Equilibrium (2002)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Drama
Echo Bridge | R – 107 min. – $19.99 | May 10, 2011
MOVIE INFO:
Directed by: Kurt Wimmer
Writer(s): Kurt Wimmer (written by)
Cast: Christian Bale, Emily Watson, Taye Diggs, Angus MacFadyen, Sean Bean
Theatrical Release Date: December 6, 2002
DISC INFO:
Features: Featurette
Number of Discs: 1
Audio: English (DTS-HD 2.0)
Video: 1080p/Widescreen 1.78
Subtitles: None
SYNOPSIS
In an attempt to end wars and maintain peace, mankind has outlawed the things that trigger emotion–literature, music and art. To uphold the law, a special breed of police is assigned to eliminate all transgressors. But when the top enforcer (CHRISTIAN BALE) misses a dose of an emotional-blocking drug, he begins to realize that things are not as they seem.
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0.5/5
Although the DVD version has two commentary tracks, for whatever reason we only get Finding Equilibrium (4:26; SD) featurette.
VIDEO – 3/5
Equilibrium is presented in 1080p high definition and looks surprisingly good on Blu-ray. Although this is a darker film, colors are still well balanced while the black levels are nice without being overly crushed. Now, the reason for only a 3.5/5 rating is because this was originally released with a 2.35 aspect ratio and Echo Bridge has instead opened up the matting for a 1.78 AR. That’s a big difference in picture and even though you’re not losing anything, you are gaining elements that the director did not intend.
AUDIO – 2/5
The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio is alright and maybe acceptable but it’s also very flat from beginning to end which is a shame since there are plenty of action scenes that would’ve sounded great with a proper 5.1 channel transfer. Instead most of the audio comes through the center channel.
OVERALL – 1.5/5
Overall, Equilibrium is a great film that deserved a better released on Blu-ray so I wish Miramax handled this release instead of passing it on to Echo Bridge. The video is OK despite an improper aspect ratio but the audio is much to be desired as are the features.