After Earth

After Earth" makes a grand entrance on Blu-ray, boasting a Mastered in 4K 1080p transfer that dazzles consistently throughout its runtime. The presentation shines with an exceptional level of detail, ensuring spacecraft designs, the futuristic Nova Prime's architecture, and the rugged terrain of Earth maintain their nuanced appearances spectacularly. Despite fleeting moments of softness in the imagery, particularly within the confines of the Raige household, these instances are minor and easily overlooked given the overall excellence of the video quality. The landscapes of Earth, with their detailed blades of grass and lifelike tree textures, come alive on screen. Visual effects merge seamlessly into these settings, enhancing the film’s immersive experience. Color reproduction is notably superb, showcasing a natural vibrancy across a broad spectrum with a specific highlight on earthy tones and digital interfaces.

For aficionados of technical video presentation, it's noteworthy that the Blu-ray disc has been encoded using AVC/MPEG-4 following a 4K mastering process. This methodology likely contributes significantly to the disc's nearly flawless visual experience, delivering a richness in detail and color depth that sets a high standard for HD transfers. Facial textures and clothing materials are rendered with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing the characters' emotions and the film's setting with great effect. The high-quality contrast levels support this detail by balancing scenes perfectly, allowing for deep, inky black levels without losing detail in darker areas.

In essence, "After Earth" on Blu-ray emerges as a visually arresting piece, with its video quality arguably elevating the entire viewing experience. The disc showcases what is possible with current home media technology, presenting a film that might have had its critics in terms of storyline and execution in a light that at least visually, can be appreciated universally. From its impeccable fine details to its vibrant color palette and strong black levels, it provides an exemplary home viewing experience sure to please both casual viewers and videophiles alike.

The audio presentation of "After Earth" on Blu Ray is a masterclass in auditory excellence, predominantly through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. From the outset, audiences are greeted with a rich tapestry of sound that encompasses a wide dynamic range, perfectly blending the subtle intricacies of Earth's ambience with the explosive fervor of action sequences. The initial scenes set a high bar with their aggressive bass and a meticulously crafted 360-degree sound field that immerses viewers directly into the heart of chaos. This precision in audio detailing is consistent throughout, with every scream, crash, and environmental nuance captured with an unparalleled clarity and presence.

As the film progresses, the soundtrack maintains its exceptional quality, showcasing an adept handling of both the energetic and delicate aspects of sound. The layering of effects, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the resounding impact of dramatic percussions, contributes to an audio experience that is as grand as it is meticulous. Dialogue, music, and sound effects are balanced with meticulous care, ensuring that each element is distinct yet harmoniously integrated. The soundtrack's handling of dialogue deserves special mention, projecting every word with richness and precision from the center channel, thereby anchoring the audio experience with clarity and firmness.

Furthermore, the immersive quality of the audio is significantly enhanced by outstanding directionality and an impressive LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel that adds depth and impact to the action scenes. The active engagement of all channels creates a three-dimensional soundscape that pulls the viewer into the verdant expanses and treacherous terrains of "After Earth." This sonic immersion is complemented by smooth musical deliveries and polished bass, culminating in a sound presentation that is as dynamic as it is engaging. In sum, the Blu Ray audio of "After Earth" stands as a testament to what is achievable when sound design is executed with both technical prowess and creative vision, leaving little to be desired in the realm of home entertainment audio experiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "After Earth" provide a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the film’s creation, focusing heavily on the technical and emotional layers that compose the narrative. They reveal the intricate father-son dynamic as a core theme, supported by in-depth discussions on visual world-building, the extensive use of both practical and digital effects, and insightful looks into the pre-visualization processes that shaped the film's futuristic setting. Fascinating documentaries, like exploring the landscapes used as Earth’s future terrain, alongside rapid behind-the-scenes montages, add texture to an already rich presentation. These extras not only complement the film but serve to deepen the viewer's appreciation for the artistry and effort involved in its production, making it a must-watch for fans seeking a closer look at the movie's conceptual and practical achievements.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Father's Legacy: An in-depth look at the father-son dynamic within the film, featuring Will and Jaden Smith's preparation and performance.
• Alternate Opening
• Building a World: A discussion on the creation of the film's future Earth, emphasizing design choices and visual effects.
• Pre-Visualizing the Future: Explains the significance of pre-visualization in filmmaking, with scene comparisons.
• The Animatics of After Earth: Insights into the use of animatics in crafting the film’s narrative and action sequences.
• 1000 Years in 300 Seconds: A montage showcasing behind-the-scenes footage from the making of "After Earth".
• The Nature of the Future: Documentary-style exploration of filming locations, doubling as a potential screensaver.
• XPrize After Earth Challenge: Encourages innovative thinking about planet preservation and new civilizations.
• Previews: Teasers for additional Sony titles.
• DVD Copy
• UV Digital Copy

After Earth" arrives as a film laden with expectations and promises, helmed by M. Night Shyamalan, a director once celebrated for his early successes and innovative storytelling. The movie adds to a portfolio that diverges from his initial acclaim, striving to meld a consumer-ready sci-fi adventure with deeper, reflective undertones—yet it falls short. Inhabiting a universe where humanity has vacated Earth for Nova Prime, the narrative follows Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his father, Cypher (Will Smith), as they embark on a perilous journey of survival on a future Earth that is both hostile and beautiful. Despite the potential for an engaging father-son tale set against the backdrop of an evolved planet, the film struggles under the weight of its linear storyline and fails to leverage its thematic ambitions fully.

Technically, "After Earth" showcases moments of promise where visual effects and James Newton Howard's score align to evoke the desired sense of grandeur and isolation. However, these instances are fleeting, overshadowed by a narrative that seems too forecasted, leaving little room for genuine tension or emotional investment. The performances, particularly that of Jaden Smith, endeavor to convey a journey of growth and maturation but are hampered by a script that does not fully capitalize on its own premises—primarily, the concept of 'Ghosting' and the psychological layers it could have explored more deeply.

In essence, "After Earth" presents itself as an amalgamation of science fiction and familial drama, yet does not fully commit to either, resulting in a film that is visually competent but emotionally and narratively underwhelming. While it boasts a few noteworthy elements—such as its conceptually intriguing setting and a handful of well-executed scenes—the movie ultimately serves as another reminder of Shyamalan's struggle to recapture the magic of his earlier works. It stands as an example of missed potential, where neither the allure of advanced technology nor the dynamics of father-son relationships are sufficient to elevate the film beyond mediocrity.

After Earth" emerges on Blu-ray with a presentation that, unfortunately, does not mirror the grand aspirations of its creators – primarily the director, M. Night Shyamalan, and the lead actors, Will and Jaden Smith. Despite Shyamalan's previous accomplishments with critically acclaimed titles such as "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs," "After Earth" fails to recapture the magic that once made his films a staple of modern cinema. The movie showcases a capable yet forgettable endeavor, marred by evident flaws and unfulfilled potential. Nevertheless, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable, featuring reference-grade video and audio quality that stand as the release's highlights along with a modest collection of supplementary materials.

The father-son duo of Will and Jaden Smith, around which much of the film's anticipation was built, unfortunately does not succeed in reigniting interest in the saga or in promising a burgeoning career trajectory for Jaden, unassisted by familial advantages. Despite this setback for the actors and a storyline that does not venture into new territories or display any distinctive flair – a departure from Shyamalan's known signature style – the Blu-ray does offer some redemption with its superior sound and image quality. Even if "After Earth" ranks as one of Shyamalan's less awkward attempts in recent times, it still lands as a fundamentally safe, undaring piece of entertainment.

In conclusion, while "After Earth" on Blu-ray excels in delivering an exemplary audiovisual experience, it remains tethered by the limitations of its core material. The film itself is unable to fully captivate or convey the high stakes and emotional depth intended by its creators. The Blu-ray edition, with its high-quality presentation and a handful of interesting extras, might be worth exploring for fans of the sci-fi genre or collectors. However, it ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of what could have been, had its narrative ambitions been met with equally daring execution.