2012 |  | Director: Roland Emmerich
Actors: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Danny Glover, Woody Harrelson, Tom McCarthy
Studio: Sony Pictures
Category: DVD
List Price: $28.96
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Rating:  474 reviews
Sales Rank: 539
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), English (Original Language), French (Original Language)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 99
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Running Time: 158 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 043396275171
UPC: 043396275171
EAN: 0043396275171
ASIN: B001OQCV2E
Theatrical Release Date: July 10, 2009
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Adventure, Action, Science Fiction Exhilarating and Jaw dropping. |
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Product Description
"As the world faces a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions, cities collapse and continents crumble. 2012 brings an end to the world and tells of the
Amazon.com
Now this is how you destroy the world. Roland Emmerich's 2012 pounces on a Nostradamus-style loophole in the Mayan calendar and rams the apocalypse through it, gleefully conjuring up an enormous amount of Saturday-matinee fun in the process. A scientist (Chiwetel Ejiofor) detects shifting continental plates and sun flares and realizes that this foretells the imminent destruction of the planet. Just as the molten lava is about to hit the fan, a novelist (John Cusack) takes his kids on a trip to Yellowstone; later he'll hook up with his ex (Amanda Peet) and her new boyfriend (Tom McCarthy) in a global journey toward safety. If there is any safety. The suitably hair-raising plot lines are punctuated--frequently, people, frequently--by visions of mayhem around the globe: the Vatican falls over, the White House is clobbered (Emmerich's Independence Day was not enough on that score), and the California coastline dives into the Pacific Ocean. Unlike other action directors we could name, Emmerich actually understands how to let you see and drink in these vast special-effects vistas--and they are incredible. He also honors the old Irwin Allen disaster-movie tradition by actually shelling out for good actors. Cusack and Ejiofor are convincing even in the cheesiest material; toss in Danny Glover (the U.S. president), Woody Harrelson (a nut-bar conspiracy-theorizing radio host), Thandie Newton, and Oliver Platt, and you've got a very watchable batch of people. Emmerich hasn't developed an ear for dialogue, even at this stage in his career, and the final act goes on a bit too long. This is a very silly movie, but if you've got a weakness for B-movie energy and hairbreadth escapes, 2012 delivers quite a bit of both. --Robert Horton
Stills from 2012 (Click for larger image)
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 474
 This is why we go to the movies November 14, 2009
Annihilatrix1138 (CA, United States)
242 out of 289 found this review helpful
I think people judge these movies very unfairly. It surprises me when a movie like 2012 comes along and it's ripped apart before it's even released. "This movie's gonna blow, it's two and a half hours of things blowing up." I have to play back the sentence in my mind and figure out what was negative about that concept. These movies are meant to be fun, and usually nothing more than that.
I say "usually" because sometimes you get a movie that has absolutely no other reason to exist than to make things explode and momentarily lower your IQ (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Single-Disc Edition) is out now. Fun movie.) but occasionally you get something like 2012, which not only offers the calculated mayhem that fans of the action genre desire, but it also offers a surprisingly deep philosophical undertone. Go figure, right?
The movie opens with a fifteen minute montage that sets up the events that will eventually transpire on 2012, and gives us a look at the backroom dealings that occur in the wake of this disturbing discovery concerning the fate of humanity. Once that's over with, the movie picks up rather quickly, introducing us to the main character, Jackson Curtis, his more-than-dysfunctional family and a grab bag of supporting characters. After a botched camping trip, things kick off rather quickly.
What follows are two hours of absolute chaos. The CG in this movie is astounding, and I cannot stress this enough. The action is relentless, creative, and satisfying on the whole. The LA sequence alone will have you smiling, then you will realize you still have a lot more movie to go, and it never disappoints. The pacing is excellent in this regard. I was in awe the entire way through.
That's the bottom line: If you love action movies or a good old fashioned thrill ride, the disaster sequences alone are worth the price of admission (unless you're an astrophysicist, in which case you might be crossing your arms and groaning at this film all the way through).
But what I liked the most about this film was its underlying religious theme. People might be quick to pick up on the major references to this, such as (POSSIBLE SPOILER, though it's in the trailer): the crack forming between Adam and God on Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" at the Sistine Chapel, the destruction of Christ the Redeemer, Vatican City, and the Buddhist temple. With these and other biblical references that you will miss if you blink, Emmerich seems to postulate a world in which you don't need God for miracles, and where everyone is back on even ground again.
Another theme that Emmerich sets up is the social borders that divide us more than we think. In a world that is coming to an end, it's not the strong who survive, only the smartest and the wealthiest. The film argues against utilitarianism on several fronts, going so far as to say that to embrace such a concept to an outrageous extent, even to save mankind, would result in a race of humans deprived of its humanity.
Now, I could be wrong. I'm not saying that my interpretation of the movie is spot on, but the movie did make me think, and that's what I found remarkable returning home from watching a film in which I thought I was just going to watch things blow up for two hours.
I walked in knowing that no one makes disaster movies better than Roland Emmerich, but I ended up watching something that entertained me immensely, made me think, and spurred on a very long conversation between my friends and I. THAT'S how a movie more than earns the price of admission.
Fun Movie, watch it! August 28, 2010
Kent
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I thought this was going to be some docu-drama about the Mayan proposed end of the earth in 2012 but it was way more fun and exiting than I had expected. I couldn't believe the amount of bad reviews this movie is getting because I really enjoyed it. The other reviews are like something my dad would say, "Planes can't do that. or People don't act like that". Enjoy the movie the way it is, don't expect to be blown away. I enjoyed the plot and story and Woody Harrelson was awesome. One last thing, the special effects really were amazing, I never thought anything looked green-screened so this was an edge-of-your-seat nail-biter for me.
Preposterous, but entertaining August 8, 2010
Aurum Rabosa (The Great Basin)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This film is utterly preposterous from start to finish. There is not one iota of truth in it. But it's action packed with computer generated catastrophes. It may very well be the funniest catastrophe movie ever made. Just one thing could've been improved, instead of always sticking pickles in his mouth, Woody Harrelson should've been torching reefer, he would've made more sense in his native state.
Blu-ray: If you are familiar with Emmerich's films, then you know what to expect. Definitely one of my favorite disaster films! March 2, 2010
Dennis A. Amith (kndy) (California)
13 out of 19 found this review helpful
In 2012, the Mayans have predicted the end of our world according to the Mayan Long Count Calendar. A time where the world is destroyed but then is recreated to reset the calendar cycle which lasts 5,125 years.
But like Y2K, there are people who fear that something post-apocalyptic will come on December 21, 2012 and if there is one director who is known for doing such films, Roland Emmerich ("Stargate", "Independence Day" "Godzilla", "The Patriot", The Day After Tomorrow", "10,000 BC") has had his share of working on a few significant titles. Along with screenwriter Harald Kloser ("10,000 BC") who is known for composing music for films, cinematographer Dean Semler ("xXx", "Bruce Almighty", "Get Smart", "Apocalypto") and composer Thomas Wanker ("10,000 BC", "Dracula", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series), the filmmaker would embark on his most ambitious film yet.
"2012" is a film that focuses on the destruction of world and to create that means major CG work and a hefty production budget (which the film was budgeted at $200 million). Despite receiving mixed to negative reviews for the film's focus on CG and action, the film did remarkably well in the worldwide box office, earning over $769 million. And now, the film receives its Blu-ray release with a Three-Disc Special Edition (note: the slipcase and cover say Two-Disc Special Edition, but does come with a digital copy which is usually considered as a third disc).
VIDEO:
"2012" looks absolute awesome in 1080p High Definition (aspect ratio is 2:40:1). The film is just absolute colorful and vibrant during the outdoor scenes. A lot of detail as we see the visual effects in full force during the surface cracks to full earthquakes revealing the destruction and chaos of the whole scenery. Blacks are nice and deep, picture quality is detailed and sharp. I did notice one segment in the beginning of the film with a bit of banding but for the most part, the film looks great and this is one of those films where you say that CG was well done. The scenes with Jackson and family trying to escape a sinking Los Angeles is just absolutely awesome. This film showcases the best in visual effects and because the film is CG-driven, is either going to impress people or turn people off. But this is a film about the planet's devastation and for something at this magnitude, it has to look convincing and I believe Roland Emmerich and team really pulled it off
AUDIO & SUBTITLES:
For audio, "2012" is incredible! The lossless audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio and also comes with an English - Audio Description Track in Dolby Surround. But this is one of those films that you can't just help gush over when it comes to audio. From the moment you put the disc on to the end, this is audio that audiophiles dream of. The lossless audio is absolute immersive as the whole soundscape of your room (especially if you have a solid 7.2 setup) features audio during the action driven scenes of the film. And the good news, there is a ton of action and sounds from all over the place. Well-planned audio and directing sounds to various channels. How awesome is that?
From the sound of an elevator, an obstructed gear, to helicopters and airplanes flying, water rushing in, earthquakes, animals, insects and literally with the destruction of the planet, you can hear the lossless audio utilized well throughout center, front, surround and rear surround channels. Also, great use of LFE and if anything, "2012" gives your audio setup a nice workout. Personally, I found the audio to be quite phenomenal and hands down the best audio on a Blu-ray release for early 2010.
Subtitles are in English, English SDH and French.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"2012" comes with the following special features on two discs. Special features are in High Definition with audio in English Stereo and English subtitles. Included are:
DISC 1:
* Picture-in-Picture: Roland's Vision - While watching the film, you can see/hear director Roland Emmerich talking about his experience working on the film. From planning and writing the film, discussion of the plot and the film's special effects and more. This is where viewers can see most of the behind-the-scenes footage for "2012".
* Commentary with Writer/Director Roland Emmerich and Co-Writer Harald Kloser - Where the Picture-in-Picture had more of an in-depth commentary, the audio commentary tends to focus on the written aspect of the film and character development, various scenes and also set design.
* Alternate Ending - (3:39) A different ending for the film, which I'm glad they didn't use.
DISC 2:
* Interactive Mayan Calendar - An interactive Mayan Calendar for one to get horoscopes, personality profile and more.
* Mysteries of the Mayan Calendar - (3:52) A short featurette about the Mayan Calendar and its mystery.
* Deleted Scenes - (4:54) A total of five deleted scenes: Limo Drive with twins, President Wilson Talks with Sally, Something must have gone wrong, Jackson Underwater and Anheuser Apologizes.
* Designing the End of the World - (26:03) The visual effects behind "2012. Featuring director Roland Emmerich and the talent talking about filming in mostly blue screen.
* Roland Emmerich: The Master of the Modern Epic - (9:31) Talent and crew talk about working with Roland Emmerich. Emmerich talks about making another disaster film and how he wanted to do a modern "Noah's Ark".
* Science Behind the Destruction - (13:19) How the filmmaker worked with a geology professor at USC and other people familiar with the 2012 prophecy for the film.
* The End of the World: The Actor's Perspective - (7:34) The talent talk about making of the film and working with Roland Emmerich and their perspective of the destruction of the film.
* "Time For Miracles" Music Video by Adam Lambert - (4:19) "Time For Miracles" music video.
* Making the Music Video "Time For Miracles" with Adam Lambert - (2:43) Interview with "American Idol" finalist/runnerup Adam Lambert of the making of his first music video. Also, feat. Roland Emmerich and music video director Wayne Isham.
* Countdown to the Future - (22:03) A featurette about the Mayan prophecy and if the year 2012 is a dawn for a new era or the end of the world?
NOTABLE EXTRAS:
"2012 also comes with a digital copy for PC & Mac Versions and PSP Version.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I enjoy disaster films and I enjoy Roland Emmerich's disaster films. "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Independence Day" were films that captured your imagination, loaded with action and visual effects that there is always something happening onscreen. When it comes to these disaster films, especially Emmerich disaster films, you come to see disaster and not a deep story and I think this is where critics had a problem with "2012.
Is it a deep, plot-driven film? No. Is it a romantic film? No.
If anything, since Emmerich's "Stargate", you come to his films seeing how far he can take visual effects. But for those who are expecting cinematic storytelling, this is not a film for you. Where we seen James Cameron create a masterpiece with "Avatar" by combining storytelling and visual effects, Emmerich's disaster films is where disaster takes the front row. How far can he make things look convincing and the peril of humanity. When it comes to disaster films, I suppose that one who has watched many of them including the 1958 film "A Night to Remember", the 1970 film "Airport", the 1972 film "The Poseidon Adventure", the 1974 film "Towering Inferno" or even the 1997 film "Titanic" are disaster films at their best compared to a film such as "When Time Ran Out..." (1980).
Emmerich said he wanted to redo a modern "Noah's Ark" and in that sense, he did a great job. To show how these cities and countries are destroyed has to look convincing and his visual effects crew pulls it off. Yes, if you look at the film and expect anything serious, you are going to be disappointed. The storyline is very farfetched as Jackson and his family are just a step, a few seconds away from their demise. But if anyone has seen Emmerich's last films, isn't this usually the case? And at around 158 minutes, the film may seem too long for some viewers and some may feel that Emmerich was overdoing it by forcing too many action/disaster scenes on the viewer. And I suppose, if I watched this film in the theater...maybe I would have felt that way.
But I have enjoyed Roland Emmerich's films, no matter how CG-driven they are. I am not expecting anything monumental in cinematic storytelling, I watch his films simply as a popcorn flick in which visual effects takes a prime seat and see how far he is able to take things and in "2012", how much destruction he can pull off. His disaster films are not for the serious minded and "2012" is not a film to expect anything deep in terms of character-driven storylines. It's a film about humanity trying to survive apocalypse. How does the government respond? And sure, some may feel "oh, we've seen that with `Deep Impact' or `Independence Day'"? But, Emmerich and Harald Kloser do a good job of taking things in a different direction.
On Blu-ray, audiophiles will simply love how the lossless soundtrack sounds on their system. Your room just envelops with audio and directions of the sounds carefully planned and to full effect. This is what I love about seeing this film on BD. The picture quality is also very well done and it really brought out the details of the destruction of the world. And of course, a lot of content, especially for those who have interest in "2012" especially if they believe in the Mayan prophecy.
Overall, "2012" is an action/disaster film that features non-stop action and disaster. For those who know what to expect from Roland Emmerich, will feel that "2012 not only was this film his best disaster film (technically speaking), it is his best film on Blu-ray in terms of content, picture and audio quality. This is a solid release and audiophiles, Emmerich fans and those who enjoyed "2012" will definitely enjoy. "2012" on Blu-ray is definitely recommended!
AWESOME! Don't understand the bad reviews from critics! February 2, 2010
Nicole M
12 out of 18 found this review helpful
As soon as I saw the preview for this I couldnt wait! Then the critics gave their opinion and they didnt care for it! I saw it anyways and it is non stop action through the whole movie! Most films like this one will have 1 or 2 action scenes then the rest is boring, but not this film! What a roller coaster, good script, good cast, amazing visual effects and it gives the affect that you are in the movie. I actually kept getting dizzy watching this in the theater and it wasent 3D or Imax! I can't wait to buy it! And I was sceptical at first about John Cusack in this movie but he did a decent job. Woody Harrelson has a small part he did good in as well.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 474
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