Coriolanus is based on William Shakespeare's classic play about honor and betrayal re-imagined by Ralph Fiennes, star and director. Caius Martius Coriolanus (Fiennes) is a feared and revered Roman General, who suddenly is pitted against his own city and fellow citizens. Rebelling against the power-hungry designs of his manipulative mother (Redgrave) and rejected by his own people, Coriolanus incites a riot that expels him from Rome. The banished hero joins forces with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Butler) to exact his revenge—and determine his destiny. (Gary Reber)
Special features include commentary with Director Ralph Fiennes and a making-of featurette (HD 05:38).
The 2.35:1 1080p AVC picture is superb, with a perfectly natural appearance. The color palette is nicely balanced with warm, rich hues that never appear exaggerated. Fleshtones are accurately rendered throughout. Contrast is well balanced as well, with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is excellent with fine detail revealed, especially during close-ups of facial features, hair, clothes, and object texture. This is a visually imaginative experience that is impressively cinematic and never disappoints. (Gary Reber)
The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is appropriately energized with an aggressive dynamic presence, while during quieter scenes is nuanced. Atmospherics and sound effects are nicely integrated and dimensionally effective. Surround envelopment is directionalized, especially during the intense action scenes. Deep bass enhances the battle action with extension that sounds natural, with subtle reverberation trails. The music score is intense, with both acoustic and electric instrumentation, and very nicely recorded and presented. The music spreads across the soundstage and extends to the surrounds. Dialogue is intelligible, but then the Shakespearian delivery is, at times, a challenge to follow and comprehend. Still, dialogue sounds integrated spatially most of the time, but at times the ADR is poorly executed. This is a finely executed soundtrack that is holosonically® impressive. (Gary Reber)