Blu-ray Movie Reviews

For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sighting around the world - Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world's great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It's up to a marine staff sergeant and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they've ever encountered before.

Sony has done a tremendous job with this A/V presentation. Fine object detail is everywhere with this transfer and depth is as good as any transfer I’ve seen. The film has an uncanny sense of clarity, even in the most hectic parts of the film, and contrast is spot on. Fine film grain is resolved perfectly throughout and despite a lot of fog and dust, no banding is ever seen. Colors have a muted quality that fits the mood of the production and only lends to the atmosphere of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio mix is an absolute powerhouse. Infrasonic levels are reached throughout the film with room threatening effect. Surrounds are engaged from beginning to end and do an amazing job of putting you right in the action. All of this is balanced throughout the soundstage perfectly and dialogue never gets drowned out. The sound design is excellent and never feels like a retread of what we’ve heard before from the genre. A fantastic demo-worthy presentation from Sony!

Extras include a large collection of production features that provide insight into the special effects, locales, story and getting the actors ready for their roles. You also get a picture-in-picture feature that gives more insight into the production while the film’s playing including interviews, onset footage and storyboard comparisons. The 2-disc set I received for review also includes the DVD copy of the film.

Part Independence Day part Black Hawk Down; Battle: Los Angeles is a balls out popcorn film that doesn’t let up once it starts going. The plot is simplistic but the execution is entertaining enough. Sony has done a tremendous job with the presentation making this an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.