Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (Widescreen Edition)

This movie is hands down one of the best of the last decade.

I'm not one to rate movies, but far too many people are too quick to judge this film. I, like many, went into this movie expecting a swashbuckling thriller, only to find a much more thoughtful movie. The pacing is measured, but perfect for the story - one which is more about 19th century sailing and the bonds of friendship than swords and cannons. Much like other movies by Weir, including Gallipoli (I believe this movie to be far superior to that more widely hailed film), it is hard to place this in a single category.

That's not to say there is no action. The movie has quite possibly the most visceral and entertaining ship-to-ship combat scene I have ever scene. This only caps a movie that is incredibly detailed and beautiful to watch. Everything from the wardrobe to the knots is near perfect in representing this period, creating an understanding of the place and times that is truly unique. Add to this the inherent beauty of 19th century sailing, the dramatic landscape of the Galapagos and the incredible cinematography, and you have a truly awe-inspiring movie. Add to this the incredible sound effects and the absolutely perfect score (just go buy the soundtrack, performed by Yo-Yo Ma), and its a complete viewing experience.

Yet all of this would pale be for naught if not for the incredible acting of this movie. Crowe and Bettany give succinct and underplayed performances, making their characters truly live. Similar kudos go to all involved, from the recognizable Billy Boyd to a number of relatively unknown actors who make even the smallest roles perfect (witness the character of the young Mr. Blakely or the grizzled, gregarious sailing master).

Historically accurate (this coming from a trained historian), beautiful to the senses and well acted, this movie had become one of my all-time favorites. Admittedly, having mixed reactions after first viewing because of its untraditional storyline and accurate recreation of shipboard life, I now watch this movie at least once a month. Just buy the darn thing.

**Just a word on the extras: they are good, but they really didn't blow me away. In regards to how the film was made, they are impressive, but there isn't much on the history or even on the author. It's really a shame, since this movie deserved so much more. While I would recommend buying this edition, buy the cheaper one if you are worried about spending the money.

Compared to the standard edition DVD Master and Commander looks even sharper. The big difference between two editions is the sound. My player only does the DTS-HD (6 bit) sound instead of the DTS_HD Master Audio (24.5 bit) sound. Still the difference between the standard DTS (1.5 bit) is amazing. You can really feel the difference. If you have a good or better sound system, you'll really notice the difference!

I really liked this movie in the theater and on dvd. Sound design and delivery is top notch on this blu-ray version. The video is somewhat of a disappointment to me. The video seems to lack the punch that I know blu-ray can deliver. Not much is offered in the extras department. Overall, I was expecting a little more than I received.

This is a well-done film with much greater character development than that of your typical action flick, and a very welcome lack of computer-generated special effects. The ad campaign for this film was purported to sell it as a kind of "Gladiator" on the high seas but this is not a purple-prosed melodrama - it's nuanced and much more affecting because of it.

On an audio technology note, the surround sound recorded cannon volleys are very dynamic and may have you ducking.

I will skip the review of the actual movie itself because if you are buying the blu ray version you have probably already seen this film. What immediately hit me was the DTS master-HD soundtrack, this is why you buy new gear because the opening fight scene between lucky jack and the acheron is amazing the LFE makes your teeth rattle if you have even a decent sub. Overall the picture quality is good but not that much better than on the standard DVD in some scenes but is is an upgrade over the DVD release. The main reason to buy the blu ray edition(besides it being a fantastic movie overall)is for the sound design it is amazing, voices are clearly heard and you surrounds and sub will get one hell of a workout.