Theory Of Everything, The

The Theory Of Everything is based on the book “Travelling To Infinity: My Life With Stephen” by Jane Hawking about one of the world’s greatest living minds and the woman who persevered for love. Once a healthy, active young man, Stephen Hawking (Redmayne, who won the Academy Award® for Lead Actor) receives an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of––time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed.

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed digitally with the Arri Alexa camera system and in 16 mm to create the flashback scenes. The imagery is beautifully captured and presented, with a perfectly natural palette of hues that are never exaggerated but nicely balanced. While at times the picture is stylized and lighting is creatively infused, this is for dramatic effect and enhances the visual impact. Colors are nicely saturated, and contrast is well balanced with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Fleshtones are naturally rendered throughout. Resolution is excellent, with fine detail exhibited throughout, particularly during close-ups. This is a wonderful, visually engaging picture that is reference quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is beautifully produced and executed, with a wonderful orchestral score composed by Johann Johannsson that provides an emotionally engaging backdrop to the storytelling. The sound is immersive, with not only a very wide and deep soundstage but also an aggressive surround presence. Fidelity is excellent throughout. Foley is nuanced and real sounding. Atmospherics and sound effects are also nuanced and realistic. A fireworks display early on is sonically spectacular, with a completely enveloping and directionalized soundfield presence. A barrage of fireworks is one of the sonic highlights. Deep bass always sounds natural and is nicely extended. Dialogue is consistently intelligible and natural sounding with good spatial delineation. This is an outstanding reference soundtrack that will delight.