The Divergent Series: Insurgent 3D

Based on Veronica Roth’s New York Times best-selling novel Insurgent, The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris (Woodley) as she searches for answers and allies. On the run and targeted by ruthless fraction leader Jeanine (Winslet), Tris fights to protect the people she loves, facing one impossible challenge after another as she and Four (James) race to unlock the truth about the past––and ultimately the future––of their world. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher; Unsurgent Unlocked: The Ultimate Behind-The-Scenes Access; five featurettes: Diverging: Adapting Insurgent To The Screen (HD 04:00); From Divergent To Insurgent (HD 05:09), The Others: Cast And Characters (HD 03:40), The Train Fight Unlocked (HD 04:01) and The Peter Hayes Story (HD 02:40); a marketing gallery; upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.40:1 1080p MVC 3D picture was digitally photographed using the Arri Alexa, Phantom Flex4K, and Red Scarlet digital camera systems. The 3D conversion from the original 2D photography was performed by Legend3D and Gener8. The end result is a remarkably well-defined image with a very natural, cool palette. Resolution is excellent throughout, with fine detail exhibited in facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. Colors are rich and warm, yet never oversaturated. The imagery is effectively engaging throughout. Of course, the stylization is wonderful as well. And contrast is well balanced with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. The 3D rendering for this Blu-ray release is excellent, though, theatrically the release was in 2D. Depth is somewhat limited, with mostly foreground delineation. Perspective, though, is affectively dimensional. Out-of-screen moments are brief,. such as CGI-rendered crows flying straight at the viewer. The hallucinogenic virtual reality environment sequences are the best visuals, with superb depth and dimensional perspective. Compared to the 2D version, the 3D version is superior with its visually engaging dimensionality. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack sounds dynamic, but while encoded in Dolby Atmos, height effects are limited. But the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack is incredibly aggressive in terms of dynamics and surround envelopment, for an engaging holosonic® soundfield experience. Atmospherics and sound effects are dimensionally supportive of the picture and enhance the sense of realism and emotional dramatics. Sound effects are directionalized and panned throughout the soundfield. Deep bass is at times intense in the .1 LFE channel with extension to sub-25 Hz. In quieter moments the sounds are spaciously descriptive, with nuanced atmospherics nicely defined. The Foley element also is well rendered. Dialogue is generally well spatially integrated and always intelligible. Joseph Trapanese's orchestral score is dynamic and expands to all seven channels and the .1 LFE channel. The added two channels, though, are at the back and not at the sides, as preferred, and the height sonics definitely enhance and extend the spaciousness and immersion of the soundfield. Fidelity throughout is excellent as well. This is a superb holosonic reference soundtrack that is vivid sounding and dimensional. (Gary Reber)