Vertical Limit

Cast View all

	Chris O'Donnell	Peter Garrett
	Robin Tunney	Annie Garrett
	Stuart Wilson	Royce Garrett
	Augie Davis	Aziz
	Temuera Morrison	Major Rasul
	Roshan Seth	Colonel Amir Salim
	Alejandro Valdes-Rochin	Sergeant Asim
	Nicholas Lea	Tom McLaren
	Rod Brown	Ali Hasan
	Scott Glenn	Montgomery Wick
	Steve Le Marquand	Cyril Bench
	Ben Mendelsohn	Malcolm Bench
	Izabella Scorupco	Monique Aubertine
	Bill Paxton	Elliot Vaughn
	Ed Viesturs	Self
	Robert Taylor	Skip Taylor
	Alexander Siddig	Kareem Nazir
	Clinton Beavan	WNN Cameraman
	David Hayman	Frank 'Chainsaw' Williams
	Robert Mammone	Brian Maki
	Nicole Whippy	Spanish Climber
	Colin Moy	Technician
	Ian Bolt	Technician
	Nicolette Kenny	Technician
	Ross McKellar	Technician

Crew View all

Director	Martin Campbell
Writer	Robert King, Terry Hayes
Producer	Martin Campbell, Robert King, Amy Lescoe, Lauren Lloyd, Mike Medavoy, Sarah Metcalfe, Marcia Nasatir, Philip A. Patterson, Lloyd Phillips
Musician	James Newton Howard
Photography	David Tattersall

Personal

Notes

Story Synopsis:
High drama on one of the highest peaks in the world, “Vertical Limit” takes us to the base of the frigid K2 mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range as a team of climbers are about to ascend the treacherous heights. Among them is experienced climber Annie Garrett (Tunney) whose brother Peter (O’Donnnell), upon discovering that her group is in trouble, sets out after her even though he hasn’t climbed since a tragic family accident left their father dead-and Annie blaming him for the death.


DVD Picture:
From the very first scene when comparing the anamorphically enhanced Superbit DVD to the previously reviewed standard DVD (issue 51), the Superbit DVD (framed at 1.85:1) reveals outstanding improvements over the previous version. Color fidelity is more refined, with a natural balance rather than appearing orange. Fleshtones are accurately rendered, and blacks are deep and solid. Images are sharp, with an exceptional amount of clarity and detail, especially when comparing the two versions. Contrast and shadow delineation are very nicely presented. Viewed alone, the Superbit DVD is a fine example of DVD’s capablilities. Unfortunately, edge enhancement can be a problem. (Suzanne Hodges)


Soundtrack:
The Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack is the same as that issued previously. The DTS® Digital Surround™ audio offers some subtle, yet noticeable refinements to what is already an excellent soundtrack, including a little greater punch in the low-end, and a soundstage that seems slightly more open and resolute. A good example of the latter is with the sounds of snow and ice pellets falling all around in Chapter 22. The audio presentations are truly outstanding demonstrations of dynamics and dimension. The soundtrack (originally created for 8-channel SDDS®) was rerecorded on the William Holden Stage at the Sony Pictures Studios lot by Bob Beemer and Scott Millan (Oscar® winners for Gladiator), and the supervising sound editor is credited to Dave McMoyler. The surrounds fully come alive, and often prominently, with very effective utilization of left-right separation that, along with the screen channels, dramatically opens up the listening space and at the same time fully absorbs the listener, such as in Chapter 9 with the fierce blizzard and subsequent avalanche. Another very dramatic example is in Chapter 16, with the helicopter drop-off scene, as the soundstage becomes fully energized. But it is also the moderate spread of ambient and specific effects throughout the soundfield that are commendable. The back surround channel should certainly provide for a noticeable enhancement in the surround soundstage. In addition to the excellent use of dimension throughout, this sound mix is also notable in terms of the creativity with sound effects. Foley, in particular, is remarkable with the sounds of footsteps in the snow, the handling of climbing-related gear, and the like very well recorded and reproduced in the sound mix with remarkable poignancy, such as in the snow-laced cavern which has trapped the climbers. And, of course the use of the low-end is both remarkable and downright exciting. All channels will experience sub-25 Hz bass extension, sometimes with enough sheer intensity to challenge your system for the avalanches and explosions. The .1 LFE is also a prominent factor for this soundtrack, both with effects and the music. The music has a very nicely enveloping, rich presence that is pleasing and engaging to experience, and also very effectively heightens the visceral settings. Voices are delivered with very good fidelity, but also with a somewhat forward-sounding presence with some mid-bass emphasis, attributes which somewhat compromise naturalness in terms of spatial integration. (Perry Sun)



This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
Superb Sound Effects Recording Quality
Superb Music Score Recording Quality

Tags

Links