Clear and Present Danger [Blu-ray]

List Price: $29.99 Discount Price: $17.99

Customer Reviews:

Visually Disappointing But Audibly Exciting on Blu ray [Posted on 2008-08-03]
In typical studio fashion, Paramount has transfered this exact same master that was temporarily released on HD DVD early this year which was a mixed bag and not what these films, the fans of the films, or high def owners deserve.

I really enjoy the first 3 Jack Ryan films, the 4th not so much because of Ben Affleck and because it's just too out of sync with the previous trilogy. The first 3 are classic political thrillers that do a great job of bringing Tom Clancy's books to the big screen. His vision and Jack Ryan character are for the most part, executed very well on these films. Many have their preferences as the stronger and better of the bunch but I like Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger individually for their own qualities and suspenseful action.

I've seen all of the Jack Ryan's on HD DVD, and sure enough, the Blu Ray's are exactly the same. Which is too bad because Paramount didn't do a very good job remastering them and they just don't look nearly as good as they should in hi def. I suspect that many Blu Ray owners will be pretty disappointed with the lack of visual pop that they're hoping for. Each of the Jack Ryan's looks better than the one before it which is typical as newer films upgrade easier to high def. And at least they all look better than their standard def counterparts. The problem is, is that most hi def owners have seen older films than these look better than these. Which brings us to wonder, what went wrong here? Granted, these films are a difficult upgrade as most of the scenes take place inside a submarine, house, office, or outside on overcast days, making it more difficult to provide that 3D pop we're looking for. But there are specks and dirt in the transfers and while I didn't find them in abundance or distracting, I do feel it's inexcusable at this point in the Hi Def's life cycle, especially for these movies. There's no reason for them not to be squeaky clean by now, even if they're going to look a little flat. But they are the best transfers available and the best we'll see until they provide us a proper remastering. But one is due.

The audio, well this is finally where these discs pop. And I mean POP!!! We're given some truly thunderous transfers here in Dolby TrueHD. These films sounded good to begin with on standard dvd (especially October) but these new transfers are just incredible. They easily trounce the old ones. The scores, sound effects, gun shots and explosions are absolutely thrilling. This is all moot if you don't have a proper surround system to decode and dish out the TrueHD tracks though. If thats the case, then you may want to consider keeping your standard discs if you have them because the audio is the clear selling point for the upgrade.

Despite my dissatisfaction with the flimsy visual upgrades, I'm still satisfied with these discs. I'd recommend them for any Blu Ray (and home theater) owner looking for a worthy upgrade for their favorite Tom Clancy films. Again, I stress you'll be much more impressed by the HD audio here rather than the passable but not demo worthy HD video. I give this set a 4 out of five because even though difficult, I believe if they really wanted to, Paramount could've and should've given these films a better makeover than they got. The powerful audio will help ease the disappointment with the video. Overall, I still recommend them.

DECENT PRINT [Posted on 2008-08-10]
I kept reading that the picture quality for this movie was sorry. I was blown away by how good it looked on my new Sony 350 player. Some shots had a little grain but for the most part I thought it looked great. The movie was pretty damned entertaining too!

Blu- Ray DVD  [Posted on 2008-08-29]
The three Blu- Ray DVDs that I bought do not work on my one year old DVD player. Can't believe that I have to buy a new machine already.

badbones [Posted on 2008-09-01]
Of the three Tom Clancey books made into movies with Jack Ryan, this one come in third. The Hunt For Red October being the best, followed by Patriot Games. Had it's moments, but not enough of them.

2nd best entry in series [Posted on 2008-09-03]
Next to "Hunt for the Red October", this political thriller ranks 3.5 to 4 due to crisp direction by Philip Noyce and a fine supporting cast--Wilem Dafoe, Donald Moffat, James Earl Jones, Anne Archer, Benjamin Bratt, etc. The plot involves an government official found dead on a yacht and the implications that he was part of a drug cartel. Ford as Ryan is subbing for the Director (Jones)and becomes involved in a conspiracy which implicates some higher up. His discovery and the actions that follow make for an intriguing thriller. It's a little slow at first with some exposition but the final moments are gripping particularly the scene between Ryan and the President (Moffat) which is very well acted by both actors. Highly recommended for Clancy fans even if some of the episodes in the original novel have been left out for the movie.

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