Transformers ROFTF 2009 IMAX Edition Blu-Ray 1080p H 264 DTS

Arguably the quintessential version of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and it's available only at Wal*Mart. Presented in a shifting aspect ratio which approximates the film's IMAX presentation as seen in select cinemas during its theatrical run, this Blu-ray release of Michael Bay's latest mega-blockbuster features the majority of the film in its standard 2.39:1 aspect ratio -- the same as found on the entirety of the standard and widely-available Blu-ray release of the film -- but offers select scenes in a "full screen" 1.78:1 aspect ratio that opens the frame from the constraints of the scope presentation. Though it takes more than 50 minutes to arrive at the first IMAX sequence, the wait is well worth it. Optimus Prime battles several Decepticons in a woodland setting, and the screen transformers to an almost larger-than-life presentation that truly allows for the grandeur of the moment to be fully realized. The shift in ratio comes as something of a shock to the system, but shock quickly turns to awe as the footage -- in conjunction with the incredible sound effects -- dominates the screen and effectively places the viewer in the midst of the robot-on-robot carnage. The other major sequence comes about an hour later in the film; those shots featuring the gigantic Decepticon "Devastator" are presented in the 1.78:1 ratio, making the hulking monster of a Transformer all the more enormous and deadly.



While the aspect ratio as presented in the IMAX scenes is no different than any other number of "full screen" 1.78:1 Blu-ray discs, the effect is heightened for two reasons. First, the difference in aspect ratio between the scope footage and the IMAX footage is startling. Though the 2.39:1 footage never feels cramped, the added sense of height found in the IMAX presentation truly does make the footage seem bigger than life. Most importantly, however, is the increased resolution afforded to the IMAX sequences. Make no mistake about it, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen's 2.39:1 material is of reference quality for what it is, but the IMAX footage betters it. It seems brighter, more intricately detailed, and features a far greater sense of depth, all attributes afforded to the picture thanks to the 70mm film elements. Though most of the footage is rendered digitally, the higher resolution allows for even greater appreciation of the artistry that went into making the Autobots and the Decepticons. It's not the sweeping, grand scale effects that are improved upon here, but the smallest of details that truly sell the quality of the image. The small scuffs, scratches, dents, and grime on the robots look startling in the IMAX footage, and natural locations -- the forest and the pyramids in the Egyptian desert -- are nothing short of breathtaking. This is easily the definitive visual representation of the film.



As to what makes the majority of the image -- the 2.39:1 material -- it, too, looks fantastic, and as noted above, it's of reference quality. The video quality seems almost transparent to that found on the Blu-ray release of Transformers; flesh tones take on a decidedly red tint, but otherwise, there's nothing to complain about. Fine detail is exceptional, particularly when the camera slows down long enough to allow viewers to take it all in. Many such scenes occur in or around the Witwicky house or Sam's dorm room: small lines in leather furniture; scuffs and scratches in hardwood floors; the grass, shrubs, and flowers of Sam's father's prized landscaping; or creases in posters on the wall; all feature fabulous texture and crystal-clear clarity that allows viewers to absorb every square inch of information that zooms across the display. Even some of the darker locales -- the inside of an abandoned warehouse as seen in chapter nine, for instance -- reveal small dents, rust, grime, and other signs of desertion wonderfully. Even so, the Transformers themselves are the true stars of the show. Megatron's body appears appropriately beaten and rusted; Prime's windshield shows grime smeared across the glass; and each scrape, dent, and chip on Bumblebee's body is beautifully rendered and plainly visible, again though only when the camera slows down enough to catch a glimpse. Colors are rich and natural; bright green foliage, the red of a fire engine, Bumblee's yellow paint job, or any other number of hues are exceptionally translated to Blu-ray. Black levels are superb, and the Blu-ray retains a fine layer of film grain that completes a breathtaking visual experience.



IMAX Screenshots :



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