Gemini Man

Overview -

Gemini Man emerges from the pit of Production Hell with the impressive pedigree of Ang Lee directing and Will Smith going full out action man. Unfortunately, the story just doesn't hold much spark or intensity when the audience is so focused on the de-aging and state-of-the-art tech on screen. Paramount brings Gemini Man to Blu-ray with solid A/V presentation but without high frame rate or HDR employed somehow actually makes the obvious digital effects stand out more and become even more distracting when they don't quite work. It's not a train wreck, it's entertaining, but it's not special either. If you're sticking to 1080p, Gemini Man is Worth A Look.

We also Reviewed the 4K UHD Blu-ray HERE

Gemini Man is an innovative action-thriller starring Will Smith as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move.

OVERALL:

Worth a Look

Rating Breakdown

STORY

VIDEO

AUDIO

SPECIAL FEATURES

Tech Specs & Release Details

Technical Specs:
Blu-ray + DVD + Digital

Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p AVC/MPEG-4

Length:
117

Aspect Ratio(s):
1.85:1

Audio Formats:
English: Dolby Atmos

Subtitles/Captions:
English SDH

Special Features:
• The Vision of Ang Lee

Release Date:
January 14th, 2020

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Ranking:

You can read our full thoughts on Ang Lee and Will Smith's Gemini Man in our review for the 4K UHD Blu-ray

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Gemini Man multiplies to Blu-ray in a two-disc Blu-ray + DVD + Digital set from Paramount. Housed in a standard sturdy case with identical slipcover artwork, the disc loads to trailers for upcoming releases before arriving at an animated main menu with traditional navigation options.

Video Review

Ranking:

Gemini Man, for the most part, makes a fine 1080p 1.85:1 debut. Having watched the native 4K UHD 60fps Dolby Vision version first, this is a notable step down in overall quality - but still works for the format. Don't get me wrong, this disc looks great - but - there is a much better presentation out there that I vastly prefer. Detail levels are strong throughout giving facial features, clothing, and the scenic locations some impressive range and depth. Black levels are on point without any crush issues.

Where I really feel the difference with this 1080p 24fps version versus the 4K 60fps is with the de-aging CGI effects work. Interestingly enough it doesn't blend as naturally here as it does in 4K. The loss of those facial feature details in the younger version of Will Smith just looks like a digital rubber mask at times. Where the 4K offered more nuance in how skin wrinkles around the eyes and the face when people talk or emote, the 1080p loses some of those details casting the image further into the uncanny valley. I was also much more aware of how lighting affects the CGI. Full daylight looks really rough and the face/head looks even more "pasted" whereas the 4K was able to hold it together a little better.

Audio Review

Ranking:

Gemini Man is cloned onto Blu-ray with the exact same Dolby Atmos audio mix as the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc.

Special Features

Ranking:

Alternate Opening (HD 5:50)
Deleted Scene (HD 3:55)
The Genesis of Gemini Man (HD 2:54)
Facing Your Younger Self (HD 5:41)
The Future is Now (HD 18:33)
Setting the Action (HD 15:46)
Next Level Detail (HD 3:46)
The Vision of Ang Lee (HD 5:26)

Final Thoughts

For how long Gemini Man has been cast in Production Hell, enough imitators reached the screen first that this film lacks originality. For a film directed by Ang Lee and starring Will Smith, one would expect to see something special. The only thing special about this movie is the technology employed to make it - which doesn't transfer over to 1080p as effectively.

On the surface, Gemini Man enjoys a perfectly decent 1080p transfer with Dolby Atmos action. However, it lacks the visual flair and punches offered in 4K UHD with high frame rate making it a presentation downgrade comparatively. Really, the reason to watch the movie isn't for the story. If you're UHD ready, go with that release. As a film unto itself, Gemini Man only offers enough entertainment value to pass the time, and likely forget come morning. Worth A Look.