review: THE ROCK (Blu-ray)

Buena Vista  //  Buy from Amazon.com Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage join forces to avert unspeakable carnage as The Rock explodes onto Blu-ray Disc! Co-starring Ed Harris, this spectacular! (NBC-TV) thrill ride will rock your world in this astonishing format. When a vengeful ex-general seizes control of Alcatraz Island and threatens to launch missiles loaded with deadly poison gas, only a young FBI chemical weapons expert and a notorious Federal prisoner have the skills to penetrate the impregnable fortress and take him down. Catch every instant of rapid-fire action in eye-popping 1080p, while the phenomenal 5.1 48 kHz, 16-bit uncompressed audio puts you smack dab in the middle of the mayhem. Prepare to experience the awesome power of Blu-ray High Definition! "The Rock" is a film that has its fair share of detractors, but ever since the first time I saw it in the theater (and then on its many DVD releases and numerous TV airings), I've enjoyed it every single time. It's just a solid 2 hours of entertainment - good story, good characters, great action sequences and some truly spectacular cinematography - this one is truly Michael Bay at his best, and Nicolas Cage just before he crossed the line from cool to self-parody. This is one of those films that is best described as being "grand" - it's a big-budget, glossy, pull-no-punches action flick with every single element you need for a major blockbuster... and it entertains. This one hooks you right at the start and doesn't let go until that classic scene of Cage on his knees, bad guys vanquished, F-16s zooming overhead... Epic, truly epic. Seeing this film now on Blu-ray is just icing on the cake - more details as to the quality below, but wow - I really liked this film before, but I love it on Blu-ray! Video Despite the fact that this film is not a BRAND new release, this 1080p high-def transfer is unbelievable. Sometimes, even a few years of age on a film means a not-so-shiny high-def transfer, but that is definitely not the case here -- this is a feast on the eyes! Audio Wow - the PCM 5.1 soundtrack is unbelievably booming, boistrous and banaramific - that last one may be a made-up word, but somehow it's still appropriate for this kick-ass sonic mix. Extras audio commentary w/ cast & crew interview w/ Jerry Bruckheimer "Secrets of Alcatraz" featurette outtakes "Hollywood Humphries and Teague" featurette "Action Effects" featurette tv spots & trailers Closing Thoughts Fantastically-entertaining popcorn action flick + LOADS of extras = truly excellent Blu-ray release from the big mouse!