Real Steel

Enter the not-so-distant future where boxing has gone high-tech and 2,000-pound, eight-foot-tall steel robots have taken over the ring. In Real Steel, washed-up boxer Charlie Kenton (Jackman) scrapes by as a small-time robot-fight promoter as he tries to make a comeback. He teams up with his son Max (Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. Against all odds he eventually succeeds—at least in the eyes of his son. Based on the short story Steel by Richard Matheson. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Shawn Levy, the featurette Countdown To The Fight—The Charlie Kenton Story (HD 13:51), Sugar Ray Leonard: Cornerman's Champ (HD 06:19), deleted and extended scenes with introductions by Levy (HD 17:49), The Making Of Metal Valley (HD 14:14) and Building The Boats (HD 05:38) featurettes, bloopers (HD 02:36), up-front previews, and a second screen option for the iPad.

The 1080p AVC picture is fantastic! Resolution is exceptional, with fine detail revealed in facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. The imagery is razor-sharp, without fail, throughout. This is reflected in the incredible detail exhibited on the robotic combatants. The appearance is absolutely natural and perfectly realistic, though, shot digitally. The color palette is accurately hued. Primaries are strong, and the palette is perfectly balanced in hue. Fleshtones are accurately toned throughout. Contrast is well balanced with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Dimensional depth is excellent as well. But the most amazing aspect is the incredible natural detail that is exhibited in every scene! This is a perfect, reference-quality pristine picture that other filmmakers should emulate. This is sure to engage your visual senses! (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1-channel soundtrack is equally impressive, with a dynamic and natural presence throughout. Danny Elfman's music score is perfectly matched to each scene with a wide and deep soundstage presence that extends to the four surround channels. Atmospherics and special effects provide engaging ambiance throughout, with segments that are nuanced and engrossed. The robot movements are effective and realistically presented with steel smashing steel. Foley effects also are nicely produced. The .1 LFE channel provides deep bass support, at times to sub-25 Hz. Dialogue is nicely integrated spatially and sounds always natural. The two added surround channels really fill out the soundfield with impressive dimensionality and directionality, especially during the height of the action fight scenes and stadium roars. This is a spatially engaging holosonic® soundtrack experience that is satisfying throughout. (Gary Reber)