Patriot Games [Blu-ray] Reviews

• Good Flick, Terrible Blu-Ray

  
  By A1UWHCAT5S0ZLE on 2008-08-02
  Though I really like the movie, this might be the worst looking blu-ray movie I've seen, and I own about 50. There is all kinds of light colored pixelization in the darker parts of the film that pulsates and distracts. I tried to find a feedback system on Paramount's web page, but no such thing seems to exist.
  
  Very disappointing.
  
  

• Visually Disappointing But Audibly Exciting on Blu ray

  
  By A2S1TF4OD00K53 on 2008-08-03
  In typical studio fashion, Paramount has transfered this exact same master that was temporarily released on HD DVD early this year which was a mixed bag and not what these films, the fans of the films, or high def owners deserve.
  
  I really enjoy the first 3 Jack Ryan films, the 4th not so much because of Ben Affleck and because it's just too out of sync with the previous trilogy. The first 3 are classic political thrillers that do a great job of bringing Tom Clancy's books to the big screen. His vision and Jack Ryan character are for the most part, executed very well on these films. Many have their preferences as the stronger and better of the bunch but I like Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger individually for their own qualities and suspenseful action.
  
  I've seen all of the Jack Ryan's on HD DVD, and sure enough, the Blu Ray's are exactly the same. Which is too bad because Paramount didn't do a very good job remastering them and they just don't look nearly as good as they should in hi def. I suspect that many Blu Ray owners will be pretty disappointed with the lack of visual pop that they're hoping for. Each of the Jack Ryan's looks better than the one before it which is typical as newer films upgrade easier to high def. And at least they all look better than their standard def counterparts. The problem is, is that most hi def owners have seen older films than these look better than these. Which brings us to wonder, what went wrong here? Granted, these films are a difficult upgrade as most of the scenes take place inside a submarine, house, office, or outside on overcast days, making it more difficult to provide that 3D pop we're looking for. But there are specks and dirt in the transfers and while I didn't find them in abundance or distracting, I do feel it's inexcusable at this point in the Hi Def's life cycle, especially for these movies. There's no reason for them not to be squeaky clean by now, even if they're going to look a little flat. But they are the best transfers available and the best we'll see until they provide us a proper remastering. But one is due.
  
  The audio, well this is finally where these discs pop. And I mean POP!!! We're given some truly thunderous transfers here in Dolby TrueHD. These films sounded good to begin with on standard dvd (especially October) but these new transfers are just incredible. They easily trounce the old ones. The scores, sound effects, gun shots and explosions are absolutely thrilling. This is all moot if you don't have a proper surround system to decode and dish out the TrueHD tracks though. If thats the case, then you may want to consider keeping your standard discs if you have them because the audio is the clear selling point for the upgrade.
  
  Despite my dissatisfaction with the flimsy visual upgrades, I'm still satisfied with these discs. I'd recommend them for any Blu Ray (and home theater) owner looking for a worthy upgrade for their favorite Tom Clancy films. Again, I stress you'll be much more impressed by the HD audio here rather than the passable but not demo worthy HD video. I give this set a 4 out of five because even though difficult, I believe if they really wanted to, Paramount could've and should've given these films a better makeover than they got. The powerful audio will help ease the disappointment with the video. Overall, I still recommend them.
  
  
  

• poor quality they need to recall Blu-ray

  
  By AUTIZOMQZHZLQ on 2008-08-03
  The movie is good but don't waste your money on this blue ray version there is a pixial problem flashes of light and ghosting images throughout the movie. Terrible picture quality! I exchanged the one I had at target only to get another one of the same poor quality with the same image problems -don't buy it until they fix the problem. I see another person is noting this problem in their reviews here as well. There is no contact number on the DVD box and the email to Paramount pic. goes no where. Target 800 # customer refunds went no where and they were rude on top of it. I had hoped they could give me a contact number to get a replacement. Hopefully there will be enough omplaints that a contact number for recall will be given or posted. Very frustrating and so far a waste of money!!! I will wait to get the other DVDs in the series now.
  
  

• Flashes of light?

  
  By A284BOKGHH60VX on 2008-08-04
  I agree that this Blu-ray could have been done a lot better but it is a definite improvement from the SD version. If you are a fan of this movie and HD this is the best you are going to get for at least a while so you have to take it or leave it. I don't regret buying it. I don't know what some of these other reviews are talking about with flashes of light, etc. I have two different players and a 60" and 40" screen and I didn't see any of that on either of them.
  
  

• Good movie; what is wrong with this Blu Ray?

  
  By A19ULDGX2Z1NDX on 2008-08-07
  I also had trouble playing the disc. I takes a huge time to load and than usually stops playing after a short while. I thought of asking for a new copy but it seems that there are more problems with this release.
  
  

• Clear and Present Danger [Blu-ray]
• The Hunt for Red October [Blu-ray]
• The Sum of All Fears [Blu-ray]
• The Mummy [Blu-ray]
• Men in Black [Blu-ray]