Avatar
The widely-acclaimed film that ushered in a new generation of 3D filmmaking, it's unsurprising that, come its Blu-ray release, Avatar remains one of the finest proponents of the technology. Whilst the 3D obviously doesn't have quite the impact it had on a massive cinema screen, it nonetheless still works strikingly well on Blu-ray.
It's surprising, considering the number of films that have attempted to surpass Avatar's visual feats since it was released just how few have come close. Such is the standard of director James Cameron's visual work. Parts remain as jaw-dropping as they always were. The film itself smashed records on its release, and it's easy to see why. It's perhaps not the masterpiece it was initially proclaimed at, but this is intense, exhilarating blockbuster entertainment nonetheless. Ambitious, too. It's hard to think of too many other films that have so convincingly put across a fictional alien world as Avatar manages, and particularly in the intense final half hour, it looks simply glorious.
James Cameron is a notorious perfectionaist too when it comes to the presentation of his work, and this disc release is a real testament to that. The Blu-ray presentation is exquisite, and Avatar stands up as a reference disc. Not just on the visual side, either. The audio quality the Blu-ray offers is quite brilliant. It all adds up to a strong film, on one of the best discs on the market for a home cinema workout. --Jon Foster
Titanic
With eleven Oscars on its mantelpiece, star-making turns from Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and a soundtrack that continues to sell, Titanic's place in movie history has long since been assured. However, director James Cameron, one of the biggest advocates of 3D technology, invested a heavy amount of time, resources and hard cash in adapting his hugely popular film. And this 3D release is the end result.
The film itself needs little introduction. Epic in ambition and scale, Titanic tells the story of the sole voyage of the infamous ship, focusing its story on a young couple from different walks of life. It's a feature whose merits have been vigorously debated since its release, but the consensus remains hugely positive. The spectacle alone, especially in this crystal-clear, effective 3D Blu-ray transfer, is something to behold. But there's both a compelling drama and a modern day disaster movie classic also mixed in.
The 3D Blu-ray Titanic is an example of how to present a film superbly well. --Jon Foster