Exodus: Gods And Kings 3D

The defiant leader Moses (Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues in Exodus: Gods And Kings 3D.

Special features include commentary by Director/Producer Ridley Scott and Co-Screenwriter Jeffrey Caine, The Exodus Historical Guide feature-length trivia track, nine 3D deleted and extended scenes (HD 14:57), upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.40:1 1080p MVC 3D picture is absolutely extraordinary! And the picture was not photographed in native 3D but converted by Stereo D, who now has an impressive roster of major theatrical releases they have converted. The picture was photographed using a variety of Red Epic digital cameras. Visually, the picture is breathtaking on so many levels, both grandiose and nuanced. The epic storytelling is perfectly enhanced by the stunning sense of realism conveyed by the imagery. Director Ridley Scott and Cinematographer Janusz Wolski have collaborated to perfectly realize the telling of this classic Biblical epic. The interwoven CGI effects are used primarily for huge panoramic shots that in 3D exhibit amazing depth and perspective, as well as scale. Additionally, the imagery is absolutely pristine. The color palette is warm and rich with deep, solid blacks and excellent shadow delineation. Hues tend toward bluish and yellowish tones, yet fleshtones, hair, clothing, and objects all appear natural. Resolution is superb throughout, with fine details exceptionally exhibited even in scenes with just torch light. The 3D presentation is one of the best yet and provides a close-up window into another far distant world. There are few instances of negative parallax where objects extend out of screen. Instead the filmmakers have focused on establishing depth and dimension, with almost always significant depth-of-field visual relationships depicted in the big set pieces. This translates impressively in terms of the incredible special effects, which are thereby realistically enhanced. Crosstalk ghosts are completely absent, as is any image distortion, due to the 3D processing. Human figures exhibit a sense of natural roundness and weight, and thus appear impressively natural in perspective. This is one of the finest 3D presentations one will encounter. Reference quality throughout, this is a MUST OWN 3D Blu-ray Disc. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7,1-channel soundtrack is just as impressive as the 3D presentation, with an aggressive holosonic® three-dimensional soundfield that exhibits impressive directionalization. The sound is an audiophile dream. Not only is the sound dynamic and powerful, but often nuanced, especially during quieter scenes. Ambient environments are incredibly defined sonically with an all-encompassing range of nuanced sounds and Foley effects. This is particularly evident in the quieter dialogue scenes and the energized scenes involving the various plagues such as the frogs, flies, and locusts. The scene in which the crocodiles attack the fisherman is effectively realized with the sounds of water and splashing, as well as the sound of the burning bush, the rainstorm, and thunder and lightening, and the flying and scattered debris caused by explosions. Sand storms, wind, and all sorts of sound effects pertaining to horses and sword and spears are also effectively dimensional. All are incredibly precise sonically and provide an aggressive directionalized soundfield envelopment. Alberto Iglesias' orchestral and choral music score is spectacular, with an immensely wide and deep soundstage that aggressively extends to the four surrounds. The music is exceptionally dynamic sounding, yet there are quieter moments, such as the shepards' wedding scene accompanied by native drumming. The sound of racing chariots over rocky mountain paths is as real as it gets. Dialogue is consistently clear and well defined, with excellent spatial integration. This is simply one of the finest holosonic 7.1-channel soundtracks ever and fully deserves reference-quality status. (Gary Reber)