Director Roland Emmerich has has helmed some huge box-office hits, and some of them(INDEPENDENCE DAY) were fun, some of them were pure crap(10,000 BC). "2012" has just been released on blu-ray by SONY, and while never as fun as "INDEPENDENCE DAY," it's far better than 10,000 B.C.

The film starts in 2009, with scientist Adrian Helmsley becoming aware of a earth-shattering disaster in the making, and taking his findings to the White House.  Jumping ahead to 2012, a  multitude of other characters are introduced, including Jackson Curtis(John Cusack) an author and limo driver, on a family vacation with his kids at Yellowstone National Park, without his ex-wife(Amanda Peet) whom is in a new relationship with a plastic surgeon. While at the park, Jackson meets whacko radio-ham Charlie Frost(Woody Harrelson) and is turned on to his theory of a government cover-up and pending disaster. Jackson quickly(but at a pace that's still somewhat dull for the viewer)takes off in an attempt to get away from disaster and to a safe-haven with his entire family, with the potential help of his wealthiest client, a Russian Billionaire, his spoiled twins, a pretty mistress, and a personal pilot having an affair with the mistress. Danny Glover, as the US President, is given a fair amount of screen time, and while he's been incredible and even overlooked in some performances(SAINT OF FORT WASHINGTON, GRAND CANYON) he's horribly miscast here, and not for one minute believable in this role! Thandie Newton plays the President's daughter, and as much screen time as she's given, one only wishes she'd been given even more. She's great to look at and one of the few actors here, providing any sense of actual depth. "2012" is intended to be a disaster film in every "big" sense of the word, big effects, "big" cast of characters, big running time, etc. While it is certain to please many, it lacks the genuine fun that was so pervasive in the disaster films of the '70s.  While Irwin Allen's films(POSEIDON ADVENTURE, "TOWERING INFERNO,") had their great share of flaws, they still hold up today better than Emmerich's film! Emmerich tries to throw everything into the mix, but none of the ingredients blend naturally. "2012" typically feels more like the worst of the "LOVE BOAT" episodes instead of "THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE." Blech!

The opening moments of "2012" actually suggest the potential for some twists on the disaster genre. Unfortunately, everything that follows is predictable, and borrows from far superior films(DEEP IMPACT and many more). Worse, at 158 minutes, it's painfully slow!!!  Sure, there are numerous characters and sub-plots relating to these characters, but the extra length of the film isn't merited if none of these sub-plots are compelling! Any true film lover should really be wary of ever trusting the film recommendations from anyone claiming to be wowed by "2012!"

SONY does deserve credit for the incredible transfer that this blu-ray has been given. The correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio is provided in this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  Colors are rich and vibrant in every scene. From the opening moments of the film, while a main character journeys into the ever darkening depths of a mined area, the level of detail is flawless, ranking "2012" as one of the best reference quality transfers available on blu-ray. The inky blacks ensure no matter how dark a scene may get, all of the depth achieved is maintained and never lost to shadow. Unlike many blu-ray transfers, the higher resolution compliments the CGI effects, rather than magnifying any flaws. Not one scene appears flat. It's simply a fantastic transfer!!!

SONY has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. Like the video, this mix is reference quality in every possible respect.  While Emmerich doesn't succeed in creating tension or anything imaginative or new here, at least the balance of music, discrete effects, surrounds, bass and dialogue is exquisite and engaging. The mix achieves the "epic" feel which the film fails to obtain, and there are plenty of scenes wherein one may have to turn down their subwoofer to prevent neighbors from being alarmed by the rumbling of numerous action scenes.

The three-disc-set offers the film and some extras on the first disc, more supplements and a PSP-only copy on the 2nd disc and a PC digital copy on disc three.

An audio commentary with Emmerich and the co-writer is provided. While some of it is informative, it's even slower and less engaging than the film! After the first twenty minutes or so, it's just painfully slow to endure.

Picture-in-picture: Roland's Vision, offers a video that runs over the film at the top, with cast and crew members discussing the film's development and more. An alternate ending in 1080p is also offered, along with BD-LIVE features and various 1080p trailers.

Disc two offers "INTERACTIVE MAYAN CALENDAR" a 1080p extra, looking at the calendar and its relevance. Other extras in 1080i, related to the calendar are offered.  A music video with American Idol Adam Lambert(1080i), trailers(1080p) deleted scenes(1080p) and more are offered.