Individual Entry

 
You’re a magnificent c…odec

This is a superlative transfer with a magnificent amount of detail and superb encoding across the board. The contents of the disc, including the film, a TrueHD track, several Dolby Digital-Plus tracks and a handful of extras, uses a mere 22 GB. I was told that a new version of the VC-1 encoder made its debut with the HD DVD release of Shrek the Third, and I wonder if it was also used for this film, because, given its running time of more than two hours and emphasis on tight, fast, hand-held photography, I would have expected to see at least some mild blocking in still frames. When Universal are at their best, they are almost unparalleled in the field of high definition. If only all their transfers were this good.

Shot 6 is included as a prime example of the rampant product placement that can be found in this film. I just love how the monitor, and more importantly, the manufacturer’s logo, gets as much prominence in the frame as Jodie Foster.

Inside Man
(Universal, USA, VC-1)