Plot: What’s it about?
Well, well, well…what have we here? Is it a movie based on a *gasp* comic book? Why yes, yes it is! I’m only kidding, of course, but long time readers of the site will know my stance on movies and the apparent lack of screenwriters in Hollywood. It seems they get their ideas from comics, television shows or in re-making previous films. And with Dredd, it looks this actually falls into two of those categories. Yes, lest we forget Sylvester Stallone starred in the first version of this movie back in 1994 when the film was called Judge Dredd and, to be honest, I never saw it. However seeing as it’s been remade, I don’t think it withstood the test of time. Then again most everything Stallone has done, save the Rocky and Rambo movies, has withstood the test of time. As we delve deeper into the recesses of comic book lore, the characters will undoubtedly get more and more obscure. Yes, the Spider-Man’s, Superman’s and Batman’s have already been done (a few times, actually) and it was only because I used to read comics that I realized that Dredd was a comic book character. But for those that aren’t familiar with this British hero, let me educate you.
In the not so distant future, the United States is mostly a nuclear wasteland. The only inhabitable place is the Eastern seaboard from New York down to Washington which houses 800 million people in what can only be described as a super city. Naturally crime is rampant and the only law are the “Judges” who take their lives in their own hands day in and out as they do their best to maintain order. Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is breaking in a new rookie, Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) who has failed her exam, but seems to possess psychic powers. The duo head to the Peach Trees, one of hundreds of 200 story buildings that house up to 75,000 people. The Peach Trees is the headquarters of the Ma-ma clan who are making a new drug, slo-mo. After the building is locked down with the Judges inside, their fate is most likely sealed. However we have to ask ourselves if Judge Dredd and his new companion have what it takes to not only make it out alive, but take down the Ma-ma klan to boot?
I won’t say that I wasn’t ever a fan of Judge Dredd in the comics because I never read it. Certainly the character is almost instantly recognizable with the Nazi-esque attire and executioner-style helmed, but that was about it for me. I’d heard pretty good things about the movie and figured I’d give it a try. Without giving too much away I’ll say that this is probably one of the most violent, if not the most violent film I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot of movies). I’m talking violence in the form of a super slow motion bullet piercing a man’s face with an exploding exit wound coming out of the other side. Then again I’ve become so desensitized to movie violence it really didn’t affect me after a while. Though I’d not really classify him as a superstar, I have to wonder why Karl Urban is in the lead role here. We never see more than his jaw, so why not give a struggling actor a break? This is along the same lines as using celebrity voices in animated films – I just don’t understand why they don’t use someone else’s voice. At any rate, Dredd is certainly an interesting watch, though I feel it was a bit overrated.
Video: How does it look?
I’d had a few issues with the Blu-ray version of this film and was hoping that these would be remedied on the Ultra HD disc. They were. One thing I will say for the film is that it’s easily one of the more visually ambitious titles I’ve seen in a while. While some directors steer clear of 3-D films director Pete Travis seems to really want to embrace this format. Several of the close up shots were made for 3-D along with some of the “slow motion” shots that must look amazing with those glasses on. The black levels seem much more consistent now, I noticed no blocking and the overall look and feel of the film seems to be a lot more smooth and natural. Detail is about average and some of the arial shots of the matte paintings are impressive, but by and large this is a very dark movie.
Audio: How does it sound?
Everything about Dredd reeks of a dynamic soundtrack and let me say that the film delivers on this level. My step son walked into the room when the movie was playing and said “this movie has more bullets fired than lines of dialogue.” And I have to say that I agree with him. If it’s shots fired, things blowing up or anything in between, then this is the film for you. The DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray has been replaced by an even more robust (if that’s possible) Dolby Atmos track and let me say that it is certainly robust enough to fill a room. Karl Urban’s raspy, grizzled voice takes front and center for the majority of the time. Surrounds are constantly humming and the LFE are engaged during several key moments in the film for some added extra ‘oomph.’
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Mega-City Masters: 35 Years of Judge Dredd – We essentially get the history of the comic from its roots in the 2000 A.D. series. We get some interviews with the artists and creators of the comic that tell us of the character’s history and cultural relevance. It’s a very interesting supplement.
- Day of Chaos: The Visual Effects of Dredd 3D – This mainly focuses on the design of Mega City One and the involvement of the special effects team to give it that unique look and feel.
- Dredd – Your typical EPK with some behind the scenes footage and interviews with some key cast and crew members.
- Dredd‘s Gear – A look at Dredd’s costume, his motorcycle and his trademark gun among other things.
- The 3rd Dimension – The movie was shot in 3D and we get a look at some of the shots, how they were staged and the results. Impressive.
- Welcome to Peach Trees – This could have been included in the “Day of Chaos” feature, but this is a look at the Peach Trees set and how the visual look and feel were created.
- Dredd Motion Comic Prequel – We gleam a little bit of backstory from this, though none of the actors (or their voices) from the film are involved.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
The Blu-ray of Dredd left a little bit to be desired. But now the 4K edition has improved the video, given us a new Dolby Atmos mix while still retaining the features. It’s a step up in the technical department, so if you were waiting for something bigger and better – your wait is over.
