Tron Legacy - 3D

When you think back to 'Tron' today, most people think of the iconic red vs. blue lightcycle race. Since the release of the original film, a cult following of fans has remained loyal to the film while screaming for a remake or sequel. For many years, it seemed Disney was content to let 'Tron' live on as a pop-culture reference to a nostalgic 80s film. Finally, after 26 years of waiting, fans at the 2008 Comic-con in San Diego were treated to a teaser trailer for 'Tron: Legacy.' Disney went all out with this release, rather than attempting a remake of the original film, the studio opted to make a sequel to the original cult classic. That gutsy move paid off big time!

The film starts off in 1989, 7 years after the events of the original film. Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) is now the CEO of ENCOM and leading the company into the future with groundbreaking achievements in computer programming. All of a sudden, Flynn goes missing. He leaves no note, tells nothing to his family, he's just gone, leaving behind his company, his family, and his young son, Sam. Control of the company is left to Flynn's friend Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) until Sam is old enough to take control. 20 years later, Sam (Garrett Hedlund) is a tech savvy, confident kid, much like his father was. Drawn to his father's old arcade by a mysterious message, Sam learns that there may be more to his father's disappearance when he discovers Flynn's secret office. Amazingly, Sam is transported to the digital realm known as "the grid," where he is forced to compete in deadly energy disc battles and lightcycle races. He quickly realizes that the programs, led by Clu (a digitally altered Jeff Bridges made to look like Bridges from the 1982 film) see the users as slave drivers that keep the programs from achieving their true potential. Sam is rescued by a program named Quorra (Olivia Wilde) and taken to the outskirts of the grid, where he is reunited with his father. Sam must now choose whether to obey his father and not interfere with Clu and his intentions, or try and stop Clu and get back to reality.

'Tron: Legacy' really succeeds in ways far beyond the original film in terms of the story. Sure, the original was a fun, engaging tale, but this installment goes far beyond that. 'Tron: Legacy' is a film of multiple stories, there's the story of Flynn's disappearance and it's effects on Sam, there's the story of Clu taking over the grid and driving Flynn to Exile, and finally we have the mission Sam is on to rescue his father and stop Clu. Together, these elements combine to create an entertaining and gripping plot. Viewers of the original will also be pleased with some of the subtle nods to the first 'Tron,' like when Sam comments on the size of the door at ENCOM when he breaks in. I can see how many people will draw parallels to the modern corporate structure of "money, money, money" and look at Sam as the savior, but really, I just take that as establishing the type of person he is, someone who's not ready to settle down and wants to fight the system and preserve his fathers ideals. Sure, this is a special effects, eye candy movie that special effects lovers will gush over, but once you get past the visuals, the story really makes this a memorable film.

The legacy of the first movie is clearly the groundbreaking special effects. They were far ahead of their time and paved the way for computer animation. 'Tron: Legacy' builds on those groundbreaking effects and brings them into the modern arena. To say the effects in this film are amazing doesn't begin do them justice. Simply put, they're jaw dropping. From the start of pre-production, the producers sought to create an experience that would please the fans of the original and draw in a new audience. To do this, they took the gladiator type battles from the first film and beefed them up to a larger than life style. Watching the lightcycle race in 3D IMAX is an incredible experience, one that will have fans old and new on the edge of their seats. The environment of the grid is equally impressive. Bright neon lights as far as the eye can see, combined with the monstrous vehicles, combine to create a visual playground.

As far as remakes and sequels go, you can't do much better than 'Tron Legacy.' Sure, some hard-core fans may see this film as a bit over the top, but for me, it really worked. It appeals to the current generation and serves as an excellent way to modernize a classic story. When you get down to it, 'Tron: Legacy' is pure eye-candy, with an awesome techno soundtrack. If you're looking for an entertaining experience with some mind-blowing visuals, look no further.

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

The Tron: Legacy 3D Blu-ray four disc combo pack comes packaged in a standard blue case with a holographic slipcover. Disc one is the 3D Blu-ray version of 'Tron: Legacy,' please note that this disc is playable in 3D only. Disc two is the 2D version of 'Tron: Legacy' along with all the special features. Disc 3 is the DVD version of the film and disc four is the digital copy of the film.

'Tron: Legacy' arrives on 3D Blu-ray as a very important release for the new format. Being an extremely successful 3D release this past winter, nothing short of a demo worthy transfer would please fans. I am pleased to report that Disney has continued their superb 3D Blu-ray track record and produced their best looking disc yet.

'Tron: Legacy' is presented with a stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that alternates between 2.35:1 and 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the later representing the film's IMAX sequences. 'Tron:Legacy' is not an entire 3D film, as most modern 3D releases are. Rather, at the start of the film we are told that portions of the film were shot in 2D and will be shown in 2D as that is how they are intended to be seen. The 2D sequences are entirely in the real-world periods of the film. To my relief, this is a barely noticeable transition, and the results are stunning. The strength of this transfer is all in the colors. In the real world, blacks are inky and deep, colors are not overly bright, and textures are spot-on. The colors really shine through in the sequences on the grid. Blacks and infinitely deep Blues, reds, oranges, and other bright neon colors burst out of the screen, impressing throughout. Skin tones are equally impressive and detail from the clothing down to the shiny surfaces is nearly perfect. You will truly be drawn into this visually stunning film.

The 3D effects are also demo quality, especially in the IMAX sequences. Depth is extremely strong, turning your TV into an infinitely deep tunnel at times. This 3D presentation does not jump in your face and wow you to death, instead, it serves to create a near perfect experience that is nearly mistaken for reality at times. The lightcycle sequence will keep you on the edge of your seat, making you feel like you're riding alongside the characters. Colors and textures lose none of their beauty in 3D, and no dimming is experienced. Ghosting is also non-existent in this release. Simply telling you how awesome this film appears in 3D is not enough, this truly needs to be experienced at home as this film truly showcases the potential of 3D Blu-ray.

'Tron: Legacy' is simply a demo disc. If I could, I would give this a 6/5, but as it stands, this is a must view experience for all.

As awesome as the video transfer for 'Tron: Legacy' is, Disney has also provided a top of the line DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack that will work your sound system to the max. Every single speaker will get a full workout. LFE effects are strong throughout, really pulling you into the action, and bass effects will shake your floor and wake the neighbors. Spoken dialogue is crystal clear and centered throughout, never being overpowered by the active sound and bass effects. The score by Daft Punk is on true display here, right from the start you know you're in for a fun ride. Overall, this is truly a 360 degree sound track, you'll feel drawn into the film and be blown away by the end result.

'Tron: Legacy' arrives on Blu-ray with a fair amount of special features but I must say, I was a little disappointed with the selection, especially with the lack of an audio commentary track. Having said that, here are the features you will find with this release.

• First Look at Tron: Uprising (HD, 2 minutes) This is a very brief first look at the upcoming Disney XD animated series. We basically get a look at some lightcycle riding and that's about it.
  
• Visualizing Tron (HD, 12 minutes) This is a nice feature that explores various elements of the production of the film. This explores ties to the original movie, the creation of the young Jeff Bridges character, a look at designing the lightcycle, clothing of the grid, and the use of lights and colors. This packs a great deal of information into a short time frame. A must watch for fans of the film.
  
• Installing the Cast (HD, 12 minutes) This is basically a meet and greet with the cast. They discuss the process of filming and seem to heavily compliment each other's performances.

Overall, the 3D Blu-ray combo pack for 'Tron: Legacy' is a terrific package. The movie is imaginative and fun for all ages, The 3D image quality is just about the best you will find on the format, and the audio is pure demo material. On top of that, Disney has also included a few fun features fans will enjoy, but the lack of an audio commentary is a bit disheartening (double dip?). Disney is clearly setting the standard for 3D Blu-ray releases and this one only serves to hammer that point home. This is simply a must on 3D Blu-ray release that will push your system to the max.