HD-DVD Review: Hot Fuzz
By
Brad Pipkins Video Format: 2.35:1 1080p (VC-1)
Audio Formats: English and French Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 EX
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
Directed By: Edgar Wright
Release Date: July 31, 2007
General
From the creators of Shaun of the Dead comes this hilarious take on every action movie every made. Sergeant Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is the best police officer London has ever seen. So good, in fact, that they reassign him to Sanford Village. Home to the safest village in the country, Sanford is known for its crimeless streets. After arriving, it becomes suddenly apparent that there is more to this village than meets the eye.
For those that have seen and loved Shaun of the Dead, this movie is a no brainer. It has all the wit and charm that Shaun had and then some. Nick Frost steals the show every time he’s on screen, and Simon Pegg is incredibly believable as Nicholas even after watching Shaun of the Dead.
Tech Specs Video: While Universal has been having a bit of trouble lately putting out high quality video transfers, Hot Fuzz is the exception! The video quality is absolutely stunning. Small object detail is amazing, right down to the lettering on street signs in the distance. Colors are very well defined as well, with incredibly lush green grass and natural looking skin tones. Fans of the movie and videophiles alike will be impressed with this transfer.
Audio: By the power of grey skull, you better hope you have a capable subwoofer, as this movie has lots of explosions! Obviously a spoof on every action movie ever made, Hot Fuzz has the soundtrack to back that up in the form of a Dolby Digital Plus 5.1EX mix. Dialogue is incredibly clear and never becomes unintelligible amidst all the action. Surrounds are used heavily not only for the score, but for near constant effects that really add to the on screen action. Bass is heavy throughout, sometimes subtle, often times bombastic. While the film may be heavy on the bass, it’s somewhat boomy compared to other action movies, and lacks that tight feel that many have come to expect from higher quality lossless soundtracks. Aside from that, the only thing that could improve upon this track would be a lossless audio option such as Dolby TrueHD, which would certainly tighten up the low end.
Extras
Standard outtakes (which are hilarious!), deleted scenes with filmmaker commentary and a few other features are available. They are all pretty short, so it’s easy to watch them in one sitting. There’s even a hilarious scene in which Simon and Nick act as Sean Connery and Michael Caine!
Menus/Navigation
Fairly straight-forward as is the case with any Universal release. Everything is laid out logically and it is very simple to get around.
Overall Impressions
While there are many horrible movies that have excellent A/V transfers, Hot Fuzz is actually a great movie with a reference transfer to boot! While I’m sure it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, those of love Shaun of the Dead and enjoy English humour, you can’t go wrong with Hot Fuzz!
Linear Mode
