The Film
It seems like just yesterday that critics were bashing the big-screen adaptation of Judge Dredd.
Sylvester Stallone certainly knew how to turn the classic character into an over-the-top action figure. Isn't that Stallone's M.O., though? (He has a film called Over the Top for chrissakes!) Even the former Rambo himself once told Uncut magazine (via Wikipedia) that the 1995 film was "a real missed opportunity."
Obviously, Lionsgate agreed. Flash forward 17 years, and Karl Urban (Star Trek) is stepping into the hero's empty shoes (and mask) for Dredd.
Based on the comic book, Dredd is a cop in the uber-violent Mega-City One. Ruling with an iron (and often fatal) fist, Dredd is allowed to arrest, sentence and even execute criminals on the spot. Luckily, there are a lot of those. It's a post-apocalyptic world and drugs are flowing like sweet wine. Slo-Mo is the one of choice. It's administered through an asthma inhaler and slows down the brain to 1 percent of its normal speed. It also makes for some pretty decent 3D.
Urban is almost as unintelligible as Stallone, but that's part of his charm. Olivia Thirlby makes for some decent backup. However, it's Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) that steals the show, as the ruthless crime boss Ma-Ma. Make no mistake, though; this film is no joke and there's no Rob Schneider. Dredd is pretty true to its inspiration, but there isn't one cartoony moment in this film and it's certainly not for someone with a weak stomach.
The Picture
Both the 2D and 3D versions of Dredd are packed onto one disc. As far as the 3D is concerned, it does take a few minutes to get going. Otherwise, Dredd is an in-your-face bloodbath. It has depth and probably more pop-out effects than you want, with blood splattering out toward its audience. In both 2D and 3D, the image is very gritty. If the movies have taught us anything, it's that the future is not a very pretty place. That said, this 2.40:1 image is a super-sharp one. You should have absolutely no complaints.
The Sound
Lionsgate has given Dredd support for the NeoX 11.1 format, if you're one of the few people out there that's equipped. If so, you may want to warn the neighbors; this is certainly the type of soundtrack that would disturb, if not warrant a 911 call. Otherwise, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track should be sufficient, with bullets, screams, explosions and other types of uber-violence spraying back and forth across the soundfield. It also has a soundtrack with enough electronic music for a rave, with lots of thumps and bumps throughout. The dialogue is a little low, compared to the rest of the film. However, everything else in the movie will keep you on notice, with excellent directionality.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
Think you can stomach another Dredd, rookie? If so, you're in for a real treat -- a real bloody treat. Dredd isn't the best comic book movie, but it leaves a much better legacy for the character than the mess that Stallone left behind. Even better, it's a great Blu-ray, with brutally sharp images, bloody details, in-your-face 3D effects and a DTS-HD 7.1 audio track that will shake the room. Enjoy.
Product Details
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