My take: John Adams

HD Goofnut · 07-04-2009, 07:11 PM

Title: John Adams
3 BD-50 Dual-Layer Discs
Video: 1080p/VC-1
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1
Subtitles: English, French, and Spanish
Run time: 560 minutes
Studio: HBO Home Video
Rating: Unrated
Player used for review: LG BH200

My take: (the breakdown)

Being the amateur historian that I am I try to give shows like this at least a sample viewing to see just how good they are. To be rather blunt I was absolutely blown away by the John Adams miniseries and it is undoubtedly the best series/miniseries I have seen from HBO other than Band of Brothers. Not only did the director and producers follow David McCullough's book of the same name, but they also did their homework for historical accuracy. The costumes, weapons, lighting, architecture, and dialects are all exactly as they should be for the 1770s-1790s. This is a must own for anyone appreciating a well made piece of film work if you ask me.

The video is quite stunning. The dominant hues are reds, whites, browns, and grays and they all are quite bright and vivid. Flesh tones are also extremely accurate. Fine detail is right on the money even on distant shots. There is a thin veil of grain that remains consistent during the entire 560 minute run time as well. My sole complaint is that that are a number of darker scenes that are so dark you can't tell what is going on. Other than that this is an excellent transfer from HBO.

The audio is even better than the video presentation. We are given a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that really shines even though this is predominately a drama. There are indeed a few instances of action that boast musket fire and cannonball shots that really liven the sub up. Dialogue is clearly understood at all times and the music never becomes overbearing. This is definitely a reference audio track from HBO.

While we don't get much in the way of the supplements for this Blu-ray release what we do get is of high quality. We are supplied with a 29 minute making of feature of the miniseries, a 39 minute feature showing the transfer from McCullough's book to the screen, and a couple interactive features that play while watching the series. These interactive features include Facts are Stubborn Things and Who's Who in History. The two aforementioned features are both presented in 1080.

Movie: 9/10
VQ: 9/10
AQ: 10/10
Supplements: 3/10
Final word: A Must Own

As always thanks for reading folks.

mytime · 07-04-2009, 10:43 PM

Ty for the review. I'll have to check this one out.

HD Goofnut · 07-05-2009, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mytime

Ty for the review. I'll have to check this one out.

No problem at all.

FreddyC · 07-05-2009, 09:32 AM

It is excellent and has the feel of watching actual history as it's being made. Very enjoyable mini-series. Nice review. Freddy

clearday · 07-05-2009, 10:11 AM

HD, Again I agree with you 100%. I have this on DVD and it was one of the best historical presentations I have seen (even on "lowly" dvd).

All 10 yr olds and up should see this as it gives such a great overview of the beginnings of our government.

Thanks again, for your very good reviews.

HD Goofnut · 07-05-2009, 12:47 PM

Thanks very much guys.

JohnnyTex · 07-05-2009, 05:50 PM

Thanks for the review Goofnut, and I agree with everything you said here. It looks great, it's entertaining, the acting was brilliant (thought Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson deserved some sort of nomination), and I even enjoyed the "Making of John Adams" featurette. Some of the green screen/CG techniques they employed for the series reminded me of David Fincher's seemless work in Zodiac. It's an all around great series.

HD Goofnut · 07-05-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyTex

Thanks for the review Goofnut, and I agree with everything you said here. It looks great, it's entertaining, the acting was brilliant (thought Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson deserved some sort of nomination), and I even enjoyed the "Making of John Adams" featurette. Some of the green screen/CG techniques they employed for the series reminded me of David Fincher's seemless work in Zodiac. It's an all around great series.

You're welcome. Come to think of it I can't recall any scenes that easily revealed CGI effects.

Stew4HD · 07-09-2009, 11:10 AM

I haven't seen the BD version but jumped on the SD version upon release. I must say that I absolutely loved this mini-series. Giamati acted his ass off in this.. IMO, he was John Adams!

terry740 · 07-10-2009, 08:42 AM

I recently finished reading the book it was based on and I realized suddenly what day it was ! July 4. Very fitting for this great patriot.

HD Goofnut · 07-11-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spookalook

Excellent story and presentation although not as compelling as the book on which it is based. Many of the scenes do not show their best in Blu-ray. Save your money unless you can get a good deal.

I'm going to have to disagree with you here. Most of the scenes look absolutely fantastic.

07-04-2009, 07:11 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 Age: 27 Posts: 6,837	My take: John Adams Title: John Adams 3 BD-50 Dual-Layer Discs Video: 1080p/VC-1 Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1 Subtitles: English, French, and Spanish Run time: 560 minutes Studio: HBO Home Video Rating: Unrated Player used for review: LG BH200 My take: (the breakdown) Being the amateur historian that I am I try to give shows like this at least a sample viewing to see just how good they are. To be rather blunt I was absolutely blown away by the John Adams miniseries and it is undoubtedly the best series/miniseries I have seen from HBO other than Band of Brothers. Not only did the director and producers follow David McCullough's book of the same name, but they also did their homework for historical accuracy. The costumes, weapons, lighting, architecture, and dialects are all exactly as they should be for the 1770s-1790s. This is a must own for anyone appreciating a well made piece of film work if you ask me. The video is quite stunning. The dominant hues are reds, whites, browns, and grays and they all are quite bright and vivid. Flesh tones are also extremely accurate. Fine detail is right on the money even on distant shots. There is a thin veil of grain that remains consistent during the entire 560 minute run time as well. My sole complaint is that that are a number of darker scenes that are so dark you can't tell what is going on. Other than that this is an excellent transfer from HBO. The audio is even better than the video presentation. We are given a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that really shines even though this is predominately a drama. There are indeed a few instances of action that boast musket fire and cannonball shots that really liven the sub up. Dialogue is clearly understood at all times and the music never becomes overbearing. This is definitely a reference audio track from HBO. While we don't get much in the way of the supplements for this Blu-ray release what we do get is of high quality. We are supplied with a 29 minute making of feature of the miniseries, a 39 minute feature showing the transfer from McCullough's book to the screen, and a couple interactive features that play while watching the series. These interactive features include Facts are Stubborn Things and Who's Who in History. The two aforementioned features are both presented in 1080. Movie: 9/10 VQ: 9/10 AQ: 10/10 Supplements: 3/10 Final word: A Must Own As always thanks for reading folks. __________________ My Review Setup Sanyo DP46848 46" 1080p LCD Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 DirecTV HR21-100 HD DVR Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 System LG BH200 Super Blu Toshiba HD-A20 Sony 40 GB PS3 (Now with Netflix streaming!) 156~205~My Movie Collection Latest Review: *My Sister's Keeper* Be sure to check out the Blu-ray Review Request Thread

07-04-2009, 10:43 PM	#2
mytime Nanerpuss Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Jackson, Missouri Posts: 5,060	Ty for the review. I'll have to check this one out. __________________ Gargle hag gag gargle

07-05-2009, 09:32 AM	#4
FreddyC I Can See Clearly Now! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Age: 41 Posts: 289	It is excellent and has the feel of watching actual history as it's being made. Very enjoyable mini-series. Nice review. Freddy __________________ DirecTV HR20 TV: Samsung Plasma T-4254 Sony 5.1/Dolby Receiver Toshiba HD-DVD Player HD-A2 Playstation 3 ILO DVD Recorder Wii 76 HD DVD's 72 Blu Rays and growing

07-05-2009, 12:47 PM	#6
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Age: 27 Posts: 6,837	Thanks very much guys. __________________ My Review Setup Sanyo DP46848 46" 1080p LCD Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 DirecTV HR21-100 HD DVR Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 System LG BH200 Super Blu Toshiba HD-A20 Sony 40 GB PS3 (Now with Netflix streaming!) 156~205~My Movie Collection Latest Review: *My Sister's Keeper* Be sure to check out the Blu-ray Review Request Thread

07-09-2009, 11:10 AM	#9
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 9,068	I haven't seen the BD version but jumped on the SD version upon release. I must say that I absolutely loved this mini-series. Giamati acted his ass off in this.. IMO, he was John Adams! __________________ ___________________________________

07-05-2009, 10:11 AM	#5
clearday Samsung DLP & LCD Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: N. Texas Posts: 1,618	HD, Again I agree with you 100%. I have this on DVD and it was one of the best historical presentations I have seen (even on "lowly" dvd). All 10 yr olds and up should see this as it gives such a great overview of the beginnings of our government. Thanks again, for your very good reviews.

07-05-2009, 05:50 PM	#7
JohnnyTex Strong Lurker Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 108	Thanks for the review Goofnut, and I agree with everything you said here. It looks great, it's entertaining, the acting was brilliant (thought Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson deserved some sort of nomination), and I even enjoyed the "Making of John Adams" featurette. Some of the green screen/CG techniques they employed for the series reminded me of David Fincher's seemless work in Zodiac. It's an all around great series.

07-10-2009, 08:42 AM	#10
terry740 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 31	I recently finished reading the book it was based on and I realized suddenly what day it was ! July 4. Very fitting for this great patriot.

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