MovieFreak.com - "The Core" DVD Review by John Teves

DVD REVIEW

Core, The (2003)

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank, Delroy Lindo

Director: Jon Amiel

Rating: PG-13

Distributor: Paramount Home Entertainment

Release Date: September 9, 2003
Review posted: September 6, 2003

Spoilers: Minor

Reviewed by John Teves

Synopsis

Geophysicist Dr. Josh Keyes (Aaron Eckhart) has made a terrifying discovery: the Earth’s inner core has stopped rotating. Now the planet’s electromagnetic field is deteriorating and within months Earth will be destroyed. One hope exists: to send Keyes and an elite team (Hilary Swank, Delroy Lindo, Tcheky Karyo, Stanley Tucci, and Bruce Greenwood) and in a subterranean vessel to the center of the Earth. As mankind's fate hangs in the balance, the scientists and the ship's crew must do the unthinkable—detonate a nuclear device to reactivate the Earth's core.

Capsule Critique

THE CORE is an attention grabber and it presents itself as an often interesting presentation. Unfortunately, it suffers from a sense of creating anything particularly distinctive or compelling. Films like ARMAGEDDON and DEEP IMPACT have already taken a pass at the end of the world and its popularity has diminished as other studios take a stab at it. Nonetheless, I loved THE CORE and felt it was an excellent film that provided suspense, drama, and emotion all with dignity and flair.

The Video

THE CORE appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 2.35:1 and the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The video transfer looked magnificent. Sharpness was terrific. At all times, the movie remained nicely distinct and detailed. Softness caused no concerns, and the picture seemed well defined and accurate. I noticed no problems related to jagged edges, but a small amount of edge enhancement was displayed. As for print flaws, some light grain appeared at times, and I also saw a few insignificant bits of grit. Colors were brilliant and true to life. Black levels consistently came across as deep and rich, while shadow detail appeared dark but not too thick. Overall, THE CORE presented a solid image.

The Audio

THE CORE is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 and for the most part the soundtrack offered a stronger presentation. Audio quality was consistently excellent. Speech remained natural and warm, with no issues related to edginess. Effects were also terrific and they often packed a substantial punch. From the deep bass heard in explosions or the rumbling of storms and earthquakes, all of the effects seemed clear and crisp at all times. I detected no signs of distortion no matter how loud the track became. Ultimately, the mix offered a terrific auditory experience. Music sounded clean and distinct, and the score also boasted nice range and punch. Effects provided the track’s most prominent elements, especially during the action sequences. These effects always appeared clear and accurate, and the louder elements came across deep and prevailing. The movie featured solid bass response across the board.

The Extras

Commentary by Director Jon Amiel
To the Core and Back - The Making of The Core
Deconstruction of the Visual Effects
10 Deleted/Extended Scenes w/ Commentary
English subtitles

Overall

The DVD provides very good picture and sound plus some decent supplements. If you’re a fan of ARMAGEDDON and other films that demonstrate annihilation and man’s last hope of survival then you should find THE CORE entertaining. In fact, it comes highly recommended. For everyone else I can’t recommend more than rental, and even then it should only be for folks who really think they’ll enjoy this kind of genre.

John Teves rates the film 3 out of 4.

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

VERDICT: RECOMMENDED

DVD REVIEWS BY JOHN TEVES:

- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

- View from the Top

- Man Apart, A

- Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2-disc)=

- Chicago

- Hunted, The

- Daredevil

- Just Married