Serenity

Well it been 5 years since this was released and around 8 since the TV Show “Firefly” was shown here. But this movie still amazes me (this will be the Third time I have brought this movie, Twice On DVD and this Blue ray. I have seen the HD-DVD version as well). They have slightly improved the Experience each time they make a new release.

The Movie

Serenity races by at a quick 119-minutes of non-stop action, suspense and, as is typical with Joss Whedon, a great sense of fun and humour. The chemistry between the cast members is still there and the writing is excellent. Newcomers will not be lost with the plot and fans of Firefly will feel like the series never left. It is not a Directors Cut so there is nothing new, but that's fine for me. If you didn't like the first time, sorry there is nothing here to change your mind.

Picture

A fine transfer here with Serenity seeing a 1080P VC-1 encode and a 2.35:1 framed aspect ratio. It must been hard job to do when the movie jumps from the black of space, to bright colours of clothing. Details are stunning. On a good size TV you can see every detail. Chapter 5 The Reavers Chase will be a good test scene for me in the future

Sound

Serenity is presented on 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. If you can use this option it is simply amazing. Techincally better than the audio on the HD-DVD

Serenity will tick off your neighbours, impress your friends and scare the living hell out of the cat. Highly recommended!

What's different between the DVD and HD-DVD Content Wise?

Kicking off these new features is a visual commentary with Joss Whedon and members of the cast. This is, in reality, the same audio commentary as found on the DVD and HD DVD release, albeit now presented visually. The standalone audio only track can also be accessed from the special features menu. Also new are BD-Live enabled features, which I haven't tried yet. A Picture-in-Picture track presents a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, with everything from rehearsals to interviews, some of which is taken from the standalone features included on the disc. The “Mr. Universe Compendium” is basically a trivia track that plays throughout the movie, but with added visual aids. Of more interest is the “Digital Tour of the Serenity,” which opens an additional window with information and graphics related directly to the ship.

The rest of the special Features are the Same as the 2 DVD collectors edition.

The Bloopers are still Brilliant.

Summary

If you have the HD DVD version or the Special edition DVD then it might be fine to skip the Blu-ray as you got most what on this version

If you are a Fan, Hi Def nut or haven't got this in your collection then grab it as soon as possible. You won't be disappointed

Probably one of my most favourite Sci Fi films. Great on its own, though watching “Firefly” first will give you a better experiance for the film.
DJ

Following up on the cult TV Show Firefly, Whedon brings back the full cast for one last hurrah. If you were a fan of the original show you will not be dissapointed in the film adaptation and finale, with its high production value and outstanding cast and crew. It is truely like watching a long episode of the show with a lot of surprises, tongue in cheek humour and trademark Whedon dialogue. If you loved the show or are a fan of Whedon in general you will enjoy this Sci-fi, Wild Bunch inspired odyssey through the mind of Joss Whedon and company.

This is on of my favourite movies of all time, if you like the TV series firefly or if you have never heard of it (I hadn't when I first watched Serenity) it is well worth watching.

I haven't yet watched the Firefly series that this movie is based on, but given the movie I shall look forward to watching the series!