From Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) comes the powerfully uplifting true story of one man’s struggle to survive against mountainous odds. Aron Ralston (James Franco) has a passion for all things outdoors. But when a falling boulder traps him in a remote Utah canyon, a thrill-seeker’s adventure becomes the challenge of a lifetime. Over the next five days, Ralston embarks on a remarkable personal journey in which he relies on the memories of family and friends as well as his own courage and ingenuity to turn adversity into triumph.
127 Hours arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. A faithful recreation of the theatrical presentation I seen earlier this year this is a transfer that stays true to its source. The Utah vistas are breathtaking in their clarity and saturation of desert hues. The hand held work where Aaron films himself with his camcorder look just right with no over sharpening of the image. Black levels were consistently inky. Contrast was solid but there were a few instances where the quality degrades inside the slot canyon. Fine detail was superb with clothing texture, facial hair, rock formations, and everything that helps create the gorgeous scenery in the film all come together to produce a transfer that is a top performer. 9/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 This thrilling track kicks off with a powerful bass line from the music and besides the quieter moments when Aaron is trapped it never slows down. LFE was tight and precise. Dialogue was crisp and clear throughout. Surrounds are used effectively for the score, environmental effects, and a powerful thunderstorm that is a aural highlight. Danny Boyle has always chosen well in regards to his musical taste and the tunes as well as the exciting score from A.R. Rahman come across beautifully here. This is a near perfect presentation. 9.5/10
*Feature Commentary by Director/Co-Screenwriter Danny Boyle, Producer Christian Colson and Co-Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy - An informative listen that will be worth the time for fans of the film. Danny Boyle is a very good in describing every detail.
*127 Hours: An Extraordinary View (35min31sec, HD) - A great making of documentary that is a mix of on location footage and interviews that feature James Franco and Danny Boyle and their collaborative process.
*Search & Rescue: (14min51sec, HD) - This is a great opportunity to see the real life people that inspired the film. Aaron Ralston is joined by his family, rescue team members an many more.
*7 Deleted Scenes (34min15sec, HD) - A nice collection of deleted scenes that include a lengthy alternate ending. There is a play all feature.
*Short Film: God of Love by Luke Matheny (18min47sec, HD) - Here we are treated to the short film directed by Luke Matheny that won the Academy Award this past Sunday. A welcome addition.
BD-Live - There is a 4 minute interview between James Franco and Peter Sellars that was shot during the Telluride Film Festival
DISC TWO - A Digital Copy is included to download to your PC,Mac, or potable device.