At some time in the unspecified future, North America became known as Panem. The nation was divided into 13 distinct districts surrounding a central capital. Because of a rebellion years before that destroyed District 13, the remaining districts are forced to participate in “The Hunger Games.” Once a year, two adolescents, one male and one female between the ages of 12 and 18, are sent from each district to a battle-to-the-death gladiatorial struggle that is the biggest televised event in the land. The last person standing is declared the champion.
12-year old Primrose Everdeen (Willow Shields) is chosen as a representative of District 12. In a bid to save her sister from almost certain death, 16-year old Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take Primrose’s place. She is accompanied on the journey to the capital by Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) her district’s male representative. They are escorted to the capital by chaperone Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) an alcoholic who won the games more than 20 years earlier. Once they arrive in the capital, Katniss and Peeta meet their competition and realize that, unlike their district, many of the wealthier ones, have been training for the games most of their lives. Despite her apparent disadvantages, Katniss’ confidence and showmanship make her a popular favorite—a development that delights the game’s organizer (Wes Bentley) and the on-air commentator (Stanley Tucci) but angers President Snow (Donald Sutherland).
The Hunger Games made Jennifer Lawrence a star. The Hunger Games popularity with girls (myself included), is explained by the first-person perspective of a strong female character. Katniss is always relatable, no matter what situation she faces. Lawrence carries the film with an ease and likability that makes Katniss worth rooting for from the moment we meet her. Her co-star Josh Hutcherson doesn’t quite bring the same intensity to the table, but he has a cuteness that’s irresistible. The supporting cast is filled out by such names as Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland. All actors who know how to do their jobs and do it well.
Photographed in 35mm but completed as a 2K digital intermediate, The Hunger Games was upconverted to 4K. the picture offers a noticeable improvement with a notable crispness to the image. Details are also slightly better. The three-dimensional appearance of the film is impressive, offering a solid sense of depth. Blacks are stunning which helps to improve the overall detail. The color palette is stronger across the board—reds are red, yellows are yellower, etc.—colors pop off the screen. Skin tones look normal and offer up more facial details—freckles, lip textures and more. There are no artifacts to speak of.
Those who have a 4K TV should find this transfer pleasing.
The English Dolby Atmos (English 7.1 DTS-HD MA) is a real treat. Surrounds are fully engaged when called upon and discrete when necessary. The LFE is nearly overpowering, but perfect. Atmospherics never sounded so good! Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout. For my money, this is reference quality material.
English, English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- Audio Commentary Editor Stephen Mirrione, Visual Effects Supervisor Sheena Duggal, and Supervising Sound Editor Lon Bender: The trio provide a lot of information on the production of the film.
- Game Maker: Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Phenomenon (HD, 14:15) A look at how the original novel affected YA books and films.
- The World Is Watching: Making The Hunger Games (HD, 2:02:00) A comprehensive look at the making of the film, which can be viewed in its entirety using the Play All option, or as eight individual segments, including Countdown, Casting, Design, Arena Ready, On Location in Panem, Effects, Post Production, and May the Odds Be Forever in Your Favor.
- Letters from the Rose Garden (HD, 9:08) Director Gary Ross and Donald Sutherland go over a 3-page letter that Sutherland wrote him after getting cast as the President. It also inspired Ross to write some additional scenes in the film.
- Digital HD Copy:An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy through Ultraviolet partners.
