In Time

In Time" emerges as a visually stunning masterpiece in its Blu-ray presentation, a testament to the exceptional cinematography of Roger Deakins and the advanced digital technology employed during production. The movie's 1080p/AVC-encoded video is a marvel of technical achievement, boasting an impeccable exposure, robust black levels, and contrast that elevate the visual narrative to new heights. The clarity and detailed texture in every frame, from the nuanced expressions of the actors to the intricate designs of their attire, showcase the power of shooting with the Arri Alexa camera. This precision eliminates concerns over print damage and minimizes source noise and compression artifacts, ensuring a pristine viewing experience.

The Blu-ray's faithfulness to the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio contributes to a razor-sharp image where every element, down to the individual strands of hair on a wig, is crisply defined. The delineation between the affluent and impoverished zones is starkly evident, not just in the architectural details but also in the deliberate color grading that shifts from the cold, steely blues of Dayton to the warmer hues and vibrant saturation of New Greenwich. However, it’s important to note that while the majority of scenes radiate with cinematic luster, bolstered by accurate contrast and deep blacks, some dimly lit interiors and night scenes slightly detract from the visual splendor by flattening the image and obscuring details within the shadows.

The digital HD cameras capture an array of colors with precision, delivering rich and dense hues that inject life into each scene. Even in areas where the stylization veers towards monochromatic palettes, there's a strategic use of color to convey mood and atmosphere. Overall, "In Time" on Blu-ray is a showcase of visual excellence, from its meticulous detail and sharpness to its advanced color toning and handling of light and shadow, making it a definitive example of what high-definition home media can achieve.

The Blu Ray's audio presentation of "In Time" is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which, while not as instantly captivating as the film's high-definition visuals, brings its own merits to the forefront. The meticulous sound design becomes apparent early on with the pronounced factory noise at Will's workplace, signaling a thoughtful approach to the audio landscape. Although it may not be the most immersive experience nor feature the most aggressive use of the surround sound capability, the rear channels contribute significantly to creating an atmospheric presence with sounds such as electric cars zipping by, gunshots ricocheting, and ambient bar noises. This is complemented by an undercurrent of low subwoofer activity during action scenes, adding a satisfying depth to the mix. Craig Armstrong's score, albeit somewhat formulaic for an action movie, boasts a rich and powerful execution that enhances the overall sound experience.

The audio track maintains an excellent balance with the majority of its action directed through the front channels, crafting a broad and coherent soundstage that allows for smooth transitions across speakers. Vocals remain sharp and centered, ensuring that dialogue is consistently clear and intelligible, an aspect crucial for maintaining engagement with the narrative. The dynamic range is impressive, presenting a clarity in its delivery that lends realism to scenes, particularly noticeable in the distinct sounds of gunshots and car crashes which are complemented by a robust low-end response.

Despite these strengths, there are moments when the sound field feels underutilized, particularly in terms of ambient and directional effects which could have further enriched the auditory experience. Additionally, while Armstrong's score effectively expands the soundstage and engulfs the listener, it sometimes overshadows the subtler audio elements. The inclusion of English SDH and Spanish subtitles, along with English descriptive audio and French and Spanish dubs, adds value by catering to a wider audience, ensuring the film's compelling auditory experience is accessible to all.

The Blu-ray extras for "In Time" offer a mix of somewhat interesting content, though not all equally enhance the viewing experience. The most notable feature is "The Minutes," a faux-documentary that amusingly provides a backstory on the discovery of immortality with a tongue-in-cheek tone, featuring all main actors in 1080p resolution and lasting 16:35. It stands out for its creativity and humor. Then, there are the Deleted/Extended Scenes, available in both 1080p (12:52) and HD formats, with ten scenes showing some extended narratives that, while mostly dispensable, include intriguing bits about Will's father's subplot. However, the consensus suggests these scenes were rightly cut from the final film. Lastly, Sneak Peeks are provided in 1080p (14:13) and HD, showing trailers for several other films. While these present an insight into contemporary movies, they are less relevant to the "In Time" universe.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Minutes: A goofy faux-documentary featuring main actors discussing the discovery of immortality.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Ten scenes that offer a bit more depth, including details about Will's father.
• Sneak Peak: Trailers for a selection of films, showcasing upcoming or contemporary movies at the time.

In Time," penned and helmed by Andrew Niccol, traverses an inventive yet troubling premise where time quite literally translates to money, embedding a dystopian narrative deeply intertwined with critiques on immortality, capitalism, and societal inequalities. This 2011 sci-fi envisions a reality where upon reaching 25 years of age, individuals cease to age but are bestowed a mere year of life expectancy, visible via a glowing green timer on their forearms—a currency that determines their fate. Justin Timberlake stars as Will Salas, a factory worker navigating this treacherous world, who stumbles into a fortune of time, propelling him into a conflict against a skewed economic system and prompting a 'Robin Hood'-esque crusade.

Despite its promising and potentially engaging concept, "In Time" falters in execution, offering a narrative that feels like an extended metaphor forced down the audience's throat with ham-fisted dialogues and transparent social commentary. The portrayal of class struggle and wealth disparity—especially poignant during the Occupy Wall Street era—lacks the depth or originality needed to elicit serious thought or invested emotion. What could have been a sharp critique of capitalistic excess ends up as an overplayed allegory with little subtlety, undermined further by its reliance on clichéd elements and predictable character arcs. Niccol’s ambition to fuse social critique with science fiction fails to materialize into a cogent or compelling narrative, leaving viewers with a movie that is more tedious than enlightening.

While Timberlake and Seyfried deliver passable performances, their characters remain underdeveloped, tethered to the narrative's overtly allegorical intensions without the necessary depth to make them relatable or fully realized. Likewise, the wider cast suffers from one-dimensional portrayals that serve more as plot devices than as contributions to a nuanced story. Andrew Niccol's direction and script are littered with time-related puns and heavy-handed symbolism that distract rather than contribute to the film's thematic ambitions. Ultimately, "In Time" presents a vivid concept marred by its lack of subtlety and failure to explore its intriguing premise with the sophistication it demands.

In Time," directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Justin Timberlake along with Amanda Seyfried, is a film that inherently blends the concept of a dystopian future with the pressing issues of class warfare and the wealth gap, echoing sentiments reminiscent of the Occupy Movement. While the film ambitiously attempts to navigate through these dense thematic materials, it ultimately falls short in delivering a fully realized narrative and character development, feeling more like a simplified Marxist critique wrapped in a package of sci-fi clichés. Despite these storytelling shortcomings, "In Time" shines in its Blu-ray presentation, offering viewers outstanding picture quality and audio experience that significantly enhances the consumption of the movie.

The Blu-ray edition of "In Time" is a testament to the technical prowess in contemporary home entertainment. It boasts an impeccable high-definition picture quality that breathes life into its futuristic setting, coupled with an audio presentation that impeccably complements the visual spectacle. The supplementary content provided across the formats is balanced, although it is the high-definition package that offers a more compelling reason for acquisition, positioning it as a decent, albeit not essential, addition to a cinephile's collection.

Conclusively, while "In Time" may not have made a significant impact at the box office or in the hearts of its viewers due to its undercooked exploration of its intriguing premise and lackluster script, its Blu-ray release somewhat salvages its reputation through sheer technical merit. For enthusiasts of sci-fi cinema or collectors who prioritize audiovisual quality, this Blu-ray edition warrants consideration for a rental, serving as a showcase of how even an average film can be transformed into a visually captivating experience with the right technological treatment.