The Twilight Saga: New Moon

The video presentation of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" on Blu-ray boasts a commendable 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, marking a notable improvement over its predecessor, "Twilight." Viewers are immediately greeted with a shift to a more neutral and natural visual tone that occasionally leans towards the dark side, imbued with a subtle golden hue. This departure from the heavy blue tint of the first film offers a more varied and visually appealing palette, despite occasionally falling into a somewhat flat appearance that aligns with the film's intended aesthetic. The detail in the foreground is generally impressive, showcasing natural textures and depth in objects such as clothing and vehicles, although some backgrounds may appear smudgy or smeared, hinting at occasional inconsistency in detail preservation.

Color representation in "New Moon" is a tale of two tones, with the restrained, drab palette of Forks contrasting sharply against the vivid hues experienced during the characters' journey. This dichotomy extends to skin tones, where the deliberate presentation sees Edward with an almost ghastly pallor, Jacob with an orange tint, and Bella sporting a neutral complexion. However, issues like overly smooth skin on characters and a somewhat chalky appearance due to makeup on the vampires detracts from the texture and detail that could be observed in facial features. Additionally, the transfer struggles with shadow detail, as darker scenes tend to lose depth and detail, creating a somewhat flat visual experience in these moments.

Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray transfer of "New Moon" excels with its deep black levels and fine grain presence that adds to the cinematic quality. However, certain technical anomalies such as occasional noise, banding in the title sequence, and an odd, distracting rainbow blur effect during a specific action sequence, might catch the discerning eye. These flaws notwithstanding, the video quality of "New Moon" represents a significant step forward from its predecessor and should largely satisfy fans and videophiles with its dynamic range and visual fidelity.

The audio presentation of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" on Blu-ray showcases a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that balances the film’s dramatic range with technical excellence. While the track shines with dynamic action sequences characterized by their loud, aggressive nature, it’s the subtle atmospheric sounds that round out the listening experience, creating a rich auditory environment. The natural ambience of the film's exterior woodland scenes is particularly immersive, with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and blowing breezes bringing the environment to life. Moreover, the musical score is artfully presented, enhancing the emotional landscape of the film without overwhelming the dialogue or action, demonstrating a well-structured mix between front and rear channels.

Even though the dialogue maintains clarity throughout, with every line delivered with pristine precision—whether whispered or exclaimed—the lack of movement and localization in spoken words is a noted shortfall. However, this is compensated by the soundtrack’s excellent management of volume and balance between tension and tranquility. The low-end frequencies are particularly noteworthy; bass levels enrich action scenes with a palpable intensity, ensuring the listener’s engagement through both music cues and sound effects that fill the soundscape with depth and texture.

Critically, while the technical aspects of the audio track are commendable, opinions may vary regarding the choice of soundtrack music, highlighting a division between technical achievement and musical preference. The emo-inflected selection may not resonate with all listeners, but it’s undeniable that the audio mix adeptly supports both the film’s dynamic action and its quieter moments. Despite some preferences for different musical stylings, this Blu-ray release exemplifies Summit Entertainment’s commitment to delivering high-quality DTS-HD MA lossless soundtracks that complement the visual elements of their films, ensuring a complete and immersive home viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" offer a mixed bag that caters predominantly to the fanbase but provides enough substance to intrigue general audiences interested in filmmaking. The centerpiece is the detailed audio commentary by Director Chris Weitz and Editor Peter Lambert, offering a blend of technical insights and thematic discussions. Despite some criticism about their chemistry and the approach to explaining technical aspects, it serves as an in-depth exploration of the movie's production. The six-part documentary, "The Journey Continues," extensively explores various facets of making New Moon, from pre-production nuances like set and costume design to post-production elements such as editing and score. However, its length and self-indulgent tone may not appeal to all viewers. Additional materials include music videos and a Muse rehearsal video, which, despite being hit or miss depending on musical tastes, round out the package. This collection of extras showcases the blend of fan service and technical dissecting that might alienate non-fans but offers a valuable behind-the-scenes look for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A feature by Director Chris Weitz and Editor Peter Lambert covering technical and thematic elements of the film.
• The Journey Continues: A comprehensive six-part making-of documentary detailing various production phases, from set design to post-production challenges.
• Music Videos: Includes "Meet Me on the Equinox" by Death Cab for Cutie, "Satellite Heart" by Anya Marina, a rehearsal video for "I Belong to You" by Muse, and "Spotlight" by Mutemath.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon," the second film of Stephenie Meyer's vampiric series, teeters on the line between a blooming supernatural love triangle and the hangover of its predecessor's hype. Holding steady with a brooding tone familiar to fans of the saga, "New Moon" brings more teenage angst and mythical allure to the screen with Bella Swan wrestling between her undying love for vampire Edward Cullen and her growing affection for childhood friend turned werewolf, Jacob Black. With each character entrenched in their supernatural destinies, the film shifts focus towards emotional turmoil and internal conflict, heavily banking on the trio’s complicated dynamics over the action. The narrative traverses through heartbreak and healing, as Bella confronts the haunting absence of Edward while gravitating closer to Jacob's warmth, only to realize that dangers lurk in newfound intimacies.

Director Chris Weitz takes over the cinematic reins from Catherine Hardwicke, adopting a cleaner visual style while sidelining Twilight’s famously criticized blue tint. The effects, though slightly refined with the portrayal of werewolves, still grapple with convincing realism, limping alongside a script that flagrantly parades its source material without much adaptation finesse. While special effects inch forward in quality, they hardly mask the movie's deeper narrative fragilities – stuffed with melodramatic exchanges that drag its pace into a cumbersome trot. The portrayal by the three leads, Stewart's Bella, Pattinson's Edward, and Lautner's Jacob, dances on a thin line between stoic devotion and a lackluster delivery that craves more depth.

Looking beyond the star-crossed lovers and murky lore, "New Moon" wobbles awkwardly between its aspiration to advance Meyer's saga and its struggle to stand alone as a cohesive film. Despite a richer glance into the series' expanded universe, including the enigmatic dynamics of werewolves versus vampires, it trips on its bloated screenplay and underwhelms with its rush of revelations. The acting fleetingly reaches for profundity but often gets lost in translation between Meyer's page and Weitz's picture, leaving audiences adrift in a sea of potential that scarcely coalesces into the compelling drama or the visual feast one might hope for from such a beloved series.

In reviewing the Blu-ray presentation of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," it's crucial to approach it with balanced expectations, especially given the film's controversial place within its iconic franchise. Amidst the change in directorial hands and the inherent challenges of adapting such a fervently followed book series, "New Moon" stands as a contentious chapter. Its narrative, heavily laden with dialogue and emotional exchanges more than physical action, might not cater to all. However, within the context of the series, it bridges significant gaps, navigating its tumultuous love triangle with a level of confidence that keeps viewers engaged through its 131-minute run. The technical quality of the Blu-ray adds value, showcasing top-tier picture and sound quality that enhances the viewing experience for fans and possibly compensates for any narrative shortcomings.

Casual viewers and die-hard fans alike will appreciate the high-definition prowess of this release. The video clarity and audio depth ensure that "New Moon" sparkles in all its moody, atmospheric glory on Blu-ray. However, the release is somewhat marred by a lack of substantial extras, posing a dilemma for those devoted followers looking for more immersive content beyond the movie itself. This issue, coupled with a clear target demographic that may not resonate with everyone—underscored by nods to the potential weariness of non-fan family members—highlights the release's narrower appeal.

Conclusively, while "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" Blu-ray presents an undeniable visual and auditory feast that meets the expectations set by its predecessor, its constrained appeal and minimal extras suggest a purchase best suited for enthusiasts of the saga. The movie, despite its narrative polarizations and evident flaws, acts as a pivotal bridge within the overarching story, a quality that is significantly uplifted by the Blu-ray's technical merits. As such, it's a commendable addition to a fan's collection but might be less compelling as a standalone purchase or for those with only a casual interest in the franchise.