CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY [2012 / 2013] [Limited 3D Edition] [3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy] [USA Release] A Magical Journey through the World of Cirque du Soleil!
Visionary filmmakers James Cameron [‘AVATAR’] and Andrew Adamson [‘SHREK’] invite you on a spectacular adventure unlike anything you've seen before. Leap, soar, swim and dance with the legendary performers of Cirque du Soleil as they transport a young couple on a “magical journey” worlds away and beyond imagination.
Cast: Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov, Lutz Halbhubner, John Clarke, Dallas Barnett, Tanya Drewery, Sarah Houbolt, Ascia Maybury, Damien Gordon, Zach Brickland, Iren Goed, Roufan Gan, Pei Pei Lane, Shaowei Xin, Stephen Cooper, Mengkai Shi, James Fletcher, Wenbo Zheng, Mariska du Plessis, Dan Hales, Graham Candy, Mike Baker, Matt Gillanders, Alan Thompson, All of the 'O' Cast Members, All of the Kà Cast Members, Haoyuen Chen, Alexander Dryjenko, Roman Ermolenkov, Sébastian Fortier, Florence Gaillard, Yevgen Kuz'min, Xun Li, Petro Marakhovskyy, Alexandre Plotnikov, Andrei Ridetski, Dimitry Vorobiev, Derrick Aldrich, Lorin-Pierre Andre, Andy Howard, Wellington Lima, David Locke, Sheila Joy Buford, Gyulnara Karaeva, Sylvia Aderne, Ekaterina Arnaoutova, Joel Baker, Marina Boutina, Eugen Brim, Marin Britten, Tina Cannon, Gianni Cardinale, Kristofer Carrison, Eve Castelo Branco, Jimmie Cervera, Roshan Chopra, Jason Chu, Ekenah Claudin, Nathan Cooper, Laura Cota, Ryan Dawes, Marco De Santi, Youssef El Toufali, Ryan Elrod, Marc Englehart, Reed Evans, Delphine Gaillard, Halil Gashi, Mike Goodenough, Wieslaw Haczkiewicz, Ronald Harris, Carrie Helms, Khetanya Henderson, Gareth Hopkins, Joel Howard, Tal Iozef, Meredith Kerr, Leisha Knight, Alina Leiva, Mariana Rodrigues Maekawa, Ghislain Malardier, Kishema Pendu Malik, Cosmin Malita, Marian Malita, Nnete Campbell Manyesa, Sandrine Mattei, Bernhardt Mattes, Cameron McKinlay, Tumelo Michael Moloi, Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, Charlotte O Dowd, Rares Iulian Orzata, Nolan Padilla, Cheyanne Rhoades, Mason Roberts, Melena Rounis, Dmitro Rybikin, David Schexnayder, David Shay, Taras Shevchenko, Vladimir Sosnin, Jonathan Strong, Alexander Strownov, Jake Van Orden, Anne Weissbecker, Rob Winch, Wallace Zernich, Kyle Zingler, Nicolas Bosc (uncredited), Sophia Elisabeth (Mia voice) (uncredited) and Chris Silcox (uncredited)
Directors: Andrew Adamson
Producers: Andrew Adamson, Aron Warner, Cary Granat, Dione Orrom, Ed Jones, Jacques Méthé, James Cameron, Jeff Tannebring, Leu Strope, Martin Bolduc, Matthew Spiegel, Paul Morphos, Rocky Oldham and Tim Coddington
Screenplay: Andrew Adamson
Composers: Benoît Jutras and Stephen Barton
Cinematography: Brett Turnbull (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Português: 5.1 Dolby Digital
English: 5.1 Audio Descriptive Service
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese
Running Time: 91 minutes
Region: Blu-ray: All Regions and DVD: NTSC
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Andrew's 3D Blu-ray Review: James Cameron and Andrew Adamson join forces to present a fantastical love story, featuring the best of the world-famous circus troupe's elaborate performances. The world's most famous acrobatic troupe delivers a feast of surreal beauty and moments of breath-catching wonder in the skilfully staged 3D film ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY.’
A greatest-hits extravaganza tenuously linked by a love-story narrative and the 3D film relies on directors Andrew Adamson and James Cameron's use of slow-motion, close-ups and inventive camera angles to smooth the transition from big top to big screen presentation on this spectacular 3D Blu-ray disc.
The undeniably spectacular skills of the Cirque du Soleil performers lose little in translation, although the intimate moments work decidedly better, as cinema-goers catch each slap of the aerialist’s mid-air hand grasps and every droplet of water splashed. The elastic female gymnast doing solo backflips inside an oversized brandy glass was a totally boring pointless viewing experience in my personal opinion and should have been taken out of the whole show.
With more than 100 million tickets sold across six continents for Cirque du Soleil stage shows, the brand is certainly a spectacular experience for all ages. The new medium of this 3D Blu-ray disc opens up the experience to an even wider audience, in exploring this awesome experimental artistic stunning film, to savour time after time with this beautiful 3D Blu-ray disc.
The story opens with something that would never happen at a live Cirque du Soleil performance, a fall from The Aerialist [Igor Zaripov]. Mia [Erica Linz], a petite outsider visiting a down-at-heel old-timey circus, the kind with sword-swallowers and bearded ladies, is drawn to one of the performers. He's a trapeze artist simply known as The Aerialist [Igor Zaripov] and when she catches his eye mid-air, he breaks concentration and plunges to the ground.
The sand of the rink gives way and she follows him down the rabbit hole, as it were, into a parallel universe where she meets that madly prancing clown [John Clarke]. He escorts her through a series of fantastical realms populated by trampolining superheroes, rider less tricycles and giant double-jointed spiders from the company's Las Vegas shows, including O, Mystére, Believe and Viva.
As Mia [Erica Linz] wanders through these dreamscapes clutching a poster of The Aerialist [Igor Zaripov] to her chest, Mia [Erica Linz] alternates eye-widening with theatrical brow-furrowing. Let's just say that as an actress, she's a good acrobat, which is made clear in the gorgeously romantic finale. The brow-furrowing is understandable, though, as, like most abstractedly mystical Cirque du Soleil stage shows, the action follows the logic of a dream.
Still, the unifying accomplishment is in the giddy acrobatics, sleek sensuality and heart-stopping derring-do of the performers, as well as the constantly sumptuous, transporting immersive cinematography, and the final result is some of the coolest cinema performance footage ever recorded in 3D. Some acts are physically astounding and technically well staged; especially the aerial pas de deux finale is especially very good and totally spectacular.
Most Cirque du Soleil shows do have a story line, usually a young person on a quest, and “Worlds Away” does that extremely well. Acted without dialogue, the plot concerns a gamine acrobat [Erica Linz] who attends a shabby, real-world carnival and is so entranced by a handsome The Aerialist [Igor Zaripov] that she's compelled to follow him, Alice-like, down a hole and into another universe. There, a bordering-on-creepy clown escorts her through show-stopping numbers from Cirque du Soleil's Vegas shows. The opening set from “O” features swimmers, acrobats, and contortionists in, on, and above water. A segment from “Kà” boasts Imperial China-influenced visuals, costumes, and makeup with acrobats performing gravity-defying stunts on a near-vertical platform. Less eye-popping is the “hole Lotta Shakin'” number from the now-closed “Viva Elvis.” A segment from “Love” features The Beatles “Octopus's Garden” with troupe members suspended like chandeliers and dripping in white tendrils like floating jellyfish. “For the Benefit of Mr. Kite” boasts a Sgt. Pepper-like master of ceremonies presiding over an assortment of Fellini-esque characters.
Cirque du Soleil live performance in this 3D Blu-ray, are considered the epitome of the ultimate “contemporary circus” and the show draws inspiration from circus styles around the world, usually weaving a very loosely-structured storyline in the process. In other words: the narrative for ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ is mostly meant as an excuse to stage a variety of Cirque du Soleil set pieces and routines, which were captured using James Cameron's PACE Fusion 3D camera system and wow does it work for me, spectacularly.
That said, James Cameron's PACE Fusion 3D system is great for expansive and immersive visuals, which “Worlds Away” should offer in loads. Similarly, it's impossible to not admire the athleticism of Cirque du Soleil performers and marvel at how often they're but a single misstep away from greatly injuring themselves; obviously, you won't have to worry about that happening in this 3D Blu-ray. Anyone who's ever wanted to see a Cirque du Soleil live stage performance, but never been able to for whatever reason, that it is too expensive, no nearby location: this is the way to go.
It's not much of a spoiler to reveal that Mia and The Aerialist eventually are reunited, and we finally get the chance to see them become active participants, thanks to a beautiful stunning airborne aerobic acrobatic performance. Fireworks signify the explosion of romance in the air, and the film then comes to an abrupt conclusion. The cast even takes bows, over end credits set to The Beatles “All You Need is Love.”
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY MUSIC TRACK LIST
CALLING (Composed by Benoit Jutras/Harris Shper) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras) [Featuring E]
CIRCUS MARVELLOUS (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
THE ARIEALIST (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
SAND TRAP (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
FARAWAY CHAPITEUA (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
EMPTY THEATRE (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
RIDEAU ROUGE (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
SQUELLETTE (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
REDA (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
PIEDS II (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
STEBEN (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
BATEAU (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
TERRE BRÛLÉE (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
FOUNTAINES (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
COUP D’ETAT (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
SLAVE CAGE (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
FLIGHT OF THE PRISONER (Composed by Martin Lord Ferguson and Ella Louise Allaire) (Arranged by Martin Lord Ferguson and Ella Louise Allaire)
BATTLEFIELD (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
AFTERMATH (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
WASHED UP (Composed by Stephen Barton and René Dupéré) (Arranged by Stephen Barton)
THE PURSUERS (Composed by Stephen Barton) (Arranged by Stephen Barton)
CLIFF (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
THE LAST PURSUER (Composed by Stephen Barton) (Arranged by Stephen Barton)
FLIGHT (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
LOVE DANCE (Composed by René Dupéré) (Original arrangements by René Dupéré) (Film arrangements by Stephen Barton)
VARIATION ON LOVE DANCE (Composed by René Dupéré and Stephen Barton) (Arranged by Stephen Barton)
MYSTÈRE (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
GOT A LOT O’ LIVIN’ TO DO (Composed by Aaron Schröder and Ben Weisman)
GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT (Sample) (Composed by Roy Brown)
BABY LET’S PLAY HOUSE (Composed by Arthur Gunter)
NOSTALGIE (Composed by Benoit Jutras) (Arranged by Benoit Jutras)
BLACKBIRD (Composed by John Lennon / Paul McCartney)
OCTOPUS’S GARDEN (Composed by Ringo Starr)
LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS (Composed by John Lennon / Paul McCartney)
BEING FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR. KITE (Composed by John Lennon / Paul McCartney)
GET BACK (Composed by John Lennon / Paul McCartney)
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS (Composed by George Harrison)
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (Composed by John Lennon / Paul McCartney)
3D Blu-ray Image Quality – This is a combination Andrew Adamson and James Cameron production, so, as to be expected, ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ was an original high definition 3D production shot with the PACE Fusion 3D system. It comes to this 3D Blu-ray with a stunning 1080p encoded image and an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 which is totally awesome. Like most productions from ‘AVATAR' to the more recent ‘Life of Pi' which again is shot with the PACE Fusion 3D system, and gives the 3D a totally natural and gorgeous vision. In the very opening scene, there is a bit of a pop-up book look, and, on my display, some issues with crosstalk. However, once we move to the Circus Maximus and beyond, these issues dissolve and we are given a strong 3D effect with great depth. In 2D, the image is strong as well, offering a lot of detail and texture with no anomalies to speak of.
3D Blu-ray Audio Quality – ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ features a dazzling 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround soundtrack. It's smooth but also aggressive, making extensive and natural use of the surround channels in every scene. Musical delivery is precise, showing great clarity and seamless flow around the stage. The track makes use of a positive, balanced low end, whether a rumbling train, which displays great sound imaging that moves from one side to the other or in support to the music. The film is littered with all sorts of distinct, well-placed, and demonstration-worthy moments that bring the world to life and are guaranteed to put even the best sound system through its paces. This is a marvellous listening experience that alone is worth the price of the 3D Blu-ray disc.
3D Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Making Worlds Away [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:26] Here we get an in-depth look at the amazing fantasy presentation of Cirque du Soleil and we get an interesting perspective from the likes of James Cameron [Executive Producer]; Andrew Adamson [Producer/Writer/Director]; Erica Linz [Mia] and Martin Bolduc [Producer]. Despite it not being a very long special feature, it is still an interesting look at what makes Cirque du Soleil so magical and spectacular.
Special Feature: A Day in the Life with Erica Linz [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [13:24] Here we get another intimate look behind-the-scene on how the artists go about training for the acrobats and visual presentation of Cirque du Soleil and of course the main presenter is the main female character in the show, which of course is Erica Linz. We also get introduced to the other acrobatic performers, who are Pierre-Luc Sylvain; Kyle DesChamps and Cheetah Platt. We also get to see behind-the-scene on how the filming was produced for the show. Contributions included: Andrew Adamson and James Cameron.
Trailer: Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas Commercial [2012] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:01] This is a very spectacular commercial, showing off what makes Cirque du Soleil so special, magical and awesome, that takes you into a fantasy world we would all love to be in. What a shame it was not in 3D?
Finally, ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ has a soul, a very human soul that surpasses in spirit and accomplishment even the cutting-edge technology used to bring it the screen. For all the marvels behind the scenes, and of course ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ truly dazzles through the skill of its performers. It's an amazing spectacle of human agility that's been seen before but perhaps not quite at this level of perfect execution. It makes for a nice escape from the phoniness of Hollywood even as the world of ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ is itself incredibly stylized and offers a glimpse into something uniquely human and very much real, even under makeup, costumes, and through the prism of the latest in technology. Paramount Pictures Blu-ray 3D release ‘CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY’ delivers a totally excellent and stunning 3D images and equally awesome audio surround sound. Supplements are few, but despite this, this 3D Blu-ray release nevertheless comes with a top rating of 5 stars. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
