Bridge Of Spies

Set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, Bridge Of Spies tells the story of James Donovan (Hanks), a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on a near-impossible mission to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. High stakes and suspense power a story inspired by true events that capture the essence of a man who risked everything and vividly brings his personal journey to life. (Gary Reber)

Special features include four featurettes: A Case Of The Cold War (HD 17:45), U-2 Spy Plane (HD 08:45), Spy Swap: Looking Back On The Final Act (HD 05:52), and Berlin 1961: Re-creating The Divide (HD 11:35); upfront previews; and a digital copy.

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture is gorgeously photographed on Kodak film stock. Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography is exquisite, with effectively dramatic lighting and excellent contrast. Blacks are deep and shadow delineation is revealing of fine textures. The color palette is vibrant, yet impressively rich and warm. Hues are natural throughout. Colors at times pop but with totally natural character. Fleshtones are accurately realistic. Production design is superb, with intricate textures. Resolution is excellent as well, with fine detail exhibited in facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. This is a beautiful cinematic picture that creatively utilizes the full potential of film. The picture is reference quality throughout. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic with intense, full blown SPL and deep, extended bass to sub-25 Hz frequencies in the .1 LFE channel, for example during the missile attack on the U-2 plane over the Soviet Union, and nuances, for example in the quiet courtroom and prison scenes. Atmospherics are superbly produced and enhance the realism of the period and the production settings. Both atmospherics and sound effects extend to the four surrounds and provide an engaging sense of envelopment and dimension. Thomas Newman’s orchestral and choral score is expansive, with a wide and deep soundstage that also extends to the surrounds. Fidelity is excellent throughout. Dialogue is nicely integrated spatially. This is a terrific soundtrack that exhibits excellent sensitivity and support of the storytelling. This is reference quality throughout, (Gary Reber)