Sometimes movies need to be re-watched to be fully enjoyed as to be honest I had a choice to see Tron Legacy at the cinema in 3D or go and see JLS at Sheffield with my wife and Daughter,
I chose Tron Legacy!
But at the time after watching that movie in 3D I came away very disappointed, as I came away with the impression of style over substance.
Fast forward four month and now both the original film and the long awaited sequel gets released on Blue Ray and it gave me time to catch up on how it all started with the original Tron movie.
Tron 1982.
When this came out it was groundbreaking with its jaw dropping computer generated effects, but the film did not break box-office records as expected.
It was marketed at the kids market and failed to capture the intended audience.
This was probably due to the movie being far ahead of its time, but over the years the film grew a massive cult following and finally was known as a cult classic.
Not seeing the film since its 1982 release what stands out is although the effects have dated, but how close the then fantasy world has started to become a reality.
The plot touches on many aspects that have now become normal day to day living and although plot wise its a jumble of ideas the film still has the retro sense of wonder fully intact.
Also the re-mastered Blue Ray version makes the visuals crisper than ever and the film has never looked so good.
****
Tron Legacy 2010
As mentioned earlier I was less that impressed by the movie at the cinema, but at home watching it in my own time and on Blue Ray the film can be fully appreciated.
As now I could watch the first film and now this back to back in a kind of one night "Tronathon"
What interested me was that the film does not loose any of the wow factor for not being in 3D.
The updated world of Tron is a visual treat with the deep blacks and the light blue neon. But what the fans were waiting for was the action and the advancement in technology since the first film truly stands out. The light cycle chase is jaw dropping as they speed around the smooth circuit leaving a dazzling light trail behind them using the most of the multi-level environment.
Also the disc fights in a Perspex arena is awesome as the killer discs ricochet of the walls until it makes contact with the other competitor and they shatter into millions of glass like pieces.
Jeff Bridges also is great as he reprises his role, but also the motion capture of the young Jeff Bridges is uncanny and although at times you can tell it's not real due to having a dead eyed look, how it interacts is astonishing.
To add to the spectacle of it all is Daf Punks music that compliments the films brooding visuals with a music score that sound similar to Hans Zimmer's score for The Dark Knight, but works perfectly.
But as we all know a film a film cannot rely on visuals alone it needs a good story.
This is a slight stumbling block for the film, as although the film has many idea's the actual plot only comes to light in the final quarter and it's the usual world domination plan.
Also the pace of the film is a bit off balance as most of the action happens in the first half of the movie leaving the movie to drag until the final quarter showdown.
But faults aside you cannot deny the film is a truly jaw dropping experience leaving the door wide open for more sequels to follow.
****
The films both have good extras, and although I have given both films four stars this package gets an overal five stars because of value for excellent money.
See if you like....
Blade Runner.
2001
The Matrix Trilogy.
The Lawnmower Man.