Monsters vs. Aliens 3D Blu-ray Review
Posted by admin on June 21st, 2010
Film Rating: PGRegion: ABC
The VideoMonsters vs. Aliens is the first title available on Blu-ray 3D, exclusively in a Samsung 3D starter kit. The 3D Blu-ray release features both the 2D and 3D versions of the film with 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 video presentations, and I’ll touch on both versions of the film.
The disc itself would not load on my computer for some reason, but the high-def encode of the 2D version of the film appears identical to that on the regular Blu-ray release. No surprise the film looks terrific, with the presentation leaping off the screen from beginning to end. Detail is top-notch and colors are absolutely beautiful.
Now to what matters, the 3D version of the film. The 3D version of the film is definitely impressive but is also not without its issues. You will notice that the 2D and 3D versions of the film feature different aspect ratios.
The 3D presentation of the film is quite impressive as a whole, particularly viewed at my home rather than a Best Buy demo (which I found less impressive, mostly due to the lighting and the thought of wearing glasses worn by possibly hundreds of people).
Detail levels are fantastic and colors stay surprisingly vibrant (I definitely expected them to be much darker than they are here, like theatrical 3D viewings). However, I did find myself annoyed by the ghosting present on the Blu-ray release.
The ghosting on the Blu-ray release is not a constant thing, but when it is present it definitely clear. I absolutely hate ghosting and it constantly bothered me with previous 3D formats, unfortunately I do think certain moments could have looked better had they taken the time to fix the ghosting issues.
While the ghosting was definitely a turn-off, I am still very impressed by the 3D quality of the presentation. The upgrade from previous 3D home video formats is amazing and you will instantly appreciate and love the difference.
Monsters vs. Aliens may have 3D video issues at times, but this is definitely a strong first effort from Paramount Home Entertainment. The presentation definitely could have been worse and the release will likely be free for anyone who purchases a Samsung 3D bundle. 8/10.
The AudioWhile the regular Blu-ray release of Monsters vs. Aliens includes a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio track, unfortunately that is not the case for the 3D Blu-ray release. The 3D disc actually includes the following 5.1 Dolby Digital audio tracks: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese. Optional subtitles include English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese.
This is extremely disappointing. Lossy audio? Paramount, this is Blu-ray and it is almost insulting to include outdated audio technology for something that takes quite the investment to get your hands on. I wish I could say I was impressed by the 5.1 Dolby Digital track, but I honestly am not.
The 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track while certainly active, lacks that oomph that came with the 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio track on the regular Blu-ray release. While the 3D video presentation helps sooth the pain, this could have been a VERY immersive presentation if they did it right.
Unfortunately that is not the case. I am personally disappointed, but I don’t think everyone will be. I guess I just expected better for a new 3D technology. The upcoming Blu-ray release of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs includes SEVERAL high-def audio tracks and both versions of the film; I don’t know why Paramount couldn’t make that happen too. 5/10.
The ExtrasB.O.B.’s Big Break (13:20) (HD)
A Blu-ray 3D version of B.O.B’s Big Break is included, clearly an improvement from the anaglyph 3D version included on the regular Blu-ray release. In fact I actually found this short to be more impressive in 3D than I did the actual film, perhaps because the content was clearly made to pop out of the screen. Gimmicky I know, but it was neat.
How To Train Your Dragon 3D Trailer (2:22) (HD)
Shrek Forever After 3D Trailer (1:12) (HD)
Yes, that is all that is included on the 3D Blu-ray release. I believe there are a total of nine bonus features missing from the 3D Blu-ray release that are included on the regular Blu-ray release. Perhaps Paramount/Dreamworks have plans to re-release the Blu-ray release once their Samsung exclusivity deal is over? Maybe. 3/10.
The Blu-news SummaryMonsters vs. Aliens is definitely not going to be a favorite for everyone, but I did enjoy it very much. The characters were very unique and fun, and the story was generally solid. I certainly enjoyed it more than other previous Dreamwork releases. While the movie doesn’t compare to films from Pixar, there is definitely plenty of heart and fun to be had.
The 3D Blu-ray release is impressive in certain aspects and disappointing in other aspects. The video presentation of both the 2D and 3D versions of the film is impressive while the lossy audio included is extremely disappointing. The lack of bonus features only makes this release less enticing.
If you are going to buy a Samsung 3D television bundle than it is a nice addition, but I certainly wouldn’t buy a setup for this title alone as it could have been better in certain areas. Overall though, I would definitely say it is ‘A Nice Addition’ to those thinking about buying a Samsung 3D Starter Kit.
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Screenshots seem kind of pointless, no?
8/10 video quality in 3D does not justify me or ANYONE spending $3500+ on a Samsung 3D HDTV, 3D Glasses bundle and 3D BD Player to get this as an exclusive… Sorry, just reality.
The screenshots are just there for reference for those who do not have the 2D version of the film, which is pretty much identical on both releases.
As for spending $3500, I spent only $3000 and I didn’t say the title was worth getting a 3D setup, but it certainly is a nice addition if you are considering a television. Definitely don’t buy for the movie alone.
ONLY $3000, Loys?! Can you loan me ONLY $2000 to pay my bills for next few months. GET FUCKING REAL DUDE. P.S. You’re right, the presentations on the the 2D and 3D are identical, both contain 3D pop — one just requires 3 grand worth of shitty equipment to give you a headache and/or seizure.
Mark my words, Blu-ray 3D and 3D HDTV will FAIL.
I don’t think it will become mainstream popular, but it certainly will be a strong niche option.
If you believe it will fail then why do you even mention it on your site, etc? Anyway, I’ll continue to support Blu-ray 3D as it is a big step in the right direction with 3D technology.
I just hope studios don’t make everything 3D just for the sake of being 3D. I hope studios are more creative and intuitive with the technology.
BTW Justin, yes they both have 3D pop. The Blu-ray 3D blows the regular Blu-ray release out of the water and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is only more impressive.
That’s funny mention that Loys. I actually was like you and had my head up my ass when I bought Bluray3DNews.com during CES 2010. I’ve since decided I’m not going to ever pursue creating it as a site and that I will end up selling the domain name. You’re loaded with money, why don’t you buy it off me so I don’t end up homeless? I report Blu-ray 3D stories because it technically is “High Def Disc News” even if it’s not my own personal thing. That’s like asking me why I report that Camp Rock 2 is coming out, etc…
P.S. Have you noticed, the only studio that ISN’T dumb enough to support Blu-ray 3D (yes I said dumb) is actually Warner? I mean that says A LOT, considering the greedy pricks running their home video department right now would do anything for a buck short of stabbing their own mother in the back. I mean they’ve double-dipped on already over a dozen BD 2D titles but even THEY don’t have plans to do Blu-ray 3D. That could be what saves them from bankruptcy too; oddly enough.
Wow, you rushed out and got Cloudy huh? Or I’m guessing had no problem getting PR to get a screener considering NO OTHER site probably would have requested it… That film again, tons of 3D pop in the 2D presentation that I don’t need to go broke or have a seizure to see…
Warner will support Blu-ray 3D.
And like I told you on twitter dude, tons of genres of film out on Blu-ray 3D isn’t there? Let me list all of the titles available or coming out and their Genres:
Monsters vs. Aliens — CG Animated Family Film
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs — CG Animated Family Film
Coraline — CG Animated Family Film
Avatar — almost entirely CG /w tiny bit of live-action and honestly, a Family Film
A Christmas Carol – entirely CG with humans filmed as reference like with “Beowulf” — again, Family Film.
So what about the folks out there who want to I dunno, see some real ACTION, better yet LIVE-ACTION film in 3D? They’re shit out of luck.
Loys: As I said, Warner would do anything for a buck short of stabbing their own mother in the back… so maybe you’re right and they do have plans for Blu-ray 3D. They’re like you, they loooooove money.
Resident Evil: Extinction will release on Blu-ray 3D and quite a few others will as well(although they have not been announced at this time).
Mark my words Justin. But HighDefDiscNews.com WILL fail, if it hasn’t so already
You’re right, Sony did say that is coming. But I will remind you those films are crap first off, second off I was thinking something more along the lines of a real action film… Plus, I gotta say, her breasts will offer ZERO 3D pop as she’s flatter than a 12-year-old girl.
Personally I love The Resident Evil films, they are fun movies. The new one looks quite terrible from the trailers, but perhaps the movie itself will be better.
You should try the 3D converting on the Samsung. It is very neat and works well with previously released 3D movies on Blu-ray (via their 2D option)(My Bloody Valentine, etc)
The idiots at Best Buy wouldn’t show me a real title, they just felt showing me Monsters vs. Aliens converted from 2D to 3D was enough — it was enough to almost make me strangle them and walk away…
Also, speaking of Best Buy — folks have apparently been stealing both their Samsung and Panasonic 3D active shutter glasses at my local store as they no longer are out for display without asking a salesperson. Plus, the Panasonic case where the glasses went and had that wrote on it was broken like someone tried to pry it open with a crowbar.
Yeah, I was not impressed by the Best Buy demo at all. Many of their employees have no idea what they are doing.
I kid you not, the idiot manager at my local Best Buy acted like 60Hz being used was something that was new, he also acted like 120 and 240Hz was amazing — when in actuality it is annoying and makes you feel like a bad acid trip. Then he tried to claim the active shutter glasses functioned at 24fps in each eye… which is a total crock of shit, 3D doesn’t have a fixed framerate from what I’ve heard from a friend at Engadget HD.