True Grit

In True Grit, Mattie Ross (Steinfield) is determined to avenge her father's blood by capturing Tom Chaney (Brolin), the man who shot and killed him for two pieces of California gold. Just fourteen, she enlists the help of Rooster Cogburn (Bridges), a one-eyed, trigger-happy U.S. Marshall with an affinity for drinking, and hardened Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Damon) to track the fleeing Chaney. Despite their differences, their ruthless determination leads them on a perilous adventure that can only have one outcome: retribution. Based on the novel by Charles Portis. (Gary Reber)

Special features include seven featurettes: Mattie's True Grit (HD 05:13), From Bustles To Buckskin: Dressing For The 1880s (HD 08:02), Colts, Winchesters & Remingtons: The Guns Of a Post-Civil War Western (HD 04:41), Re-Creating Forth Smith (HD 11:20), The Cast (HD 05:25), Charles Portis—The Greatest Writer You've Never Heard Of... (HD 30:55), and The Cinematography Of True Grit (HD 02:57); the theatrical trailer; and a digital copy of the film.

The 2.35:1 1080p AVC picture is wonderful! Resolution is superb, with fine features revealed with impressive detail, such as facial characteristics, hair, clothing, and object textures depicted in pistols and shotguns, brown leather saddles and jackets, and wooden structures. Clarity is the hallmark, which enhances the realism of the rugged western character. Roger Deakins' cinematography is engaging throughout, with a visual scope and natural appearance that is absolutely impressive. The color palette is naturally hued, with warm tones of brown and grays and healthy flelshtones. Contrast is excellent with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation, especially under the night sky. Dimensionality is excellent as well. This is a very cinematic, reference-quality experience that is virtually faultless. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is intricately produced, with an excellent balance of atmospherics, sound effects, Foley, dialogue, and music. Dialogue is intelligible throughout, with effective spatial integration. While often frontal focused, low-level atmospherics are present in the surrounds. When the action intensifies, the surrounds are energized with directional effects, which heightens the holosonic envelopment. At times the sound effects are pronounced, such as the sound of gun shots, flowing waters, and gusty winds. Especially riveting are the gun shots with their intense transient burst and ringing decays heard up-close and at a distance. The scene in the cave, when Mattie is bitten by a rattlesnake and Cogburn gets off four gun shots, is impressive. The orchestral music score is well recorded, with a wide and deep soundstage presence that permeates the surrounds. Bass extension is deep and solid and provides a perfect foundation. This is a wonderful sonic experience that perfectly complements the cinematic experience. (Gary Reber)