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Blu-Ray : Highly Recommended
Ranking:
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Release Date: December 15th, 2020 Movie Release Year: 2020

Tenet

Overview -

Although at times frustratingly convoluted, Christopher Nolan's Tenet is a surprisingly satisfying sci-fi espionage spectacle inspired by complex theoretical science. The spy action-thriller debuts on Blu-ray with an immaculate, reference-quality HD video, an ear-piercing DTS-HD Master Audio track and a nice set of bonuses. The overall package is Highly Recommended for loyal Nolan fans and those curious to see what the fuss is about. 

Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist (John David Washington) journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time. Not time travel. Inversion.

OVERALL:
Highly Recommended
Rating Breakdown
STORY
VIDEO
AUDIO
SPECIAL FEATURES
Tech Specs & Release Details
Technical Specs:
Region Free
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p AVC/MPEG-4
Length:
151
Aspect Ratio(s):
1.78:1
Audio Formats:
Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles/Captions:
English SDH, French, Spanish
Special Features:
Digital Copy
Release Date:
December 15th, 2020

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Ranking:

You can read our full thoughts on Christopher Nolan's Tenet in our review of the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray HERE.

 

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Warner Home Video brings Christopher Nolan's Tenet to Blu-ray as a two-disc combo pack with a Digital Copy code. The Region Free, dual-layered BD50 disc sits comfortably opposite a DVD9 copy of the movie. Both discs are housed in the standard blue, eco-elite keepcase with a slipcover. At startup, the disc commences with a video clip before switching to a static screen of the film's title with the usual options along the bottom and music playing in the background.

Video Review

Ranking:

The cinematic mind-bender inverts time and logic on Blu-ray with an exceptional, reference-quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that is simply immaculate from start to finish. Shot exclusively on 65mm and IMAX cameras, the freshly-minted transfer boasts remarkable definition and fidelity, from the fine stitching in the clothing to the edges of buildings in the distance. In fact, the particular features of the architectural design of each exotic locale are extraordinarily revealing, exposing the smallest imperfections in the roofs, the discrete cracks on the walls and the tiny pockmarks along the rocks and cliff sides. Even the many action-packed visuals are a stunning spectacle with striking clarity in every nook and cranny, in all the debris and the minute details of every reverse sequence. 

While alternating between 2.20:1 and 1.78:1 aspect ratios at the most seemingly random moments, contrast balance remains spot-on and right on the money throughout, making every location burst with a lively and gorgeous picture-perfect quality while resplendent whites glow intensely without ever engulfing the finer aspects. Likewise, brightness levels are accurate and always on target, supplying every scene with inky-rich, penetrating blacks and silky shadows that maintain superb visibility in the darkest, murkiest corners. Hoyte van Hoytema's teal-orange cinematography is also bathed in a sumptuous array of colors and flowing in luxurious, eye-catching primaries, from the lively emerald greens of foliage to the dramatic display of crimson reds and electrifying cobalt blues in the lighting of some scenes. Secondary hues are equally impressive as they jump off the screen with captivating vividness and animation, making the amazing visuals all the more mesmerizing.

With an astonishing three-dimensional quality that's consistent, Nolan's latest sci-fi thriller debuts on Blu-ray with a perfect, spotless HD presentation. (Video Rating: 100/100)

Audio Review

Ranking:

Nolan's latest byzantine extravaganza erupts on the scene with the same tremendously bombastic but also obnoxiously loud DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track enjoyed on the 4K Ultra HD edition. For a more in-depth take on the audio quality, you can read our review of the 4K Ultra HD HERE. (Audio Rating: 84/100)

Special Features

Ranking:

Aside from a DVD copy and a Digital Copy of the film, a third Blu-ray disc contains all the special features.

Blu-ray Disc 2

  • Looking at the World in a New Way (HD, 75 min): Broken into thirteen segments that can be watched individually, this exhaustive making-of documentary looks at every aspect of the production, and it features various cast & crew interviews discussing the plot's themes mixed with tons of BTS footage throughout. 
  • Trailers (HD): A set of four theatrical previews.

Although feeling frustratingly convoluted and needlessly over-complicated at times, Christopher Nolan's latest sci-fi spectacle Tenet remains a surprisingly satisfying popcorn blockbuster starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki and Kenneth Branagh. At its heart, the plot is a relatively traditional espionage action thriller littered with familiar tropes, but in true Nolan form, the story is grounded in perplexingly complex theoretical science that manages to be both its hindrance as well as its point of interest. The sci-fi spy actioner debuts on Blu-ray with an exceptional, reference-quality video presentation and a rather obnoxiously loud, ear-piercing DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Although lacking any worthwhile bonus material, the HD package is highly recommended