If you have an Atmos-capable system I can assure you it sounds amazing upconverted using Dolby Surround. I only rewatched the opening scene but it was pretty amazing...
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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World - An Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter Loxley
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If you have an Atmos-capable system I can assure you it sounds amazing upconverted using Dolby Surround. I only rewatched the opening scene but it was pretty amazing...
Affeinvasion
Member
Strangely i just watched this for the first time last night. Aside from some pacing issues and what I consider to be cheap attempts at ratcheting up the drama, it was a pretty good movie. I really liked the supporting cast.
One of my favorite nautical films of all time. I also highly recommend The Bounty (1984) based on Mutiny on the Bounty:
Starring:
Anthony Hopkins
Mel Gibson
Liam Neeson
Daniel Day Lewis
Sir Laurence Olivier
Probably the greatest male cast ever assembled. Insanely high production values and historical detail. The replica of HMS Bounty was built from scratch for $4 million.
Soundtrack by Vangelis.
Interesting, I've never even heard of this before. That cast alone is enough to peak my interest though, I'll definitely check it out.
It is a pretty big bummer that we really don't get very films like this. I'm pretty sure part of it is that shooting in and around water is a logistical pain in the ass, so most studios/directors would prefer to just not bother with it.
Edmond Dantès
Dantès the White
I do like how Paul Bettany ended up playing Charles Darwin in a film, after depicting a character who was Darwin in all but name in Master and Commander.
maquiladora
Member
I really hoped we'd see a second film 
PhoncipleBone
Banned
The sound mix on this is truly amazing. I only have the collector's edition DVD, and the DTS mix on it is still one of my go to show off discs.
I heard that the blu ray is not as good for sound, even if it is lossless. That I guess they toned it down some or something. I am not sure. But the DTS mix on the DVD is nuts.
I really hoped we'd see a second film
Me too man
A few years back Crowe tweeted out, "If you want a Master and Commander sequel I suggest you e-mail Tom Rothman at Fox and let him know your thoughts".Then again that won't do much good now since Rothman isn't at Fox anymore.
PhoncipleBone
Banned
I also want to chime in at how annoyed I was at the end of this film. When Aubrey and Maturin are in the cabin talking and Jack realizes that the French captain is still alive, I was getting pumped for a final chase and showdown. Then they show the shot of the HMS Surprise starting to chase the Acheron, I was expecting the film to keep on trucking.
But then the credits started.
It was like a giant cock tease. I had no clue that over two hours had flown by and we were at the end. It felt so short because I was so engrossed, and I wanted more. MORE!
It is a sign of how good of a job they did with the film that they ended it with a cliffhanger like that and it left me wanting more.
You can find it on DVD or Blu for less than $10 usually. Frequently around $5 or so. Just buy it. Thank the OP later.
But then the credits started.
It was like a giant cock tease. I had no clue that over two hours had flown by and we were at the end. It felt so short because I was so engrossed, and I wanted more. MORE!
It is a sign of how good of a job they did with the film that they ended it with a cliffhanger like that and it left me wanting more.
You can find it on DVD or Blu for less than $10 usually. Frequently around $5 or so. Just buy it. Thank the OP later.
Rug Monkey
Member
You should check out the books about Lord Cochrane ... the main inspiration behind both Jack Aubrey and Horatio Hornblower ... and whose actual life outstrips the fictional exploits of either
Some the kindle editions are free or very inexpensive
Amazing life detailed in his wiki entry
One of my favorite films. The DVD extras are amazing, but I wish the Blu-Ray had a better video transfer.
This movie is essentially one of the last of the old school epics, where it was a movie that was big because it was a big production, with intensive location shooting and actual extras and giant props, etc., instead of relying on CGI for scale.
This movie is essentially one of the last of the old school epics, where it was a movie that was big because it was a big production, with intensive location shooting and actual extras and giant props, etc., instead of relying on CGI for scale.
Without a doubt. I sort of mark the end of the classic Hollywood historical epic revival with Kingdom of Heaven in 2005 (beginning ten years prior in 1995 with Braveheart).
Great film. Wish we had more films and tv series which could depict the naval battles of that time period especially with the technology we have available now.
The Hornblower tv series which has been mentioned in this thread is also worth a watch along with the books which inspired it. Had of chance a few years ago to visit the replica ship that was used during the filming of that series which was pretty awesome as well.
The Hornblower tv series which has been mentioned in this thread is also worth a watch along with the books which inspired it. Had of chance a few years ago to visit the replica ship that was used during the filming of that series which was pretty awesome as well.
adamsappel
Member
Great movie. Tear-jerker, exciting, immersive. I just bought the Blu-ray for $7 from Amazon. Shame to hear about the less-than-stellar audio and transfer issues. The movie deserves the Criterion treatment.
Crowe and Bettany have great chemistry. They'd make a good cinematic duo like Redford and Newman, Pryor and Wilder.
Crowe and Bettany have great chemistry. They'd make a good cinematic duo like Redford and Newman, Pryor and Wilder.
unholyrevenger72
Banned
Went and saw this as the B movie in my usual Double Feature at the time, and let me say I don't even remember what the first movie was.
Truly a masterpiece and I really think my favorite film. I have a hard time thinking of a movie I enjoy more than this one. The relationship between Aubrey and Maturin is great. I would love for them to make a new one, but I would think they would screw it up now as I feel movies have gotten worse since and they would add stupid shit to it.
I also highly recommend The Bounty (1984) based on Mutiny on the Bounty:
Starring:
Anthony Hopkins
Mel Gibson
Liam Neeson
Daniel Day Lewis
Sir Laurence Olivier
Probably the greatest male cast ever assembled. Insanely high production values and historical detail. The replica of HMS Bounty was built from scratch for $4 million.
Soundtrack by Vangelis.
Well, I just finished watching this since it was on Netflix and I have to say I didn't really like it. Despite the stellar cast none of those actors get to really stand out and their characters aren't really well developed. I mean Daniel Day Lewis is just kinda there he doesn't really do much along with the rest of the supporting cast.
SPOILERS!
The movie seems to be mainly between Hopkins and Gibsons characters, but I also found the relationship lacking. Like, we're supposed to believe that Bligh and Fletcher were friends previously but besides a quick opening scene telling us they are friends this is never really shown. Also, after reading the wikipedia page I have to agree with Gibson's assessment:
I though the movie weirdly attempted too much of the time to make Cpt. Bligh seem like the villain when a majority of his actions were completely justified and competent. In fact, I think the biggest mistake I saw was that he was too lax. How the hell do you just allow your crew to go full native for how many weeks screwing all the women and enjoying the island life? Geez, what did you expect would happen?
Mel Gibson said:
I though the movie weirdly attempted too much of the time to make Cpt. Bligh seem like the villain when a majority of his actions were completely justified and competent. In fact, I think the biggest mistake I saw was that he was too lax. How the hell do you just allow your crew to go full native for how many weeks screwing all the women and enjoying the island life? Geez, what did you expect would happen?
All that said, it was mediocre for me. Also, I just now read that Vangelis did the soundtrack which is funny because while watching it I kept thinking man this soundtrack sounds like some Vangelis Blade Runner shit.
FunkyPajamas
Member
This is the type of movie that I get to love more the more I watch it. It really is a great, complete package. I should probably watch it again soon, I haven't in quite a while!
lastplayed
Member
Loved this film when it came out, amazing atmosphere and soundtrack, and one of the best endings ever.
I really need to get it on Blu-ray.
I really need to get it on Blu-ray.
The Cowboy
Member
Fantastic movie with one of the best surround sound tracks ever, this was one of the 1st movies that i watched after i got my 5.1 system last year and dear god does it make it sound like your on a boat and in the middle of a battle during the battle scenes.
Bubba_Sparks
Member
Aye T'is a good movie!
I watched it like six months ago for the first time after a recommendation from a friends and thoroughly enjoyed it!
I watched it like six months ago for the first time after a recommendation from a friends and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Saw this for the first time maybe a couple years back when it was on HBO. Ignored it back when it first came out because like most people I thought Early Modern Era warfare = boring. I was kinda shocked to see this dude was basically Picard but on the ocean.
You gotta work really hard to make that entire period of history/warfare look interesting to average consumers. Stuck between the swords and armor of the middle ages and the automatic firearms of today, the Early Modern period just isn't as immediately attractive in media (unless it's pirates).
You gotta work really hard to make that entire period of history/warfare look interesting to average consumers. Stuck between the swords and armor of the middle ages and the automatic firearms of today, the Early Modern period just isn't as immediately attractive in media (unless it's pirates).
Any Questions
Member
What an amazing thread. Loved the movie and have all the books. My favourite canon of works of all time. Thanks!
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Gabriel_Logan
Member
Subscribed, excellent OP Loxley. I think I'm going to finally check out the novels I do love Early Modern period.
Jibbajabbawockky
Member
Wonderful movie. And if you have any kind of sound system for your home theater, the Blu-Ray is AMAZING.
Truly a great underrated film. Even when it was released, at the height of Crowe's career,it didn't get much attention. I caught it on home video based on word of mouth and was amazed. Especially how
the main antagonist isn't a human, but a menacing, stalking ship
Thanks OP for bringing attention to this masterpiece.
lastplayed
Member
One of my favorite nautical films of all time. I also highly recommend The Bounty (1984) based on Mutiny on the Bounty:
Starring:
Anthony Hopkins
Mel Gibson
Liam Neeson
Daniel Day Lewis
Sir Laurence Olivier
Probably the greatest male cast ever assembled. Insanely high production values and historical detail. The replica of HMS Bounty was built from scratch for $4 million.
Soundtrack by Vangelis.
The theme is god tier Vangelis.
Mr. Killick, an extra ration of rum for this man.
We was saving the rum...
We'll drink wine.
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