Quantum of Solace (Blu-ray)

To accompany Adam Bielawski's review in the standard definition section, I am going to add some of the features and quality to the Blu-ray version of this action packed film.

I used to like the formula for the James Bond films and was a big fan of Pierce Brosnans portrayal of 007 so when I heard that Daniel Craig was going to replace him and take over the franchise I was a bit skeptical. I will be the first to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with his performance in Casino Royale along with how the story was reinvented and didn't rely on gadgets but more of a tougher yet vulnerable MI6 agent. With Quantum of Solace, Bond brings us right back where he left off in Casino Royale. This movie is more of a sequel than another installment in the series. I don't believe the story was as good as Casino Royale but it completes the story nicely and really makes you want to watch them in succession. The action scenes however, are first rate and won't disappoint. Whether James is in a car chase, boat chase, plane chase, or foot chase. There are plenty of good guys versus bad guys and our beloved British agent takes us along for the ride. Craig really offers up his own unique charisma that breathes a new life into the character. While there is reference to his drink of choice, a dry martini, and you know...shaken not stirred. They do get away from saying it like that but they stay true to the story and how James consumes an adult beverage along with his demeanor. 007 also has a leading lady whom he shares a penchant for revenge but, they never find themselves in a romantic situation. That's not to say James doesn't find his way into a female companions bed.

I did go and see this movie when it was at the theaters, but when I watched it again in the Blu-ray format, I couldn't believe how good the picture quality was. At the theaters, I remember a grainier look to the film that I thought was the effect they were going for but on Blu-ray the picture is pristine and rich in detail. With how quickly the camera jumps around, detail is never lost and doesn't exhibit smearing and holds up the image quality quite nicely. The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio soundtrack doesn't disappoint either. The car chase in the opening scene will have your subwoofer shaking the walls. Car crashes along with bullets will have you right in the middle of the action and when the dialogue picks up the tempo, the voices are crystal clear and quite audible. Nothing is worse than an action movie where the mix has the action scenes too loud and the dialogue isn't loud enough but you won't have that problem with this movie. I would have liked this Blu-ray to be offered in 7.1 but the 5.1 mix does an excellent job. The bonus features are lacking but, I imagine they will release another version with considerable more material as they did when they re-released Casino Royale.

Bonus Features:

• (HD) Music video "Another way to die" featuring Jack White and Alicia Keys
• (HD) Bond on location - 24 minute featurette
• (HD) Start of shooting - 3 minute feature
• (HD) On location - 3 minute feature
• (HD) Olga Kurylenko and the boat chase - 2 minute feature
• (HD) Director Marc Forster - 2 minute feature
• (HD) The music - 2 minute feature
• (HD) Crew files - Michael F. Wilson, James Grant, and Ana Endara
• (HD) Theatrical teaser # 1
• (HD) Theatrical trailer # 2

I enjoyed Quantum of Solace and recommend adding it to your collection especially if you own Casino Royale. Together they make for an entertaining leap into the world of the new 007. While I think the bonus features are lacking, the Blu-ray quality is spectacular and is worth the asking price. Go grab a copy of Quantum of Solace today.