Planet Hulk Blu-ray Review

"Planet Hulk" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition presentation in its native 1.78:1 aspect ratio, utilizing the AVC codec at an average bitrate of 19Mbps. The animation style leans towards a nostalgic 80s aesthetic, which may feel dated to some viewers, yet the computer-generated backdrops exhibit commendable detail and clarity. The color palette is expansive and vivid, effectively conveying the diverse environments of the alien planet. Black levels are consistently deep, enhancing the overall contrast without veering into gray tones. However, certain scenes reveal technical imperfections, such as occasional color bleeding and minor haziness during zoomed shots.

While the CG-enhanced segments shine with sharpness and intricate detail, the traditionally animated character work is less impressive. Issues such as color banding and artifacting particularly stand out in characters like Elloe and the Hulk. These flaws are more pronounced during fast-paced sequences, which can suffer from noticeable blurring and blocking. Despite these shortcomings, foreground lines and background artwork remain generally stable with minimal stairstepping or instability. The video presentation is sufficiently strong to reflect an accurate representation of the source material, though it falls short of contemporary high-definition standards.

In summary, "Planet Hulk" offers an above-average visual presentation that balances between impressive CG moments and mediocre traditional animation. The BD25 disc’s storage constraints, compounded by the inclusion of 7.1 audio and numerous extras, may have influenced the video quality. Overall, while the bold hues and richly detailed backgrounds promise an engaging experience, the video's inconsistent detail and frequent banding ultimately temper expectations. This Blu-ray release may not qualify as a visual marvel but successfully delivers an adequate viewing experience for fans of the genre.

The audio presentation of "Planet Hulk" on Blu-ray features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix, which delivers a solid but unspectacular performance typical of direct-to-video animated films. Dialogue is generally clear and coherent, though occasionally overshadowed by the bustling score and action effects. The surround sound usage is fairly robust, providing an immersive environment where action sequences reverberate through the rear channels, although some minor issues with accent clarity and muffled tones persist. Bass performance stands out prominently, delivering impactful ground-shaking moments during epic scenes, wrenching you into the on-screen chaos. While not exceedingly subtle or sophisticated, the audio mix compensates with its raw punch and dynamic elements.

One of the standout features of this track is its capacity to deliver high-energy action scenes with remarkable clarity and depth. Effects such as clashing blades and Hulk's formidable punches resonate with heft, immersing viewers deeper into the environment of the arena. Precision in the sound design is evident, particularly during scenes involving intricate sonic elements like the release of tiny flying creatures, which effectively utilize all available speakers to create a highly dynamic auditory experience. Despite lacking a distinct high range in dynamic capabilities, moments like these highlight the balance maintained across various elements in the mix, providing a well-rounded auditory experience that audiophiles will appreciate.

Overall, while the DTS-HD 7.1 track may not push the boundaries of high-definition audio potential due to its inherent production limitations, it successfully maximizes the material’s capabilities. The bass is a standout feature, enhancing the dramatic tension of numerous scenes, whereas clarity and directionality in key sequences showcase the track's immersive potential. Although there are room for improvements in more nuanced audio elements, "Planet Hulk" delivers an engaging sonic experience fitting for a tale centered around one of Marvel's most powerful characters.

The Blu-ray edition of "Planet Hulk" features an extensive collection of extras that delve into the production and backstory of the film. The primary audio commentary tracks by Joshua Fine and Greg Johnson offer a comprehensive look at the adaptation process, while the secondary track by Sam Liu and team is more technical but occasionally redundant. "A Whole World of Hurt: The Making of Planet Hulk" is an engaging featurette that gives a detailed account of the film's creation and key exclusions like the Silver Surfer due to legal issues. The "Let the Smashing Commence: The Saga of Planet Hulk" featurette offers insights from the comic's creator, providing essential context for fans. In addition to motion comics and music videos, the disc also includes previews for upcoming Marvel projects, and a bonus cartoon episode featuring Wolverine and Hulk.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Insightful tracks focusing on different aspects of production.
• A Whole World of Hurt: The Making of Planet Hulk: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Let the Smashing Commence: The Saga of Planet Hulk: Insight into the original comic.
• Opening Sequence: Thor: Tales of Asgard: Preview of upcoming movie.
• Wolverine and the X-Men: Wolverine vs. Hulk Episode: Full-length episode.
• Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D. Motion Comic: Introductory motion comic.
• Astonishing X-Men: Gifted Motion Comic: Whedon's comic in motion format.
• Watch Your Step Spider-Woman Music Video: Music video from Spider-Woman series.
• Rise Up-Astonishing X-Men Music Video: Music video from Astonishing X-Men series.
• Hulk Online Games Trailer: Quick promotion for online games.
• Trailers: Various trailers including Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 and Hulk Vs.

"Planet Hulk" is a stand-out entry in Marvel's animated film repertoire, acclaimed for adapting one of the Hulk's most revered storylines. The narrative, heavily borrowing from Ridley Scott’s "Gladiator," transports the Hulk to the alien planet Sakaar, where he must fight for survival and freedom in gladiatorial contests. The character arc deviates from Bruce Banner's duality by portraying Hulk solely in his green-skinned, rage-fueled form. The adaptation stays true to the essence of the source material while making necessary adjustments for runtime constraints, like replacing the Silver Surfer with Beta Ray Bill. This choice, although controversial among purists, works well within the film's structure, maintaining an intense and engaging storyline.

The animation quality is decent but falls short of extraordinary, a recurring critique in Marvel’s animated releases. Despite this, the depiction of Sakaar and its inhabitants adds a layer of depth and escapism, reinforcing the film’s otherworldly theme. The violence is notably graphic, pushing the boundaries of animated superhero films and offering a rawer, more visceral experience than typical Saturday morning cartoons. However, reliance on robotic adversaries in some gladiatorial scenes pulls back from fully utilizing the brutality permissible in a PG-13 rating. The brief 81-minute runtime slightly hinders character development and epic storytelling potential, yet the film remains proficient in condensing a rich narrative into a compelling watch.

Overall, "Planet Hulk" successfully captures the spirit of its comic origins while introducing cinematic elements that make it accessible to a broader audience. The auditory experience complements the intense visuals with powerful, bass-heavy audio. Despite certain compromises, such as superficial gladiator contests and the absence of frame-perfect animation artistry, it stands out as one of Marvel's best-animated creations. Fans of the Hulk and animated superhero narratives will find plenty to enjoy in this tight, action-packed adaptation.

If you enjoyed Hulk Vs., I'm confident Planet Hulk is right up your alley. The setting is fantastic, the story engaging, and the action intense. From a technical standpoint, this is a solid Blu-ray offering, with competent visuals, a rousing audio track, and a surprisingly robust collection of value-added supplements. Don't hesitate to jump on a copy of Planet Hulk, and keep your fingers crossed for a future adaptation of 'World War Hulk'. Comic fans will get what they've been asking for from the animated Marvel film series with 'Planet Hulk.' It may not totally follow the comic it's based on, but it provides the same themes and experiences regardless. The Blu-ray has average audio and video, and a solid pile of extras, most of which focus on other characters. An easy recommendation is earned based on story alone, but the technical aspects are troubling in their mediocrity.

"Planet Hulk" delivers a thoroughly engaging experience that captures the essence and intensity of its comic book origins. The plot intriguingly deviates while maintaining core themes that appeal to die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Visually, the Blu-ray presentation is commendable, if not groundbreaking, with competent animation quality that does justice to the vivid settings of the story. The added supplements are particularly enriching, providing thorough insights and extended content primarily centered around auxiliary characters.

Though the audio quality might not set new benchmarks, it successfully complements the visual storytelling with a dynamic and immersive sound range. Despite some limitations in achieving an exceptional audio-visual spectacle, the content itself ensures an enjoyable viewing experience. The supplementary material adds substantial value, making it a robust package for Marvel enthusiasts.

If you enjoyed Hulk Vs., I'm confident Planet Hulk is right up your alley. The setting is fantastic, the story engaging, and the action intense. From a technical standpoint, this is a solid Blu-ray offering, with competent visuals, a rousing audio track, and a surprisingly robust collection of value-added supplements. Don't hesitate to jump on a copy of Planet Hulk, and keep your fingers crossed for a future adaptation of 'World War Hulk'.