Just watched Independence Day Fox Japan Blu-ray

[nycomet]

I couldn't wait for the USA release so I ordered ID4 on Blu-Ray which is out in Japan (http://www.amazon.co.jp). The color, contrast and overall transfer is absolutely brilliant. Sound is blistering with aggressive surround. Only one or two special effect sequences did not hold-up well on the transfer - especially the exploding of the Empire State Building. Perhaps HD is so clear that it accentuates any weaknesses in an effects shot.

I played ID4 on a Sony BDP-S300 (firmware 3.70) and a 52-inch Sharp Aquos LCD with a Sony STR-DG710 6.1 channel receiver and 200-watt self-powered Sony Subwoofer. The surround was immersive and teeth-rattling to say the least.

The disc itself took an exceptionally longer time to load than other Blus that I have. The disc contains a game which appears to allow viewers to shoot the aliens while the film is playing. It's optional so the game is not always there unless it is activated from the special features menu. The game must be all Java-based, thus the longer load time. For obvious reasons, all of the menus and instructions are written in Japanese so game instructions and discovering what the other extra features on this disc are was an adventure in itself due to the language difference. Even the title of the film printed on the spine of the case insert is in Japanese. One other note: ID4 is an English language movie so Japanese subtitles are active when the movie starts. I turned off the subtitles as soon as I realized they were on.

The printed insert offers very little English text. However, the following is written in English:

1080p
5.1ch DTS HD Master Audio
5.1ch DTS
D-Box Motion Code
Region A

Everything else is Japanese.

ID4 from Japan cost 3477 Yen ($31.79 US) plus 2000 Yen ($18.28 US) for International FedEx (no other shipping option). Amazon shipped my order on Dec 30th. It arrived this morning - Jan. 2. Yes, it was expensive, but I had Blu-ray fever and had to have this movie now.

One can purchase ID4 now or pre-order from http://www.amazon.co.jp the following three blu-ray releases due to issue on Jan 18, 2008:

Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
Commando
Predator

I am tempted to order Predator.

I am awaiting receipt of The Island and Starship Troopers on Blu-Ray from Amazon UK. They should be here next week. I will post a review then.