MovieFreak.com - "Daredevil" DVD Review by John Teves

DVD REVIEW

Daredevil (2003)

Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell

Director: Mark Steven Johnson

Rating: PG-13

Distributor: Fox Home Entertainment

Release Date: July 29, 2003
Review posted: August 14, 2003

Spoilers: None

Reviewed by John Teves

Synopsis

Ben Affleck is Matt Murdock, a Marvel Comics hero who's a lawyer by day but fights the bad guys at night to avenge the murder of his father. But what sets Matt apart from most superheroes isn't his back story; it's his handicap. Matt is blind, the result of a childhood accident that may have removed his ability to see but gifted him with heightened senses of touch, taste, hearing and smell.

Capsule Critique

DAREDEVIL is a flashy action movie with breathtaking choreographed martial arts and an acceptable storyline. It has a hint of drama with the theme of revenge outlining the story. It's a good film if you just want to turn the brain off for 103 minutes. This movie is exactly what it should be; a fun ride. If you are a fan of Daredevil or just a comic book action junkie, you'll enjoy this movie.

The Video

DAREDEVIL appears in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. This was truly a visual experience. Sharpness was spectacular. A few wide shots displayed some relatively sporadic signs of softness as the greater part of the film was crisp and well defined. I saw no signs of jagged edges or edge enhancement, but I noticed a few scenes containing a shimmer at times. As far as print flaws, I noticed considerable grain than normal for such a new film; not a major problem, but still a little off-putting. Colors were distinctive and solid; black levels were deep, reasonably dense and tight as shadow detail usually looked appropriately clear and thick. For the most part Fox Home Entertainment brings a fantastic video transfer for DAREDEVIL.

The Audio

DAREDEVIL is presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 track. Both tracks sounded practically identical. They were absolutely electrifying and presented a lively mix; sound radiated from all five speakers as both tracks presented admirable sound usage. Effects provided the highlights of the track, as surround effects kept the mix active. Audio quality was also terrific. Dialogue sounded natural and distinct, with no signs of edginess. Music came across bright and vivid; the score and music soundtrack demonstrated solid dynamics. Bass consistently appeared loud but it remained tight and never became overwhelming; that spectrum accentuated the process and didn’t become a distraction. Overall, DAREDEVIL presented an involving auditory experience.

The Extras

Commentary by director/screenwriter Mark Steven Johnson and producer Gary Foster
On-screen trivia track
Enhanced viewing mode
Visually impaired track
Theatrical trailer(s)
The Movie:
"Beyond Hell's Kitchen: Making Daredevil" documentary with optional enhanced viewing mode
6 multi-angle scene studies
Jennifer Garner screen test
HBO First Look special
Kingpin featurette
"Moving Through Space: A Day with Tom Sullivan"
3 music videos: "Won't Back Down" by Fuel, "For You" by the Calling, "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
Still gallery
The Comic Book:
"Men Without Fear: Creating Daredevil" documentary
"Shadow World Tour": an in-depth look at "Daredevil's sight"
Modeling sheets
DVD-ROM: Daredevil #1 virtual comic book, history of the comic book, bios for your favorite heroes and villains, wallpapers, sensory quiz
Number of discs: 2

Overall

Fox provides a great video transfer along with a fantastic audio track both in DD5.1 and in DTS 5.1, and don't forget the multiplicity of extras offered on this 2-disc set. Fans of the film will be thankful for what Fox has done for this presentation. Everyone else may want to give it a look even if you’re not a fan of the comic book hero. This DVD is highly recommended.

John Teves rates the film 3.5 out of 4.

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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