In “Transcendence,” Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of artificial intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
Big ideas are explored in this intriguing but somewhat flawed film. I don't want to spoil certain plot twists that add a bit to much in the third act of the film and causes some thought provoking ideas to be left alone. The cast filled with prestigious actors like Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman failed to help elevate the material they are given despite their best efforts. First time director Wally Pfister will hopefully blow audiences minds with a more tight script in the future as it stands this film is worth a look but not the stunner I was hoping for. 7/10
Transcendence arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Fresh from the theaters this digital presentation is slick but does show some minor problems. Colors exhibit good saturation but fleshtones have a somewhat unnatural appearance. Black levels are deep with decent shadow detail. Overall the image sharp except for a few softer shots. There are minor signs edge enhancement. 7.5/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue is placed front and center with crystal like clarity. LFE performance is solid when the action begins to heat up in the the last third if the film. Surround activity was excellent and highlighted by slick pans and perfectly placed environmental effects to create a full 360 degree soundfield. No pops or hisses were heard. 9/10
The bonus features are very short EPK style featurettes that are standard talking head pieces. It would have been nice to have some features that would have explored the ideas more in depth.
* What Is Transcendence? (HD)
* Wally Pfister: A Singular Vision (HD)
* Guarding the Threat (HD)
* The Promise of A.I. (HD)
* It’s Me (HD)
* Singularity (HD)
* R.I.F.T (HD)
* Trailer 1 (HD)
* Trailer 2 (HD)