Everest

Bluray + Dvd + Digital HD

Release Date: January 19, 2016

Released By: Universal Studios

Cast: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington, Michael Kelly, John Hawkes, Emily Watson, Jake Gyllenhaal

Run Time:  121 Minutes

Synopsis:

“On the morning of May 10, 1996, climbers (Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin) from two expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With little warning, a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. Challenged by the harshest conditions imaginable, the teams must endure blistering winds and freezing temperatures in an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds.”

My Review:

Everest is based on a true story that takes place on May 10,1996. It follows a group of climbers as they make their way up to the highest point on earth, Mount Everest. The story mainly revolves around the characters of Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) and Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin), amongst many others, as they begin their final trip up to the top of the mountain. While making their way up, the weather begins to worsen. Without warning, a massive storm comes about that wreaks havoc on the climbers. Regardless, they choose to wait the storm out, and continue up the mountain. Unfortunately, the storm never fully dissipates, and comes back even stronger putting an end to some of the climbers’ adventure. Determined to keep going, some of them push through, making it to the top of the mountain. After reaching their goal, they must venture back down through some of the harshest blizzard conditions known to man. For those who don’t know the story, I’m going to stop here so that I don’t give anything away. Everest is a true story of determination, inspiration, heart, and heartbreak. Traveling to the top of that mountain is a dream that so many people have but not everyone can reach. Although I liked this movie, it doesn’t come without flaws. There are so many story lines going on at once, that it is sometimes hard to tell which is the main one. Aside from that, I had a great time with it. Jason Clarke is an actor that has been rising to the top of my radar. He puts his all into his roles, and he did a great job as Rob Hall. Josh Brolin is fantastic in all of his roles, and didn’t disappoint as Beck Weathers. Although they were the main actors/characters in this movie, there were plenty of others as well. Actors such Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington, Michael Kelly, John Hawkes, Emily Watson, and Jake Gyllenhaal were all in it as well but they played supporting roles. I love when big actors make an appearance in a movie but do not steal the show. Everest was filmed so beautifully, and looks incredible on Bluray. The Picture Quality is outstanding, showing off the beauty of the mountain. The Audio Quality is also great, as you can feel the intensity pounding at your heart throughout the movie. The Bluray is also packed full of Special Features including The Actor’s Journey, The Making Of, The Real Story, a Feature Commentary with the Director, and more. Overall, Everest is a fun ride that’s full of mixed emotions. It’ll have you laughing, crying, fearful, inspired, and amazed throughout the whole movie. The story is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. It’s not perfect but it’s few flaws aren’t enough to ruin my opinion of the movie. It has a phenomenal cast, and their acting is right up there as well. The Quality of the Bluray enhances the experience, and it comes with a great selection of Special Features to make it even better. I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. Especially those who love inspirational “follow your dreams” type movies.

Special Features:

LEARNING TO CLIMB: THE ACTOR’S JOURNEY – Cast members and the two film consultants who helped them prepare for the shoot discuss getting ready for the arduous production. (Blu-ray Exclusive)

A MOUNTAIN OF WORK: RECREATING EVEREST – Bringing Everest to life required the filmmakers to recreate the mountain through state-of-the-art studio work and visual effects. The teams involved talk about how they made the seemingly impossible possible. (Blu-ray Exclusive)

RACE TO THE SUMMIT: THE MAKING OF EVEREST – The trials and tribulations of cast and crew as they journey to the foothills of Everest and beyond, battling the elements and forming deep bonds along the way.

ASPIRING TO AUTHENTICITY: THE REAL STORY – Recollections of the tragic events of May 10, 1996, from those who were there, as the cast and filmmakers discuss bringing this harrowing tale to life with authenticity and respect.

FEATURE COMMENTARY with Director Baltasar Kormakuh

Overall Rating:

7 Out Of 10 Stars