I first saw Dirty Dancing when I was in grade school via VHS with my mother and believe it or not I enjoyed the film as a 10 year-old kid. Since that time I have seen the film countless other times, whether it be on television or DVD. It is one of those films which has matured as I have matured.

Dirty Dancing is the story of headstrong 17-year-old Baby Houseman. Baby hardly expects her family’s usual summer vacation in the Catskills to be momentous. But then Baby spies Johnny Castle, the reso…ts dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks. Johnny’s facing a crisis: his dance partner and friend Penny is pregnant and has reluctantly decided to get an abortion. This leaves Johnny a solo act, until Baby agrees to take Penny’s place. She has to learn how to dance first, however, and as Johnny teaches her the choreography’s sexy, seductive moves, the two fall in love. However, Baby’s father believes that Johnny is the creep who got Penny pregnant, and he furiously orders Baby to end the relationship. Baby knows that Johnny’s innocent and with her feisty idealism and his dance talent, the two will prove to Baby’s father that their love is worth fighting for.

Video

For this transfer Lionsgate went with an AVC encode averaging around 28 Mbps on a BD50. This transfer has wonderful color accuracy and was very sharp at times. Skin tones were spot-on and blacks were very well reproduced. Much of this movie includes darker scenes, so the accuracy in the dark images was a nice improvement over the DVD version. Film debris was evident on most of the bright scenes, especially the outdoors scenes. The film debris coupled with a fair amount of grain, which is common in 80?s movies lead to an overall soft picture. I also noticed some noise around the image of each actor in the bright scenes. Even with these shortcomings, the video on this release is a solid improvement over the DVD version of this film.

Audio

Audio is where this new transfer excels over its DVD counterpart. I listened using the PCM 6.1 option and this classic soundtrack has never come close to sounding as good as this. The dialog is nicely presented on the center channel and the songs are as clear and as powerful as you have ever heard them. Even the surrounds and the LFE get the occasional use. A very nice improvement over the DVD of this film.

Special Features

This new release is loaded with Special Features. In the interest of keeping this review shorter then the novel, Moby Dick, I will list them here as the all self-explanatory:

• Commentary With Eleanor Bergstein (Writer, Co-Producer)
• Multivoice Commentary With Kenny Ortega, Miranda Garrison, Jeff Jur, Hillary Rosenfeld and David Chapman
• Dirty Dancing 20th Anniversary Pop-Up Trivia Track
• Dirty Dancing With Patrick Swayze
• Tributes to Jerry Orbach & Emile Ardolino
• Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes
• Outtakes
• Original Screen Tests
• Multiangle Dance Sequences
• The Classic Story On Stage
• Photo Gallery
• Interviews by Jennifer Grey, Eleanor Bergstein & Kenny Ortega
• 3 music videos – ?Hungry Eyes,? ?She?s Like The Wind? &?(I?ve Had) The Time Of My Life?

Final Thoughts

Although I was not blown away with this release with the new video transfer it is however a decent improvement over the DVD version. My only gripe is that I wish it had less film debris as I feel the film grain was intended by the Director. The audio quality on the other hand is great. Truly a substantial improvement over the DVD release. Now all dialog is completely audible and we even get some use of the LFE and Surrounds. I would highly recommend this purchase for any fan of this film, as it is a very nice improvement over the DVD version.

Special Features List

• Commentary With Eleanor Bergstein (Writer, Co-Producer)
• Multivoice Commentary With Kenny Ortega, Miranda Garrison, Jeff Jur, Hillary Rosenfeld and David Chapman
• Dirty Dancing 20th Anniversary Pop-Up Trivia Track
• Dirty Dancing With Patrick Swayze
• Tributes to Jerry Orbach & Emile Ardolino
• Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes
• Outtakes
• Original Screen Tests
• Multiangle Dance Sequences
• The Classic Story On Stage
• Photo Gallery
• Interviews by Jennifer Grey, Eleanor Bergstein & Kenny Ortega
• 3 music videos – ?Hungry Eyes,? ?She?s Like The Wind? &?(I?ve Had) The Time Of My Life?

When Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) awakes after what appears to be a long night, he finds himself in a groggy state completely unaware of his surroundings. He finds a DVD and plays it only to find out that a rival hit man has injected Chev with a mysterious poison known as the “Beijing Cocktail” giving our hero only one hour to live. Chev soon learns that he can extend his life partially by keeping his adrenaline level pumping. Obviously wanting to enact revenge on those who injected him, Chev has to do whatever he can to keep his adrenaline pumping including shocking himself with a defibrillator and drinking energy drinks all while racing throughout Los Angeles.

I suppose what I enjoyed most about Crank is how the two directors (Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor) executed the film. Playing out almost like a live-action video game, each shot played out as one big connected run through Los Angeles as Chev searches for new, interesting methods to keep his adrenaline pumping. I also liked how the two directors chose not to include only Chev’s story but also random other stories all in the same frame (for example Chev’s story is in one box while another story simultaneously is played out in another box). Nothing all that unique but it helped see what the world around Chev was experiencing during his day of hell.

Now this is the perfect example of a film that never takes itself seriously. Filled with non-stop action and entertainment, Crank is the film to watch after a long day at work. Something that is sure to relax you and cause you to crack a smile during some of the sequences. If you don’t mind checking your brain at the door, Crank may be worth the trip.

Video

Presented in a 1080p, MPEG-2 Encoded, 1:85:1 Widescreen Aspect Ratio, Crank boasts an incredible image throughout that looks nothing short of fantastic.

Colors were bright and clear with no instance of colors becoming over-saturated or washed out. The film’s print benefits from being only 4 months old so naturally the image boasts fine detail. Many sequences boast an almost unbelievable amount of clarity. One such scene I paused was when we got a close-up of Chev’s face. All the little hairs of his beard, the beads of sweat from trying to keep his adrenaline up all added to almost crystal clear HD quality.

The only slight negative here is that there is a bit of EE noticeable in some of the exterior sequences during Chev’s fall. There is also a bit of grain noticeable during some of the opening sequences. Now this was probably myself getting more use to the fast-paced image rather than a big fault. Nonetheless, Lionsgate has provided a dynamite video transfer for Crank.

Audio

WOW! Crank, quite possibly, has one of the best demo worthy audio tracks available on Blu-Ray TO DATE.

Out of the two available mixes, I chose the uncompressed PCM 6.1 surround sound track. Dialogue was spot on with no evidence of dialogue dropping out or becoming muddled. Surround usage was single-handedly the best part here as all the little surround effects created an almost 360 degree soundstage in my living room. Dynamic Range was impressive as guns blasted and cars came to a screeching halt. As my ears were wrapping around each effect, I literally started to get a headache (this was probably because I was listening too loud). But seriously, Crank (pun intended) deserves to be cranked all the way up. This is my new demo disc. Fantastic work here Lionsgate.

One funny side note here is that Lionsgate has included, for whatever reason, a “Family Friendly Version” of Crank where all the obscenities have been replaced.

Special Features

Quite the oddity here as all the SD-DVD extra’s have been subtracted in exchange for a boatload of Blu-Ray Exclusives.

Blu-Ray Exclusives
• Crank’d-Out Movie Mode: Sort of akin to HD DVD’s IME, Lionsgate has prepped a picture in picture video commentary for Crank. This was a pure blast as pretty much every single aspect of the film was covered from casting to production. If you need even more depth, you’ll enjoy the sort of “white rabbit” here that Lionsgate has produced. Called “answer the phone” there are certain sections of the film where a phone will ring and you can ?pick? it up and be transported to more behind-the-scenes information on the film. Easily the best feature available here.
• Shooting Crank: This 7 minute feature covers the shooting of the film with comments by co-directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.
• The Stunts of Crank: Running 17 minutes, this feature shows us the varying stunts that stunt coordinator Darrin Prescott helped put together.
• Pushing Crank: At 6 minutes in length, this feature shows us the different marketing the film used to reach audiences.
• Crank @ ComicCon: Running 11 minutes, this one showed the panel discussion that the various writers/directors and actors Jason Statham/Efren Ramirez fielded at this year’s ComicCon. I found it interesting that Statham, always a joy to watch, enjoyed the action in the film at the level he did.
• More Stories from Crank: Running a hefty 25 minutes, this one allows the cast and crew time for on-set humor and jokes that occurred during the film’s shooting. Obviously not the serious type of humor, but more the funny type of humor that was enjoyable to watch.

Closing Thoughts

Crank is one of those movies you watch when you can’t think of anything better to watch. Certainly not “good” in any sense, Crank relies on its fast-paced action to draw its viewers in, resulting in a popcorn-filled time. Lionsgates has produced one of the best Blu-Ray titles to date from any studio with incredible video, audio and (a shock here) exclusive Blu-Ray features. Definitely pick this one up folks as Crank is a good sign of what’s to come.

Recovering from the death of her husband and daughter, Sarah is invited to the Appalachian Mountains by friend Juno, who is planning a cave expedition for a group of their friends (Beth, Holly, Sam, and Rebecca). The group catches up as it has been a while since they have seen each other, and some are meeting for the first time. The next day the group drives to a cave, one that they intend to explore. While exploring, a cave-in blocks the way they came in and it is revealed that Juno has brought them to an un-explored cave. Amid the arguing and attempt to find a different way out, humanoid like figures are seen in the distance. Dismissed as hallucinations the group continues their journey through the cave, until of course these monsters, dubbed “crawlers” are revealed to no longer being hallucinations. Carnage ensues as the crawlers stalk the group throughout the cave in an intense struggle for survival.

The Descent turns out to be one of the better horror films put out recently, with reasonably fast paced thrills combined with some pretty good gore. The group dynamic is entertaining as they learn more and more about each other throughout their struggle to survive.

Throughout the duration of the picture you learn to feel for the characters, as well you learn to despise selected ones as well. You become immersed in the movie hoping for their survival and even their, or should I say her, demise. The effects add to the movie with very cool looking monsters with unique characteristic such as their inability to see, which the women try to use to their advantage once they figure it out. The acting is what you would expect from a horror film, nothing spectacular but yet it doesn’t disappoint. If you are a fan of the dying horror genre be sure to check this one out because it is a fun, and creepy movie.

Video

Presented in a 1080p 2.35:1 aspect ratio, The Descent is creepier then ever, thanks in part to a great transfer from Lionsgate. I’ll say it right now, if you are not a fan of grain then you will be disappointed in The Descent. The movie is very dark and we frequently see scenes with grain, although this isn’t a fault with the transfer but rather director intent. Then grain works with the film in positive way and never becomes distracting. Details and colors looked great, which worked together terrifically when the blood starts flying. Besides a few soft and flat scenes, Lionsgate has really done a superb job with this transfer.

Audio

Lionsgate was nice enough to include a 5.1 Dolby Digital EX and a superb 6.1 PCM audio track. Before the six women enter the cave the track is on par with other titles, however this all changes (for the better) once they enter. The ambient noises of the cave coming from the rear channels were a treat. The bass was superbly used, especially for that intense buildup for the next big fright. I kid you not, the audio sounded so crisp and clear it felt like I was running for my life in the cave. The Descent was a truly great listening experience, one of the best heard on Blu-ray.

Special Features

Lionsgate has included a fair share of extra features, all that should be watched by fans of the film.

• Audio Commentaries – We get two commentary tracks, one with the director and crew and another with the director and cast.
• The Descent: Beneath the Scenes – Interview with director Neil Marshall as well as members of the cast and crew, discussing everything from their favorite horror movies to what makes them scared. The forty minute features is worth checking out entirely.
• Deleted Scenes – We are given nine deleted scenes, none that really add to an already solid film.
• Outtakes – Five minutes of outtakes. I probably found this more amusing then I should have but who can resist those accents.
• Caving – A high Definition Experience – A nine minute feature taking us inside a real cave. No dialogue but a definitely eerie experience.
• The Gate: The Descent – A IME (in movie experience) like feature for Blu-ray. Includes PIP behind the scene footage of the film. Much better then audio commentaries.

Lastly, we get a Still Gallery, Storyboard and Scene Comparisons, as well as Cast and Crew Biographies

Final Thoughts

I was skeptical when I first put in The Descent. With a recent flow of disappointing titles to the hit the market, I wasn’t expecting much. Fortunately I was wrong, and The Descent is one of the best horror films in recent memory. Mix this in with a great video and terrific audio transfer and you got one fantastic disc.