Review of Vertical Limit (Superbit version)

Introduction

The Superbit idea is one I heartily agree with - removing features so they can increase the quality of the film you bought ;) This is a good thing.

This shows up best with recent big-budget cinema releases.

Therefore it`s obvious to choose a popular, big-budget, recent, new, exciting film to "superbit". But they chose Vertical Limit. Oh well.

Vertical limit is not a good film. The plot is terrible, the direction is worse, the B-grade actors can`t and the plot stinks (It`s so bad I had to repeat myself). Dad is climbing with his kids and there`s an accident. Son cuts rope (this is based on "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson I guess). Dad dies. Sister hates son. Add pointless K2 climbing expeditions and lashings of unstable explosives and stand back.......

The superbit transfer is great though ;)

Video

Fantastic! The picture quality of the 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer is essentially perfect. Colours are all reproduced accurately, contrast is excellent without looking like it`s been excessively sharpened and there`s no sign of grain or dirt or anything.

However, there`s one caveat to this which is that the picture is so good it highlights some terrible back projection, dubious stock footage of avalanches and some rather terrible digital versions of the same.

Audio

With a choice of Dolby Digital or DTS (both 5.1) I would recommend the DTS version whis is probably the best addition to the Superbit version.

Both produce great thumping avalanches, lots of well defined yelling and screaming - and occasionally some dialogue. When people do bother chatting, everything is good and clear! The surround channels are used to good effect - this is a nice test of your system (and the friendly neignbours)

The soundtrack tries to be more that it is and gets in the way in places.

Features

The picture and sound quality are the special features ;)

Conclusion

As an advert for the quality you can get from a DVD, this gets a solid 10. The picture and sound (especially the DTS track) quality are second to none and will really do a decent home cinema system justice.

As an advert for the superbit process it`s great but Vertical limit is a terrible film. This reflects in the ratings.....

So, in closing, I totally recommend the Superbit discs (The Fifth Element disc is excellent) and this one only in so far as it`s an excellent benchmark for your system.