The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
9.16.2005
DVD (owned)
Movie: B+
Audio: A-
Video: B-
In my original review, I said that The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "didn't capture the magic of Douglas Adams' book. It tried, and tried valiantly, but in the end it failed." I still believe this is true, but maybe to a lesser extent. After all, Douglas Adams himself worked on the screenplay. Every iteration of H2G2 is a little different: the books were different from the radio plays, the television series differed from the books, the computer game departed from the books, etc. There's been so many versions, it's hard to keep track of the "real" one.
So, now that my expectations have been put in their place, I could sit back and really enjoy the movie. And I did, more so than on my first viewing. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the kind of movie that rewards multiple viewings. I noticed small, subtle things in the background. Bits of humor that flew right over my head the first time made an impact this time through. Jokes and gags that made me laugh before made me laugh even harder this time. In general, the movie was much more funny.
The casting really is perfect, as I said before. I can't imagine other actors in these parts, especially Sam Rockwell. He was pure genius as Zaphod Beeblebrox. Martin Freeman played the sort of generic everyman Arthur Dent well, and Mos Def proved that he's a better actor than rapper. The cast continued to impress, even on the second viewing.
Unfortunately, all of the beautiful visuals were crammed onto one disc, along with both DTS and Dolby Digital tracks, and special features. Really, the features should have been moved to a disc of their own, and additional features should have been included. This would have given the video more room to breath. As it is, the cramped video shows signs of over compression: slight shimmering, softer-than-they-should-be scenes, and some compression problems. The video wasn't full bit-rate DTS, but it sounded good nonetheless. The LFE was nice and the surrounds were put to good use. If the video just had more room...
Overall, I felt much better about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy this time. Maybe it's the lower expectations, maybe it's the singing dolphins, I don't know. But, as a fan of the books and the author, the DVD was worth the purchase.
DVD (owned)
Movie: B+
Audio: A-
Video: B-
In my original review, I said that The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "didn't capture the magic of Douglas Adams' book. It tried, and tried valiantly, but in the end it failed." I still believe this is true, but maybe to a lesser extent. After all, Douglas Adams himself worked on the screenplay. Every iteration of H2G2 is a little different: the books were different from the radio plays, the television series differed from the books, the computer game departed from the books, etc. There's been so many versions, it's hard to keep track of the "real" one.
So, now that my expectations have been put in their place, I could sit back and really enjoy the movie. And I did, more so than on my first viewing. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the kind of movie that rewards multiple viewings. I noticed small, subtle things in the background. Bits of humor that flew right over my head the first time made an impact this time through. Jokes and gags that made me laugh before made me laugh even harder this time. In general, the movie was much more funny.
The casting really is perfect, as I said before. I can't imagine other actors in these parts, especially Sam Rockwell. He was pure genius as Zaphod Beeblebrox. Martin Freeman played the sort of generic everyman Arthur Dent well, and Mos Def proved that he's a better actor than rapper. The cast continued to impress, even on the second viewing.
Unfortunately, all of the beautiful visuals were crammed onto one disc, along with both DTS and Dolby Digital tracks, and special features. Really, the features should have been moved to a disc of their own, and additional features should have been included. This would have given the video more room to breath. As it is, the cramped video shows signs of over compression: slight shimmering, softer-than-they-should-be scenes, and some compression problems. The video wasn't full bit-rate DTS, but it sounded good nonetheless. The LFE was nice and the surrounds were put to good use. If the video just had more room...
Overall, I felt much better about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy this time. Maybe it's the lower expectations, maybe it's the singing dolphins, I don't know. But, as a fan of the books and the author, the DVD was worth the purchase.
posted by Ethan at
9/19/2005 06:59:00 AM
5 Comments:
I wasnt going to watch this but might do it now.
By
Noodie, at 9/20/2005 01:50:00 PM
I wasnt going to watch this but might do it now.
If you've read the book, I wouldn't recommend that. You'll cry yourself to sleep after you see what they've done.
By
Micah B, at 9/20/2005 03:14:00 PM
Don't be ridiculous. We all know Noodie can't read!
And, if you cry yourself to sleep because of a movie, you might want to consider psychiatric help.
By
Ethan, at 9/20/2005 05:16:00 PM
I have not read the book yet. Despite what Senior Jack ass said, I can read and intend to read it if one of you has a copy or if I get my lazy ass to the library.
By
Noodie, at 9/21/2005 03:10:00 AM
I might have a copy, remind me sometime and I'll check. I know I used to, but the paperback might have fallen apart over multiple readings (kinda like Ender's Game). Either way, you should definitely read H2G2 and it's sequels. I probably have an audio version, too, if you want it.
I'm not sure if you'll like it, but it's worth reading (and seeing!) It's kind of like Monty Python and the Holy Grail: it's worth seeing, but not everyone likes it. Crazy Brits...
By
Ethan, at 9/21/2005 07:04:00 AM
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