DVD Corner

The Final Destination In 3-D Blu-ray Review

Not even the 3-D gimmick can save “The Final Destination.”

GRADES:

Content: C-

Picture: A-

Audio: A-

Extras: B

THE MOVIE:

Let me start off by saying that I enjoyed the first 3 “Final Destination” films. I found them all to be intense, fun horror films about not being able to escape death. In fact, I’d go as far as to say the first film is easily one of the best horror films of the 00’s. I wish I could say the fourth entry is in the same league, but alas, it turns out that is not the case.

By all accounts, “The Final Destination” should be entertaining. The plot, which revolves around an unlucky bunch of survivors of a horrific racetrack accident, is no different than the first three films and this time the fourth entry is in 3-D. Sounds like a recipe for success, right? Wrong. It’s clear by now that the franchise is out of gas. The film completely lacks any creativity in the death sequences and story and the characters are completely and utterly disposable. There’s no Devon Sawa or Ali Larter to care about here.

As for the 3-D, it still doesn’t quite work on home video (or on Blu-ray) yet. The blue and red glasses really hurt your eyes after awhile and they aren’t exactly comfortable. With that said, the 3-D is really all this film has going for it and some of the gruesome sequences are rather neat looking in 3-D.

Summary: Skip this fourth installment and watch the first “Final Destination” (or its two sequels) instead.

Note: This Blu-ray set contains both the 2-D and 3-D versions of the film. Two 3-D glasses are included with the discs.

PICTURE AND VIDEO

Even though 3-D has yet to be perfected on home video, the 2.4:1 1080p picture quality is still top notch here. The same goes for the standard 2-D version.

The 5.1 DTS-HD is quite lively throughout. From the opening racecar sequence to the explosions, the speakers are constantly being put to work.

Extras:

* Digital copy.
* Warner/New Line ads and trailers.
* 9 deleted scenes and 2 alternate endings.
* Storyboard, Pre-Vis Animatics and Visual Effects featurettes for the racecar crash and the mall explosion.
* A behind-the-scenes look at the making of 7 death sequences.
* A quick sneak peek at the upcoming “A Nightmare On Elm Street” remake. 

January 5, 2010 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | 3-D, The Final Destination Blu-ray Review, The Final Destination In 3-D Blu-ray Review