Safe Haven Blu-ray Review

***SYNOPSIS***


Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough star in this spellbinding romantic drama based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook). When a mysterious, beautiful woman named Katie (Hough), moves to Southport, North Carolina, she sparks the interest of the locals, especially Alex (Duhamel), a handsome widower. Although she is attracted to Alex, Katie is reluctant to trust him – that is, until a new friend (Cobie Smulders) convinces her to give Alex a chance. But before long, a dark secret from Katie’s past threatens her happiness in this thrilling romance directed by Lasse Hallström.





***VIDEO QUALITY***


Safe Haven arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1. - A warm and film like looking transfer. Colors exhibit some beautiful rich hues and sun drenched early evenings. Detail was great showing off textures and close ups with aplomb. Black levels and contrast was perfectly balanced with good shadow delineation. This was a eye pleasing presentation. 9/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a DTS -HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - There are a few thriller elements where the surrounds kick it up a notch and you're totally enveloped into the listening field. For rest of the film dialogue was always clean and intelligible. LFE added heft to some strong thunder rumbles. No pops,cracks or hisses to speak of. 8/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* Igniting the Romance in Safe Haven (1080p)- A short featurette with insight from Lasse Hellström, cast, and the book's author Nicholas Sparks
* Deleted and Extended Scenes (1080p) - There are five total scenes here.
* Alternate Ending (1080p) - This is for the most part the same as the original
* Josh Duhamel's Lessons in Crabbing (1080p) - The actor goes crabbing and is not too successful.
* Set Tour (1080p) - A quick guided tour with Nicholas Sparks.
* Theatrical Trailer (1080p)
* Sneak Peek (1080p)

One Hour Photo - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***


Robin Williams delivers his “finest hour” (USA TODAY) in “one of the most absorbing, effective thrillers in years” (NBC-TV). Sy “the photo guy” Parrish (Williams) has lovingly developed photos for the Yorkin family since their son was a baby. But as the Yorkins’ lives become fuller, Sy’s only seems lonelier, until he eventually believes he’s part of their family. When “Uncle” Sy’s picture-perfect fantasy collides with an ugly dose of reality, what happens next "has the spine-tingling elements of the best psychological thrillers!” (THE NEW YORK OBSERVER)





***VIDEO QUALITY***


One Hour Photo arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. While this is an upgrade over the standard def release the image did have some problems. There is very noticeable edge enhancement that lends to a softness sometimes. Otherwise fine detail was good with clothing and facial close ups benefiting the most. Colors were just right with the bright white florescent lights and white walls making me feel like I just stepped into one of those unsettling big box corporate stores. I did notice a couple print defects with spots showing up a few times. I doubt a full remaster will be done any time soon so this is the best it looks to date. 7.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a DTS -HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - A front heavy track with excellent clarity. Dialogue was always clear and intelligible. Surrounds were used mostly for the film score. The LFE channel adds deep rumbles to ratchet up the thrilling tension that is happening on screen. Bass was always tight and deep. No pops or hisses to speak of. A really nice audio presentation. 8.5/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* Commentary by Mark Romanek and Robin Williams - This is a track filled with information and it's nice to hear Robin Williams talking in detail about one of his best roles.
* Lensing One Hour Photo (480, 25min34sec)- A very fun look at behind-the-scenes footage while Romanek talks over the proceedings.
* Cinemax Featurette (480, 13min22sec) - A standard look at the film with cast and crew interviewed.
* The Charlie Rose Show (480, 36min) - Charlie Rose is a wonderful host and does a great job riding Robin Williams energy. Director Mark Romanek is very insightful.
* Sundance: Anatomy of a Scene (480, 27min52sec) - An interesting breakdown of a scene where Sy meets Mr. Yorkin for the first time.
* Cast Rehearsals (480, 20min43sec) - A look at the director prepping his excellent cast.
* Main Title Test (480, 1min24sec)
* Sy's Nightmare Elements (480, 38sec)
* Storyboards (1080p, 18min) Location/Tech Scouting: Multi-Angle Vignettes (480, 32min45sec) - Early pre-production footage shot on various locations showing the director envisioning how a scene will play out there
* Poster Explorations (1080p, 2min10sec) - Here we see several different poster designs
* Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 2min14sec)
* TV Spots (1080p, 1min24sec)