Plot: What’s it about?
The origin of human life has tortured scientists, religious figures, and normal people since the dawn of time. While theories abound, both scientific and faith based, no solid proof has been uncovered as to the truth. In 2089, there seems to be potential to unlock the mystery of man’s origins, but what will that truth be? A team of anthropologists exploring a cave find an ancient cave painting, one similar to others found around the world. The drawing involves a specific group of stars, so with that information, a space expedition is soon undertaken. The vessel Prometheus is manned by scientists and explorers, then sent on a journey to learn how mankind came to exist. This landmark expedition could finally answer questions man has pondered for centuries, but will they discover a darker truth than they ever expected?
Prometheus is am ambitious movie. While it shares a lot of elements with Ridley Scott’s genre classic Alien, the film has very different goals in mind. The story is well crafted, but tends to let the viewers fill in some of the blanks, which is always going to divide audiences. Some will love being able to concoct their own conclusions, while others will want a more defined, structured lore in place. Regardless, the movie offers a good amount of depth and poses some interesting situations, so Prometheus has a story that keeps you tuned in. The film’s visuals are striking, with some effective special effects that help create an otherworldly texture that bolsters the lore. As far as casting, the film boasts an impressive group with folks like Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Noomi Rapace, and Michael Fassbender. I don’t think Prometheus is going to win over everyone, but for those who want a more ambitious sci/fi adventure, it is worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
Prometheus is presented in 2.40:1 widescreen. This is an almost flawless, reference level presentation. The film’s visuals simply shine here, with the kind of depth and clarity the format is celebrated for. The detail sparkles, with the most subtle touches visible, so your eyes are in for a treat with this one.
Audio: How does it sound?
Not to be outdone, the DTS HD 7.1 soundtrack provides a reference level experience. This is a very active mix, with almost constant surround presence to bolster the film’s atmosphere. This includes some potent bursts of power of course, but also some subtle and creative elements. So while some tracks lean on power above all else, this soundtrack is layered with presence that is able to do whatever the material needs. The music sounds excellent, while dialogue is clear and clean at all times. This is simply one track you need to hear to believe. This release also includes French and Spanish language tracks, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The extras kick off with two audio commentaries, one with director Ridley Scott and the other with two of the film’s writers. This release also includes some deleted scenes and a collection of promotional materials. A DVD version of the film and a digital copy are also part of this package.
