- Aspect Ratio: 2:40:1
- Video Codec: AVC/MPEG-4
- Resolution: 1080p/24 (23.976Hz)
- Audio Codec: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English, French, Portuguese Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
- Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Region: A (B? C?)
- Rating: PG-13
- Run Time: 91 Mins.
- Discs: 1 (1 x Blu-ray + UltraViolet Digital Copy)
- Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
- Blu-ray Release Date: June 26th, 2012
- List Price: $39.99
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Overall
[Rating:3/5]
The Film
[Rating:1/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:2/5]
Click thumbnails for high-resolution 1920X1080p screen captures
(All TheaterByte screen captures are lightly compressed with lossy JPEG at 100% quality setting and are meant as a general representation of the content. They do not fully reveal the capabilities of the Blu-ray format)
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The Film
[Rating:1/5]
In what was Eddie Murphy’s first film in many years, A Thousand Words tells the story of Jack McCall (Eddie Murphy), a fast talking book agent. After stretching the truth with spiritual guru Dr. Sinja (Cliff Curtis), he suddenly finds his life depending on a magical tree with 1,000 leaves…one for, wait for it….( ready?)… every word he has left (GENIUS PLOT OF THE YEAR!!!) Now Jack must figure out a way to stop talking, all while trying to think up new ways to communicate without speech. What results is a film that has a few brief moments of merit, but can’t overcome the shallow plot and seeming lack of interest from all involved.
Originally shot in 2008, and having been delayed numerous times, A Thousand Words MIGHT have been a somewhat decent film had it been released back then. In the year 2012, the film (especially in this day-and-age of comedy) just doesn’t work on any real levels. The first issue lies not in Eddie Murphy, as the few initial sequences when he’s speaking do kind of remind us of his earlier years, however, once the brilliant ‘plot’ comes in and Murphy loses his voice….well, there goes any real interest or substance the film possibly ever could have had.
I can’t really say I expected a lot from this film, as I had heard so many negative comments on it. Regardless of that, I went in with a bit of hope as Murphy is responsible for some of the best comedic films of all time (Beverly Hills Cop anyone?) Whether it be just Murphy getting older and losing his way, or just his lack of interest in the genre, I’m just not too sure. Please, Mr. Murphy return to your old, gut-wrenching funny days.
Video Quality
[Rating:5/5]
The film’s 2:40:1, AVC MPEG-4 encoded, transfer is excellent. Shot digitally using Arricam’s, the film features a very natural, realistic color palette with bright greens, yellows, and blues (all which look accurate). Speaking of accuracy, flesh tones and contrast levels remain accurate with no instance of over saturated colors. Noise levels are kept on the lighter side, adding a slight layer while anomalies like DNR and EE are completely absent. Truly, I just wish the film were even close to as great as this transfer.
Audio Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Arriving with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, Words may not be the first title you’d think of grabbing to do demo your home theater. Truth is, sonically, this track is ever bit as effective as some of the higher end audio mixes. Dialogue is expertly reproduced with no instance of drop out. Atmosphere showcases the busy, bustling California locale well with background traffic, dialogue, and chanting at Sinja’s meditation outdoor place. LFE, particularly during the thunderstorm nearly 3/4 of the way through, is deep and immersive when called upon. Akin to that of the aforementioned video transfer, this audio track shines brightly.
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:2/5]
The included supplements are featured in High Definition:
- UltraViolet Digital Copy – An UltraViolet Digital Copy is included in this package.
- Deleted Scenes – 11 scenes, totaling 12:52, are shown. The scenes themselves are largely forgettable.
- Alternate Ending – A 2:03 alternate ending is shown.
The Definitive Word
Overall:
[Rating:3/5]
A few VERY brief scenes of merit can’t save A Thousand Words, a boring film lacking any real spirit or substance. Paramount’s Blu-ray, on the hand, is a technical achievement with demo-worthy V/A. I just don’t know who you would want to demo this to, as I can’t see anyone wanting to watch this.
Additional Screen Captures
[amazon-product align=”center”]B005LAIGJQ[/amazon-product]
Purchase A Thousand Words + UltraViolet Digital Copy on Blu-ray at CD Universe
Shop for more Blu-ray titles at Amazon.com
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[amazon-product]B005LAIGJQ[/amazon-product]
Purchase A Thousand Words + UltraViolet Digital Copy on Blu-ray at CD Universe
Shop for more Blu-ray titles at Amazon.com
Overall
[Rating:3/5]
The Film
[Rating:1/5]
Video Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:5/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:1.5/5]
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