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I Am Legend - Blu-ray
Will Smith's latest Hollywood blockbuster movie took theatres by storm over the Christmas 2007 holiday and notched up box office receipts of over $250 million in North America alone. It's easy to see why too.
Years after a cure for cancer goes horribly wrong, killing most of humanity and transforming the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City - military scientist Robert Neville - struggles alone to find a cure.
For all its monster thrills, I Am Legend is as much about Neville's struggle both to survive and to find the cure, with only his trusted dog, Samantha, for company. Smith's pedigree as a leading man shines through and it's his performance which ensures that, even when the picture takes a slight dive through the final third, viewers' eyes are kept pinned to the screen.
It's a shame that things fall apart as the film reaches its climax, with what came before being on the edge of your seat viewing of the highest quality. It's also worth noting that the Blu-ray includes both the Theatrical and Alternate versions - different endings - although I wasn't entirely convinced by either.
The Blu-ray boasts reference level HD video and sound that make this a must have movie to show off your HD home cinema setup. The 1080p video transfer is super sharp and boasts amazing blacks and vibrant colours without overdone contrast levels. HD is often best shown off when zoomed in on actors' faces and here you can make out every detail of Smith's chiselled features. Better still, all this clarity comes with none of the ugly haloing that can mar otherwise impressive presentations.
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround tracks are also of reference level, able to kick in with suitable aggression when required, but also delivering a truly believable envelope of sound throughout. Dialogue is also crystal clear, even during moments of high action with surrounds in full swing and the subwoofer attempting to wake the neighbours.
Extra content is plentiful, albeit disappointing in that the majority is only available in standard definition. The highlight is a 52-minute documentary, "Creating I Am Legend", which is divided into 20 chapters and features everything from effects and stunts, to the shoot in New York. You've also got a 20-minute feature on the sci-fi elements of the movie, and four animated comics which are viewable in full HD. As previously mentioned the Blu-ray also includes the Theatrical and Alternate versions of the movie.
Despite some problems, I Am Legend is a thoroughly entertaining ride that fans of the movie should have no hesitation in picking up in its technically excellent Blu-ray form. Likewise, those who've yet to see the movie can be assured that the Blu-ray edition is the best way to go.
Verdict: 4/5
Buy this movie from Play.com
Check out page two for reviews of AVP2: Requiem, 30 Days of Night, Enchanted and The Golden Compass.
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