Hugo 3D (Includes 2D Feature) Blu-ray

Date: 09 / Apr / 2012

Bill

Hugo and the joy of cinema

The BluRay DVD of "Hugo" captures the visual quality of the cinema experience: the Oscar winning cinematography, the lovingly recreated 1930s costumes, the marvelous set design which evokes both 1930s Paris and a Dickensian atmosphere in many night scenes, the joy of discovery of a first trip to a cinema and the detailed reconstruction of Georges Melies' studio and film making. I have only a 2D BluRay player. Personally I preferred Hugo in 2D as compared to the 3D I saw at the cinema. The technology is simply not yet up to the potential of 3D. In the cinema the snow scenes reminded me of the "snowman shaker" domes I enjoyed as a child. The image quality, at least in the hands of a master cameraman such as Robert Richardson, confirms that digital cameras can hold their own with 35mm film cameras - though how it might have looked like if filmed in 65mm is a subject for speculation. The only shortcomings, as a DVD release, are the extras. There are no commentary tracks, which is a huge omission for such an ambitious project. I guess these are reserved for a forthcoming "Special Edition" when the director, technicians and cast may be allowed to describe their contributions scene-by scene. And where are the subtitles for the hard of hearing? The five short films which give background information are of very variable value. The items on "The Mechanical Man" (quickly describing the history of automatons) and "The Cinemagician" are fascinating. The "Sacha Baron Cohen" film is merely tiresome, self indulgent and irritating. On balance, the single disc Blu Ray is value for money. But, if you are not impatient, you might feel inclined to await a two disc Special Edition with more background films and at least three commentary tracks.

Age: Over 55

Gender: Male

Date: 08 / Apr / 2012

Runner

Hugo

I was really looking forward to this movie after all the awards it had won and with a great director. I was very disappointed, the sets looked great but the story had no real depth, i suspect that at the cinema it would have looked fantastic in 3D so this may have distracted from the overall effect. So overall it looked great but did nothing for me.

Age: Over 55

Gender: Male