9 By David Vaughn   •   December, 2009 The films of producer Tim Burton have a certain visual flair, and 9 is no exception. Co-produced with Timur Bekmambetov, it tells a tale of humanity's final days and how one dedicated scientist provides the spark of life to nine of his creations.

The story is depressing, but the animation is astounding, some of the best I've seen from any studio not named Pixar. Detail is mind-blowing in both foregrounds or backgrounds, and the multi-layered textures are very lifelike with the VC-1/1080p encode. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack nearly equals the video quality with robust frequency response, pinpoint accuracy of discrete effects, and a plethora of demo-worthy scenes.

Meet 9

• Chapter 1, 0:01:52
• Detail, surround envelopment
• From the opening shot, prepare to be impressed by this visually stunning production. Look at the detail in the tightly woven string and the minute spider web in the background
• Listen as the wind blows through the soundstage and the sharp snap as 9's string finally lets go and the resulting crash to the floor.

Awakening the beast

• Chapter 8, 00:25:01
• Detail, frequency response, surround envelopment
• When the mechanical monster absorbs 2's life force, look at the detail in his eye and woven face right before the electric current engulfs his body.
• When the electricity blasts from the beast, listen as it engulfs the room and the foundation-shaking bass rattles the windows.

Showdown

• Chapter 16, 01:06:59
• Detail
• As 9 plays possum with the mechanical beast, relish the detail on the attacker's body—the aged and scared metal, its multitude of electronic conductors, and the menace of its singular life-destroying eye.

Release Date: December 29, 2009
Studio: Universal

Movie: 5/10
Picture: 10/10
Sound: 9/10