Looper (Blu-ray) (2012)

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General		Extras
Category	Sci-Fi Action	Main Menu Audio & Animation Audio Commentary Theatrical Trailer Featurette-Making Of-Multiple Deleted Scenes
Rating
Year Of Production	2012
Running Time	118:46
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Ads Then Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	Rian Johnson
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	Joseph Gordon-Levitt Bruce Willis Emily Blunt Paul Dano Noah Segan Piper Perabo
Case	Standard Blu-ray
RPI	$49.95	Music	Nathan Johnson

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 English Dolby Digital 2.0 English Audio Commentary Dolby Digital 2.0
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	2.35:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	1080p
Original Aspect Ratio	2.35:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English for the Hearing Impaired	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     You may have read JohnS' excellent review of the DVD version of this film a few days ago, but if not, you can find that review here. I definitely agree with John that this is one of the best recent science fiction films and considering the smaller budget, compared to say the Total Recall remake, does a significantly better job of telling a compelling and interesting story set in the future. It may not have the flashy special effects or grand look of that film, however, it looks and feels perfect for the future it is trying to portray. The screenplay has won quite a few awards but probably deserved an Oscar nomination which it didn't get. It was written and directed by Rian Johnson whose previous films include The Brothers Bloom & Brick. This is certainly his best film to date and I look forward to future work from him.

     John provides an excellent description of the plot in his review linked above, so I will not go into too much detail here. The themes of time travel, meeting your future self (and especially being supposed to kill them), what you would do for those you love, and even the addition of telekinesis are interesting and add layers of meaning to the film. Standout elements of the film to me include the amazing score built from 'found sounds' by Nathan Johnson, the excellent makeup to make Gordon-Levitt look more like Bruce Willis, the quality acting from all the leads and the details in the look of the film which make it clear we are not in 2012.

     A top notch sci-fi which deserves the critical and commercial success it has received. Highly Recommended.

Video

     The video quality is excellent. This is a significant step up from the DVD.

     The feature is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 1080p HD encoded using the AVC codec.

     The picture was extremely clear and sharp throughout. Shadow detail was also excellent throughout. The blacks are inky and deep.

     The colour is excellent with no issues to report.

     The picture includes quite a bit of camera flare although this is on purpose. There are no other artefacts to note.

     There are subtitles in English for the Hearing Impaired which were clear and easy to read.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

     The audio quality is magnificent.

     This disc contains an English soundtrack in DTS HD-MA 5.1 plus a Dolby Digital 2.0 track for those using television speakers, a Dolby Digital 2.0 Audio Descriptive Track plus the Audio Commentary in the same format.

     Dialogue was clear and easy to understand throughout.

     The score by Nathan Johnson is much more than just a gimmick. Most of the music has been created from 'found sounds' recorded in and around New Orleans where the film was shot. This creates a marvellously atmospheric and rhythmic soundtrack which works wonderfully well for this 'out of this world' film. One of the best soundtracks of recent years and certainly very different. It leaps out at you on this Blu-ray compared to the DVD.

     The surround speakers provided lots of directional effects such as trucks and helicopters plus having significant moments of impacts which improved the impact of the onscreen action. A significant step up from the DVD in this department.

     The subwoofer worked hard during the action sequences supporting explosions, gunfire and more, plus adding bass to the music.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

     A good selection of extras, some of which only appear on this Blu-ray edition.

Menu

     The menu is engaging and included music from the film and scenes.

Digital Copy

Commentary - Rian Johnson, Joshua Gordon-Levitt & Emily Blunt

     The same commentary as the DVD which is decent and informative but not overly engaging. It covers topics such as locations, shooting challenges, sets, New Orleans, effects, makeup, trivia, some special shots and the casting.

Animated Trailer (1:30)

     Also on the DVD, this is a different and interesting trailer.

The Two Joes (4:45)

     A worthwhile featurette which covers the old and young Joe (Gordon-Levitt & Willis) discussing their characters and the makeup required to transform Gordon-Levitt. On the DVD.

Deleted Scenes (38:22)

     The same deleted scenes as the DVD with optional commentary by Rian Johnson and one of the actors. Lots of interesting stuff is included here.

Making of (19:39)

     A Blu-ray exclusive making of documentary which crosses over somewhat with the earlier featurette but still has lots more to add. Covers the approach to making the world seem realistic, casting, the science of time travel and the rules used within the film in terms of Time Travel. Can be played as three separate featurettes or as one thing.

Scoring of Looper (16:10)

     Another Blu-ray exclusive although this seems to be made up of a series of internet promotional videos released before the film was. This is certainly interesting and covers the composer’s approach to the soundtrack including the recording of the found sounds, how they are manipulated and creating a virtual orchestra with collaborator Son Lux. Well worth watching.

    The Region A Blu-ray is similar but does not include all the featurettes on the local edition, only including two parts of the extended making of and not including The Two Jakes at all. Region B UK is the same as ours. Buy local.

    The video quality is excellent.

    The audio quality is excellent.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall