goof, I didn't know there was an orignal, I saw the remake last night, and I thought it sucked!

I did enjoy Will Smith's son, Jaden's performance in this movie.

Thanks for the review

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UuLAZpHbMo



"Stereotypes are devices for saving a biased person the trouble of learning"

HD Goofnut

You should watch the 1951 original when you get the chance and you are very welcome.

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GymBrat98

Hi Goof, you never saw/answed this questiion.

http://www.highdefforum.com/newreply...reply&p=960399

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"Stereotypes are devices for saving a biased person the trouble of learning"

Chris Gerhard

I purchased this Blu-ray and thought the movie was only ok, nothing at all like I had hoped. I also like the original much better and I am glad it was included with the set.

Chris