It needs to be. The filmmakers don't revel in the violence but use it to show us how ugly and harsh death can be. It's a lesson well learned. Perfect color saturation, flattering flesh tones and solid, impenetrable blacks make for images that are absolutely vivid. Attention to detail is exact, while depth of field seems to go on forever.
Earth tones are extremely realistic, while whites and grays are pure thanks to a pristine negative.
No visible artifacts, even during the film's many dark, fire-lit scenes. You get a variety of channels, each on an asset. Most common is the 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX soundtrack, which features ominous basses, outstanding surround effects and stereo separation that puts you right in the middle of all of the action. The dialogue mix is superior, allowing even the smallest of whisper to penetrate through the realistic ambient noise. Middle and high ends purr, with no hiss or distortion.