Gravity (2013) (BLU-RAY REVIEW)
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
RATED: PG-13/REGION A/2:39/1080P/NUMBER OF DISCS 1
AVAILABLE FROM Warner Brothers
“Gravity” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that has left me grappling with its themes long after the credits rolled. Alfonso Cuarón’s direction is masterful, as he guides the audience on a perilous journey through the vastness of space with precision and finesse. The special effects are nothing short of breathtaking, transporting viewers to the desolate and unforgiving environment of zero gravity.
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney deliver strong performances as two astronauts fighting for survival in the midst of a catastrophic event. Their characters’ bond and banter add a welcome layer of humanity to the film, making their struggles all the more relatable and emotionally resonant.
However, despite its many strengths, “Gravity” feels somewhat lacking in terms of narrative depth. The plot, while thrilling and intense, is relatively straightforward and lacks the complexity and nuance that would elevate it to true greatness. The film’s themes of survival, hope, and redemption are effectively conveyed, but they feel somewhat superficial, lacking the richness and subtlety that would make them truly memorable.
Additionally, the pacing can be somewhat uneven at times, with moments of intense tension giving way to periods of relative calm that feel almost anticlimactic. The score, composed by Steven Price, is equally effective in capturing the film’s sense of wonder and danger, but it sometimes feels overly prominent, overpowering the dialogue and action at times.
Ultimately, “Gravity” is a visually stunning film that will leave you in awe of its technical achievements. While it may not be perfect, it is still a powerful and thought-provoking experience that will resonate with audiences. But what truly lingers long after the credits roll is the sense of existential dread that pervades the film – a reminder of our own mortality and fragility in the face of the vast unknown.
Extras
- Introduction to Gravity: Silent Space
- Gravity: Silent Space NEW! – Director Alfonso Cuarón invites you to experience the film without music for a unique, surprising and rewarding cinematic experiment.
- Looking to the Stars: The Evolution of Space Films NEW! – For more than 100 years, filmmakers have been fascinated with the stars. This look back at the evolution of the depiction of space travel in film through the eyes of many of the artists responsible (including Alfonso Cuarón, Ron Howard, Joe Dante, Dennis Muren, John Dykstra and others) chronicles the memorable milestones and visual achievements that have defined a genre and entertained generations of audiences.
- Sandra’s Birthday Wish NEW! – Share in Sandra Bullock’s spaced-out birthday wishes for director Alfonso Cuarón.
- Gravity: The Human Experience (Previously Limited Availability) When Alfonso and Jonás Cuarón set out to tell a singular human story, the romance and mysticism of separating oneself from Earth was added into the mix and “Gravity” was conceived. Join as the filmmakers, along with former astronauts, author of “Packing for Mars” Mary Roach and others weigh in on the physical and emotional aspects of space exploration.
