ARMAGEDDON (Blu-ray; Touchstone/Disney/Buena Vista)

Mike LoManaco

Studio Name: Touchstone (Disney/Buena Vista)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Disc/Transfer Information: 1080p High Definition/2.35:1; Region 1 (U.S.) Release Tested
Tested Audio Track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48 kHz/24-bit)
Director: Michael Bay
Starring Cast: Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Billy Bob Thorton, Liv Tyler


FOR LOVE. FOR HONOR. FOR MANKIND.


SYNOPSIS:

Let’s be frank: Unless you’ve been living your natural life under a rock that may have speared its way across our galaxy and happened to make its way into your front yard just inches from your 1999 Honda Accord EX, you know the plot of Michael Bay’s Armageddon, so the point of a “Synopsis” area here is really redundant; this neigh-three-hour eye candy FX fest has had more negative publicity and critical beatdowns from the film community than perhaps any other from the school in which it derived – this includes examples such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and any other title Michael Bay or Roland Emmerich had their names attached to. It’s been called a mess of cinema, a ridiculously illogical example of actual NASA workings and a laughable attempt at acting from its main cast. But through it all, Armageddon has endured as a “check-your-brain-at-the-door” action setpiece, and has found a devoted fan base since its inception on different home video formats – specifically, what’s been called the “definitive” version of the project, the Criterion Collection cut.

However, Armageddon has been plagued by mistakes in its video incarnations as well – notably, the refusal for Disney’s Buena Vista home video channel to re release the standard DVD with anamorphic widescreen enhancement; through the years, a single stripped version has been available for fans of the film, with no widescreen support or any special features or audio tracks. To make matters worse, when Criterion released their version with Michael Bay’s stamp of approval for the transfer, it too lacked widescreen enhancement and didn’t receive a DTS audio track as many fans hoped for. The Dolby Digital mix on the standard DVD was okay, but it could have used some more injection of channel separation and tighter dynamics. With the advent of Blu-ray, many folks have hoped to see this title appear as a demo showcase for a good home theater system – as some have been hoping to see a high def release of Warner Bros.’ The Exorcist – and how it stacks up on this new format we will discuss later.

There are plotholes and scientific errors in Armageddon that are large enough to fly a space shuttle through – this is absolutely true. Some of these issues are discussed in a NASA documentary on the Criterion version of the DVD. And say what you will about Mr. Bay and his conglomerates at Disney, specifically Jerry Bruckheimer – and there are plenty of things to say – this guy cranks out some serious over-the-top action projects that, although are absolutely carelessly directed and overwrought with clich

Mike LoManaco

ARMAGEDDON REVIEW CONTINUED...

VIDEO QUALITY ANALYSIS: HOW DID THE DISC LOOK?

The biggest difficulty I am wrestling with since rebuying Armageddon on Blu-ray and watching it since its arrival on my doorstep is the fact that the original non-anamorphic DVD transfer actually didn’t look bad at all – when I played the disc weeks ago just to kind of “prep” for the Blu-ray’s arrival, the image looked somewhat gorgeous upscaled via my OPPO BDP-83. I’m not kidding. And that was with the non-anamorphic image “blown up” to simulate a correct 2.35:1 widescreen transfer via my player’s zoom mode. Details on faces were rich, colors were warm, the black oil dripping down Willis and Affleck’s faces was absolutely stunning in terms of clarity – really impressive for standard DVD.

Popping in the Blu-ray version last night, this one was a real toughie to call – the opening space explosion sequence looked cleaner, sharper and exhibited less ringing and noise in the opening credits, but it wasn’t night and day. As the film progressed, the Blu-ray exhibited slightly sharper colors, textures and details – facial close-ups went from very impressive on the DVD to ridiculously clear and nearly lifelike on an HDTV. Still, problems popped up – the brief moment of the president’s Air Force One jet when he calls to Thorton’s character to find out what the meteor shower really is was riddled with noisy grain that littered the sky in the background. This was much more pronounced than any noise on the DVD during this scene. There also appeared to be a good amount of black and shadow crush in many sequences, mainly on Stamper’s oil rig in the North China Sea.

Another problem I noted was with some facial colors and lip tones – many of the characters, excluding Tyler’s when she was wearing lipstick, exhibited pinkish and purplish lip tones that became distracting after awhile; when Willis is talking to the team about Tyler and how she’s his little girl at the NASA headquarters, the guys all exhibit these glowing pink/purple lips. And, there appeared to be a massive amount of blue push to the image – so much so I didn’t recall this on the DVD. Deep, vibrant blues are everywhere in the transfer – in the NASA control rooms, mainly, but the image seemed to be marred with this blue hue casting and it was definitely excessive.

But don’t me wrong – Armageddon as a whole looked great on Blu-ray. The transfer, with its detail and vibrant enhancement, almost appeared cartoonish in certain spots, and if you like that sort of delivery from high definition, I suspect the effect would be even greater on an LCD display or projector. It remained filmlike in most places – but there was a clarity here that was rather striking at times, rendering the transfer almost animated. Of course, not literally…

The bottom line? I really don’t know…compared to the DVD version, whether that be the single disc stripped down version or the Criterion Collection cut, the Blu-ray doesn’t look all that much better, dramatically. If I had to do it again, I probably wouldn’t have re-bought the film on Blu – if you have a capable DVD player or upscaling chip in your BD player, the DVD version will probably suffice for many more years in your collection if you don’t take this off the shelf all that much. Those who need everything replaced in high def will purchase this anyway. Sure, the detail is amped and there’s a clarity to the image that is striking – but the DVD had many of these qualities, too, if not to the extreme that the Blu-ray does it.

AUDIO QUALITY ANALYSIS: HOW DID THE DISC SOUND?

Here’s the real stunner – Disney/Buena Vista went from being an uncompressed PCM audio proponent for their Blu-ray releases to being a studio becoming ever more familiar and comfortable with DTS-HD Master Audio. Perhaps Universal had a meeting with them? As aggressive and tactile-in-places as the DVD’s Dolby Digital 5.1 mix was, something always left me wanting when I sampled Armageddon’s audio mix…there was a flatness of dynamics and a type of “hole” in the track that never sat right with me. A good example of this is when the New York City skyline is being bombarded with comets in the beginning – the comets fly out of the surround channels as they should, but not nearly as aggressively as they should. The attack didn’t make me sit up and take notice; I always thought better audio work could have been done.

You can imagine my surprise and delight when I learned that Buena Vista was releasing the BD version with a Master Audio track – exactly the kind of film that could benefit from such an encoding. How did it stack up? Initially, I wasn’t impressed – the opening meteor shower still seemed to be a bit stuffy in the surrounds and dynamic range, but as the film progressed, the improvements of the Master Audio mix became apparent. It was not night and day, by any means, over the Dolby track, but as the disc went on, the audio in 5.1 Master Audio became punchy, gut-wrenching and tactile when called upon during explosions and action sequences. The space shuttles taking off for the mission were accompanied by a great deal of LFE, more so than on the DVD version, and the directional cues when the shuttles are in space and flying towards the Russian space station were exhibited through the appropriate surround channels with force and presence.

Again – this wasn’t a dramatic improvement over the DVD’s audio mix, but upon careful examination, there is an improvement nonetheless.

EXTRAS:

Disappointingly, this is a stripped-down version upon its first foray into Blu-ray, and it only includes the Aerosmith video of “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and two trailers; the NASA documentaries from the Criterion version are missing (perhaps to come in a Criterion Blu-ray version?) as is a slipcase, which would have been nice.

SUMMARY:

Definitely belongs in a home video collection – as I said, though, if you have the DVD version and are happy with the way it upscales on your player(s), don’t worry as you’re not missing that much more performance here. It is nice, on the other hand, to finally have a version of Armageddon that doesn’t require compensation for a lack of 16:9 enhancement; if you must have everything on Blu, well, there’s no talking you out of a purchase, which I’m not trying to do, but just threw all options out there. The audio offers an improvement, but the Dolby track on the DVD isn’t too shabby either for the most part, so it basically comes down to whether or not you feel you must own this in high definition. I don’t think, upon final analysis, it’s one of those titles that absolutely need to be replaced if you have a DVD variant – that’s just my opinion.

As for me, well, now I need to go and sell my DVD copy…

Mike LoManaco

xcapri79 wrote: »

Thank you for another informative and articulate review. Armageddon was one that I didn't own, but I just corrected that and ordered it as well as Minority Report on Blu-ray.

Thanks again Mike.

Hey Capri,

Thanks again for your kind words and for your thoughts; had you ever seen this on standard DVD? I'd be curious to read your comments with regard to the quality comparison between it and the Blu-ray...

This wasn't a night-and-day transfer difference; the Blu-ray is definitely sharper and clearer in many spots, mostly all, but the upscaled DVD will do just as well for most.

tommyboy

xcapri79 wrote: »

Thank you for another informative and articulate review. Armageddon was one that I didn't own, but I just corrected that and ordered it as well as Minority Report on Blu-ray.

Thanks again Mike.

God help you. Can you seriously sit there and watch this while the father is talking to his daughter right before they blow up the asteroid. Hey retards, you have like 2 min before the "point of no return", how about if you idiots made an error by a minute or two in the calculation... oops.

uhh cliche galore. It doesn't beat out pearl harbor though

kuntasensei

xcapri79 wrote: »

Thank you for another informative and articulate review. Armageddon was one that I didn't own, but I just corrected that and ordered it as well as Minority Report on Blu-ray.

Thanks again Mike.

Seriously... you're gonna LOVE Minority Report on BD. Absolutely perfect video and audio. They devoted enough space to the movie so that all the beautiful grain Janusz Kaminski intended came through without a hitch. I was worried that they'd DNR the hell out of it, but they did an excellent job.

As for Armageddon, I'm glad I picked it up. It's a definite improvement over the non-anamorphic DVD, and I didn't notice the strange hues on lips that Mike did (but then, my projector is 6500k calibrated and CMS'd to the hilt). The soundtrack isn't as aggressive as Bay's current movies, but then sound design has come a long way since then. It's still pretty impressive for its age, but Mike's right about that opening barrage not being very cohesive. I had DPL-IIz engaged for 9.2 playback, and though I have rock-solid cross-channel imaging, the sound just kinda jumps from one channel to the other instead of smoothly panning.

Mike LoManaco

xcapri79 wrote: »

I may have watched this several years ago, but don't currently have it (or can't find it). As you know, I've been stocking up on some of the older releases so I added it to my list.

Got it.

The DVD vs Blu-ray comparison is always useful for the general public. One can save money (for another movie) if there isn't much of a difference. We all like that.

That's why I report on these elements. Unfortunately, for reviewers, we sometimes get stuck like this if we made a purchase before receiving it for a review from the company or editorial "bosses."

One comparison I would like to make is that of sound systems. I am going to set up a parallel RTi based system as an alternative to my LSi based system in the same room.
I have all the speakers, I just need to get them all placed and connected.

Huh? You mean sound system comparisons, not the sound of the Armageddon BD?

Mike LoManaco

EDIT NOTE: The reference to actor "Eddie Griffith" in the Synopsis section should actually be "Eddie Griffin"...there was a misspelling in the initial version of the review.

Thank you.

SolidSqual

Funny, I can't disagree more about the audio. I first saw this movie back in the day in THX certified theater in Hong Kong that would blow your mind.

On my own system now that experience was relived, the sound was ridiculously dynamic and impactful in a way that was engrossing and terrifying. But, then again I have an W4S ST-1000 powering my RTi A9s, a Pioneer SC-27 feeding a CSia5, FXia6 and a pair of MicroDSWPro 3000s. That, and I've tweaked this system like a freak. No disrespect, but could your system be partially to blame? I get the sense you are always finding holes in the sound quality? What is your reference?

ESavinon

Keiko wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_0UXRY_rY

Awesome soundtrack. :rolleyes:

Seems very appropriate .

kuntasensei

SolidSqual wrote: »

Funny, I can't disagree more about the audio. I first saw this movie back in the day in THX certified theater in Hong Kong that would blow your mind.

On my own system now that experience was relived, the sound was ridiculously dynamic and impactful in a way that was engrossing and terrifying. But, then again I have an W4S ST-1000 powering my RTi A9s, a Pioneer SC-27 feeding a CSia5, FXia6 and a pair of MicroDSWPro 3000s. That, and I've tweaked this system like a freak. No disrespect, but could your system be partially to blame? I get the sense you are always finding holes in the sound quality? What is your reference?

Not trying to defend Mike's review, but compared to more modern mixes, Armageddon isn't as dynamic or surround-heavy. Yeah, it has some serious impact (especially when the LFE gets kickin'), but compare this mix to something like Transformers, I Robot, etc. and while it doesn't necessarily pale by comparison, there is certainly a noticeable difference. Even if you compare it to sound designer Christopher Boyes' more recent movies like Iron Man or Avatar, it's obvious that sound design and mixing have come a long way since Armageddon's 1998 release. That said, it certainly isn't a BAD sounding movie by any means... Just don't expect it to be as cohesive as more recent flicks.

SolidSqual

Some of the best Blu-Ray audio I have ever heard comes from Dexter on Showtime. The mixes aren't there to test the limits of your system, although there are some bass pumping scenes. But, Dexter provides a lot of insight into the sonic scenery and imaging your system may be able to create. I highly recommend it. The dialogue mixed with some good tune selections is really nice.

dorokusai

I think Miami Vice(Michael Mann) did a better job.

Mike LoManaco

xcapri79 wrote: »

I want to make sound system comparisons using good audio video's such as Armageddon and Master & Commander.

Can you explain this a bit more? Not really following here...

The movie I'm really waiting for on Blu-ray though is my personal favorite - Apocalypse Now.

Classically unique filmmaking -- I, on the other hand, am waiting for Warner to release The Exorcist.

The movie reviews give me valuable information about the movie and what to look for so I won't "miss a thing".
I bought Armageddon based on your review and I'm looking forward to it.

Really? Well I am glad I could help in that manner, Capri -- you never owned this one, correct? This was a first buy? If so, Blu-ray was the way to go, yes...:)

comfortablycurt

Keiko wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_0UXRY_rY

Awesome soundtrack. :rolleyes:

This review certainly "doesn't miss a thing";)



Armageddon is a great movie. I'm gonna have to bust out my crusty old DVD copy for a rewatching sometime soon.

It gets a solid 4.5 out of 5 on the LoCurtico scale.

This is one that I like enough to actually consider replacing with Blu-ray...assuming that I actually buy a Blu-ray player someday. Which I might...in like 5 years or so...lol:p

bobman1235

I enjoy Armageddon and all, but giving an in-depth review of a movie like Armageddon is like dedicating a page in a food magazine to the intricate flavors of a Taco Bell Chalupa.

It's junk food and gives you exactly what you expect.

Jstas

bobman1235 wrote: »

I enjoy Armageddon and all, but giving an in-depth review of a movie like Armageddon is like dedicating a page in a food magazine to the intricate flavors of a Taco Bell Chalupa.

It's junk food and gives you exactly what you expect.

Now why you gotta be like that?

Maybe you should od an indepth review of Taco Bell Chalupas?

kevhed72

Hmmm, I wouldn't even watch this via Neflix, which would end up costing me
.20 in the end.

Dude, why don't you review flicks that are a bit more "off the beaten path".
The other night I flipped to "American Psycho" on IFC and couldn't turn it off....its a modern day classic. I dunno...just a suggestion.

Ron-P

tommyboy wrote: »

God help you. Can you seriously sit there and watch this while the father is talking to his daughter right before they blow up the asteroid. Hey retards, you have like 2 min before the "point of no return", how about if you idiots made an error by a minute or two in the calculation... oops.

uhh cliche galore. It doesn't beat out pearl harbor though

ahh, Pearl Harbor, one of my other top favorites of all-time, right up there with this one.

steveinaz

Nice review Mike. I almost bought this, this weekend on BR. Think I'll pick it up next week.

comfortablycurt

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Can you explain this a bit more? Not really following here...

What's to not understand?

He's setting up an RTi based HT system, alongside his LSi based HT system, and he's going to compare the two different speaker sets, using movies with good audio tracks such as Armageddon and Master & Commander.



That should be a good comparison. The LSi's are fantastic sounding speakers as far as musicality is concerned, and definitely smoke the RTi's in those regards.

The RTi's might have a bit of an edge for HT though, due to having a brighter overall sound. That is somewhat desirable for HT speakers. I used to have an all RTi HT system, and it sounded FANTASTIC. I'm interested to see how this comparison pans out for you.