A visually ambitious epic returns in a Collector's Edition 4K release
In 2004, author David Mitchell (Ghostwritten) wrote a Sci-fi, Metafiction, Historical Fiction novel called Cloud Atlas. It is made up of individual stories set over hundreds of years - from 1849 through 2321 - that seemingly intertwine. In 2012, the Wachowskis (The Matrix) and Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) turned the novel into a 3-hour major motion picture starring Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Halle Berry (Monster's Ball), and Hugh Grant (Heretic). This holiday season, Shout Factory! has released a special collector's edition 4K/Blu-ray combo pack on sale now.
For those who don't remember or who have never seen the film, here is the basic rundown: An epic story of humankind, where the actions and consequences of our lives impact one another throughout the past, present and future as one soul is shaped from a murderer into a savior and a single act of kindness ripples out for centuries to inspire a revolution.
What is most incredible about Cloud Atlas is the cast. Hanks, Berry, and Grant all play six different characters, and with the help of their makeup and costumes, they do an amazing job of making each person unique and individual. Jim Sturgess (Geostorm) and Hugo Weaving (The Matrix) also portray six characters, while Ben Whipsaw (Skyfall) and Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge!) take on five each. With multiple actors playing multiple roles, the hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments become key collaborators in the development of each individual. These actors had an incredible task set before them, and they all rose to the challenge beautifully.
Where Cloud Atlas runs amiss is the plot (or plots as the case may be). The original novel is written in sections and moves back and forth from story to story and timeline to timeline. While this seems to work for the book, it doesn't for the film version. The constant back and forth is confusing, and I spent much of my time trying to understand the point of one vignette before the directors jump off into the next one. Supposedly, it gets more interesting and easier to follow the more one watches it, but who has time to sit through a three-hour movie more than once these days? I will say, I did somewhat enjoy the one time I watched it and, perhaps, I might enjoy it even more the second and third two around, but again, I don't have the time right now to devote to one movie.
The visuals are very strong and well done for the most part, though some of the scenes in Korea 2144 look fake, especially when the characters are on the "cycle" trying to evade the authorities. The 2160p resolution has a lot going for it, with color reproduction and saturation levels earning top marks. Colors are beautifully deep and true, and details are sharp and clean.
The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is just as strong as the video presentation with layered tracks and depth. The haunting soundtrack adds to the drama, and the dialogue is clear and crisp. The Collector's Edition 4K Combo pack comes with the 4K disc, the Blu-ray Disc, and a Blu-ray disc of extras. The extras include one new featurette called What Is An Ocean... Reconnecting The Cast And Crew Of Cloud Atlas. The rest of the extras are ported over from previous releases and include A Film Like No Other, Everything Is Connected, The Impossible Adaptation, The Essence Of Acting, Spaceships, Slaves & Sextets, The Bold Science Fiction Of Cloud Atlas, Eternal Recurrence: Love, Life And Longing In Cloud Atlas, and an Extended Look Trailer.
Cloud Atlas is an epic film with a wonderful cast, and the Shout Factory! Collector's edition offers some terrific visuals and a wonderful audio track. If this is a movie you would watch multiple times (and supposedly that is necessary in order to understand the full breadth of the stories involved), then this latest version is a must.
Grade: B-
