Ready Player One [DVD]

Considering I knew nothing about this book or film until all the pre-release hype started, I'm surprised to say I whole heartedly recommend this film. There's something in here for a number of age ranges: younger viewers will be wowed by the obligatory action sequences and impressive digital effects, whilst older viewers (well those who were kids circa the time of the first Star Wars) will be playing spot all the pop culture references the film is littered with. It's actually worth watching more than once to see how much you missed, as there are LOTS of background details and characters in scenes that are from other games, tv shows, films, the list is endless. The attention to detail which has been lavished on this film shows and it's clearly something which was close to Spielberg's heart when he made it. For example, when the two main characters have to shoot their way out of the night club, her weapon is a marine's bolt gun from Aliens, and his is a laser pistol from Battlestar Galactica. (I warned you about the detail!) The plot of the film is actually surprisingly good too, which is unusual for some of these blockbusters nowadays - some nice twists as the characters follow the trail of breadcrumbs trying to solve the clues. WARNING for those with small kids though (and this part contains spoilers!) Part of the crumb trail involves classic films and in particular at one point the characters enter a reconstruction of the horror film The Shining, including several of the seminal scenes from the movie. Small children and people who don't do horror may be disturbed by this part as it features some creepy moments, and in particular the horrific moment where the woman comes out of the shower before transforming into some sort of zombie hag will make you uncomfortable. I would recommend that an adult should check this out first before letting anyone under say 12 view it, just to be on the safe side, All in all though, this is a very good film. Lots of action, a good story with some pathos and drama, throw in the odd bit of humour too and it's something which could well become a cult movie in years to come. Recommended.

I am using this film as an excuse to replace my TV because even watching it in 2D and nothing remotely HD, 3D or iMax it is pretty spectacular. Why? Simply, because it works. The story and picture glide seamlessly between real and VR worlds and the viewer gets sucked into layers of rich material e.g. 80s, Shining, games (modern complex to simple retro - obvious candidates missing i.e. Space Invaders, Pac man, Donkey Kong, Mario, etc.) and soundtrack. Themes are simple i.e. the quest, good-v-evil, corporate–v-small guy with a love story threaded through, but it is the texture of the film and its escapism that is the star. The film dips its toe into a pool of social consequences that has a resonance about connectivity (games, technology) as a “resource” and lives affected by debt (obsession with latest model/upgrades and contracts). There are good female roles (Samantha/Artemis, Aitch) and crew (High Five). And where Tye Sheridan (Wade/Parzival) brings vulnerability and strength, Ben Mendelsohn (Sorrento) and IOI provide relentlessness (sixers) and slippery façade of corporation. (T.J. Miller (i-R0k) – he funny man). I’ll flog myself later for saying this, but I found Mark Rylance (Academy Award winner and go-to actor for sensitive/complex characters) that his portrayal of socially awkward Halliday was unconvincing. This is a film for kids of all ages (even older ones that never grew up) and being a kid/teenager in the 70s/80s was the place to be – the laughability is that back then VR seemed the stuff of dreams and yet here we are. Everyday I pass the IOI loyalty centre (a disguised Citypoint, London) and it reminds me to keep an eye on the door to escape, so ‘til then I’ll bide my time watching the DVD and will read the book (on Christmas list). If the RPO game comes out, I wonder what Steven Spielberg’s avatar would be? In the meantime, my TV might have an accident with an elbow nudge and I’ll get pizza menu on standby for Ready Player Two …

Good movie

...is still Scott Pilgrim vs The World. I purchased this UHD blu-ray on a whim when it was reduced to £15 mostly due to rave reviews about the Dolby Atmos sound design and it certainly doesn't disappoint in that area. Gary Rydestrom has produced another great mix which rewards the investment in the latest surround format. The picture quality is variable with de-saturation, added grain and 60% pure CGI used as part of the tools to tell the story. The movie itself I found to be a bit of a curates egg - except that it spreads itself so widely that it is impossible not to find something that you enjoy and something that annoys. It plays like Robocop done by The Goonies with dystopian cultural issues dealt with by a bunch of young adults solving clues whilst escaping murderous corporate types. This is hung on the backdrop of an old bachelor geek's bedroom wall with references to the last 40yrs of pop culture coming thick and fast. There's no depth to it whatsoever and you just watch it go by as another 10 things from something else appear ad infinitum (including the occasional sacred cow on its way to slaughter). It's enjoyable but lacks any real weight to stay in your mind - Olivia Cooke is pretty good but really all this shows is how flat the rest of the cast are against the spectacular scenery whizzing by. @micbinbag

pas de voix ni de sous-titres en français . il faut le savoir...

Película en castellano.

i was not impressed being sent a DVD that i can not even play on my tv . it says region 2 not sure what that even means but it won't work on my tv and have tried sending back and it says not returns. very bad business for ripping people off.

Good movie

Llegó en perfecto estado y la película es muy buena en cuanto a efectos