Everest 3D

Unbridled ambition, a ferocious storm, and the limits of human endurance collide at the top of the world in the white-knuckle adventure Everest. The story follows a pair of expeditions to the highest point—and most dangerous place—on Earth. The movie captures the brutal majesty of the deadly peak, and the boundless courage required to conquer it. Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, the story documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms were encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Baltasar Kormakur; the featurettes Learning To Climb: The Actor's Journey (HD 04:42), A Mountain Of Work: Re-creating Everest (HD 05:13), Race To The Summit (HD 10:59), and Aspiring To Authenticity: The Real Story (HD06:47); upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p MVC 3D picture conversion from 2D was performed by Stereo D. The imagery exhibits tremendous depth, which reveals vast distances between mountainous, snow-capped ridges and distant rugged terrain. Base camps and all the associated gear is absolutely realistic, always appearing with natural perspective, scale, and volume. But the mountainous distances and deep crevasses really are spectacular and provide a realistic sense of massive scale. Of course, the photography of the snow packs both in terms of upward and downward perspectives is also magnificent. The shots of the summit are spectacular. Snow flurries are a constant reminder of the treacherous and freezing conditions. Everything appears perfectly, naturally REAL. The color palette exhibits rich and warm hues that are natural and contrasted to the white snowiness. Contrast is superb with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is excellent as well, with fine detail exhibited on facial features, hair, cold weather clothing and gear, and object texture, as well as the mountainous landscapes. This is a perfect subject to show the impact of 3D realism. While the 2D version is exemplary in terms of color and resolution, as well, it fails to command the visual intensity and incredible depth exhibited by the 3D version. This is a reference-quality picture throughout. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding with swirling, intense winds and thunderous rushes of accompanying sounds, enhanced with deep, powerful bass in the .1 LFE channels. Deep bass extends to sub-25 Hz frequencies during the blistering, wind-intense storm sequences but never overpowers unnaturally. Thunder and lightening and avalanches are intense and actively engage all the channels, particularly the surrounds. The sense of Immersive Sound is wonderful, with a spectacular holosonic® spherical soundfield presence. The orchestral and choral score enhances the lofty presence with a wide and deep soundstage that extends aggressively to the four surround channels. Fidelity is excellent throughout. The sound of wind circulates throughout the soundfield, while the sound of other atmospherics such as the creaking sounds of gear, crackly radio signals, tapping metal sounds, and intense sound effects that rattle the emotions enhance the sense of realism and peril. All are directionalized. Dialogue is natural, with generally good spatial integration. This is a dynamically spectacular soundtrack that is reference quality throughout. (Gary Reber)