Immortal Blu Ray review

The Film:

Immortal is a visual treat. The film bleeds imagination from every frame. Taken from a surrealist graphic novel from Enki Bilal, the story goes something like this: About a hundred years into the future, the ancient Egyptian God Horus has only a few days to preserve his immortality or die. That’s the gist, I guess, because the film has a zillion subplots going on, everything from freedom fighters against a corrupt government, to genetically enhanced half-bred alien/human things, to a love story, to the city wondering what’s in the big giant pyramid, it’s like a can of mixed nuts, you get a little of everything and in the end it’s sort of enjoyable, if you’re not sick by that time.

The film is one of those early all CG films with human actors, much like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. The futuristic settings benefit from the use of the technology, although at times I was wondering why the director used CG human characters for certain scenes and then went back to using real humans. I would prefer the use of real humans because it gives us something to latch onto in this weird film. The CG humans are okay looking. The film was released in 2005, so there have been advancements in the technology. I can see some people complain about it looking like a video game and although the 3-D is decent it just does not hold up to current stuff from newer effects films.

Despite the confusing plot, the film is weirdly watchable. I eagerly viewed it wondering what would happen next, which is a good sign. The film is wildly ambitious, kudos for trying to be unique. The film is like Blade Runner mixed with Stargate and add Fifth Element for good measure to the mix. Linda Hardy is somewhat hot under the blue hair and skin tight leather (and is nude) and the action is pretty cool. I really can’t imagine this seeking a wide audience. It’s aimed at people who enjoy sci-fi and those who wouldn’t mind sitting down with something not easily understood, or just for the curious, which is how I found it.

The Blu Ray:

Audio/Video: The sound is really good. Plenty of bass surround use, and overall ambience which gives a good presentation. The video is pretty good too; slick, clear, detailed. A few little quibbles from video tech guys I’d imagine, but for all of us, it’s great. Another first rate First Look Studios blu ray.

Making of: This is a decent segment, running at thirty minutes, although there’s some repetition in it making it a once through, nothing of terrible interest.

Trailers

Conclusion: Weird, unique, but kind of cool. First Look Studios gives a great presentation for something like this, which is always a good thing. Give it a rent.

Rating: