I, Robot 3D

In a not-too-distant future, robots have become so advanced that humans have become dependent on their existence. Preprogrammed to never harm a human and always obey their orders, robots have safely become a way of life. But when a scientist's (Cromwell) apparent suicide seems fishy to detective Spooner (Smith), a humanoid robot becomes the main suspect...much to the dismay of its manufacturer and the public who have felt safe with robots until now. Can Spooner uncover the truth about Dr. Landing's death before it's too late? "I, Robot" was inspired by the stories in Isaac Asimov's anthology of the same name. (Suzanne Hodges)

Included is the Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray Disc and the DVD. Special features are only on the DVD and include commentary by Director Alex Proyas and Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, "The Making Of I, Robot" (SD 12:35), a still gallery, the "Arrested Development" trailer, and an "Inside Look" (SD 01:48).

The 1080p MVC 3D picture is re-framed at 1.78:1, instead of the original 2.35:1 theatrical presentation. Offering a virtually seamless combination of live action and CGI, the picture looks really great and retains the film's cold, sterile, white and gray color shades Colors are richly saturated, with natural fleshtones and the deepest blacks. Images are sharp and detailed, often with excellent textures. A scene in an elevator reveals tiny details in the walls behind the actors. Shadow delineation is excellent, with just enough visual information in the darkest scenes. While visual effects can still lack natural-looking contrast and details in comparison to live action scenes, this movie proves that technologies are definitely improving. The picture retains its characteristic bright character. Sometimes the picture has a "digital" or flat appearance, and fast-motion scenes have a bit of a shaky characteristic. The 3D stereophonic conversion here is not on a par with the finest conversions, but nonetheless the sense of depth and dimensional perspective is effective and unquestionably preferred to the 2D counterpart. While out-of-screen pizzaz is limited, the overall enhanced depth is spatially engaging, especially during the robotic fight and shootout scene toward the end. Never through the viewing was crosstalk ghosting evident, for a virtual artifact-free viewing experience. "I, Robot" is yet another remarkable 3D conversion that dramatically engages the senses. This is a totally enjoyable and impressive visual experience. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is mixed incredibly well, with impressive imaging and pans around the entire holosonic™ soundfield in which each channel is optimally utilized. The front soundstage sounds very wide, creating a very believable field for the presentation of on-screen action and music. LFE channel activity is aggressive with below-25 Hz energy, and low-frequency effects are prominent in each of the channels. In many of the action scenes, low-level frequencies are so prominent they will really give each channel a strong workout. Mechanical noises generated by the various robots are well rendered and presented around the soundfield wonderfully. The newly remastered DTS-HD soundtrack sounds more refined in the lower end, with better articulation throughout the entire frequency range when compared to the DVD soundtracks reviewed in Issues 92 and 97. At times, the entire soundfield is filled with well-placed effects, creating an environment that feels true to life. This is an incredible sonic experience that sounds dynamic and immersive and is sure to please. (Gary Reber)