Starring: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Kate Mara, Morgan Freeman
Director: Wally Pfister
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: July 22, 2014
Running Time: 118 minutes
Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
Man oh man, when I heard that “Transcendence” was terrible, I just couldn’t believe it. Executive produced by Christopher Nolan and directed by his long-time cinematographer Wally Pfister and starring Johnny Depp, how could you go wrong? Damn, this was a terrible movie. This was really the Rebecca Hall show anyway, whom I am not a fan of. The story is so messy and it seems like they wanted to take this in WAY too many directions and it ended up failing in all of them. Plus when you find out this cost $100 million dollars and just wonder…how? Check Mr. Depp’s pockets. Leave this one for basic cable unless you really are bored…and want to be more bored.
Official Premise: Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they’ve also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him. However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed; to be a participant in his own transcendence.
Warner is releasing this as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD and UltraViolet Digital HD digital copy included. The 1080p looks great with the very few visual effects included. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works for the score, which is not that great anyway. The special features includes four featurettes. The first is “What is Transcendence?” looks into the concept with cast and crew. “Wally Pfister: A Singular Vision” focuses on the director and the production. “Guarding the Threat” is a debate about the dangers of “transcendence.” “The Promise of A.I.” gets prove from actual scientists and the filmmakers. Lastly there are two viral videos and trailers included.
Own “Transcendence” on Digital HD now and on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on July 22nd.