Fantastic Mr. Fox Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p HD transfer of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio captures the essence of Wes Anderson's distinctive visual style with astounding clarity and fidelity. Anderson personally supervised this transfer, ensuring that the film’s original HD-shot feature retains its full intensity and detail. The picture resolution is exceptional, allowing viewers to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship of the stop-motion animation. Each hair on the animals' fur and individual stitch in their clothing is discernibly sharp, highlighting the mastery of minutiae that pervades the film. The colors are vivid and diverse, with earthy tones like browns, yellows, and oranges standing out prominently while being complemented by vibrant blues, reds, and greens.

Depth perception in the presentation is significantly enhanced, thanks to the carefully constructed physical sets that add tangible weight to every frame. This results in an image that captures even the smallest details, from rust on signs to cracks in old buildings, accentuating the movie's storybook charm with a cinematic prowess. The black levels are consistently deep and supportive, contributing to a balanced image that remains assertive and visually striking. One minor point of contention might be some faint banding noticeable during panoramic vistas and studio logos, although this is a negligible issue in an otherwise flawless visual presentation. This Criterion transfer truly sets the bar for what modern high-definition transfers should aspire to be.

The audio presentation of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" on Blu-ray features an immaculate 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that impeccably captures the intricate and whimsical world created by Wes Anderson. The dialogue is rendered with crystal clarity, allowing the unique vocal nuances of each character to shine through with exceptional fidelity. Both the subtle emotional undertones and comedic rhythms are preserved, ensuring a rich listening experience that maintains tremendous vocal balance even during complex group interactions. The score, articulated with splendid precision, seamlessly integrates with the film’s soundscape, providing unobtrusive background support that springs to life when needed.

Ambient sounds and effects, such as those emanating from farms, underground tunnels, and the schoolyard, extend immersively through surround channels, offering a palpable sense of space and dynamism. The sound design cleverly employs directional audio cues, enhancing the overall depth and engagement of the viewing experience. Notably, low-frequency elements are deployed judiciously, adding weight to key moments without overwhelming the primary audio tracks.

This engaging and well-balanced audio mix avoids common pitfalls like pops, cracks, or hissing, providing a refined and immersive auditory experience. The meticulous attention to detail in preserving the natural acoustics of the film ensures that every sound effect, whether it's the rustling of leaves or the bustling ambiance of a scene, resonates authentically. This is a technically accomplished presentation that showcases the film’s audio elements at their finest.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" are an exceptional blend of behind-the-scenes insights, production details, and personal touches from the creators. Wes Anderson's 2013 commentary provides a comprehensive dive into the film’s meticulous creation, including animation labor, influences, and an amusing nod to "Magnum P.I." An animatic version of the entire film offers a unique storyboard perspective. The Making of 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' is a detailed, seven-part journey through the production process, from sound recording on a farm to puppet tests. Roald Dahl’s audio recording of his book and the 'Fantastic Mr. Dahl' BBC documentary further immerse viewers in Dahl’s world. Additionally, various featurettes and speeches provide enriching context and complete this substantial package of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Wes Anderson: Insightful discussion on animation labor, stylistic choices, and influences.
• Introduction: Welcoming viewers to 'Fantastic Mr. Fox.'
• Animatic: Entire film via animated storyboards and recorded dialogue.
• The Making of 'Fantastic Mr. Fox': Seven-part exploration of production highlights.
• Roald Dahl Reads 'Fantastic Mr. Fox': Enthusiastic audio recording by Dahl.
• Awards Speeches: Newly created animations for award nominations and wins.
• Set Photography by Ray Lewis: 50 pictures highlighting production achievements.
• Publicity Featurettes: Six mini-docs on the film's construction and interviews with cast and crew.
• Sony Robots Commercial: Stop-motion animation from the production team.
• Discussion and Analysis: Two kids deconstruct themes and moral questions.
• Fantastic Mr. Dahl: Documentary on Roald Dahl’s life and legacy.
• Witch's Tree: Dahl discusses influences for the story.
• Dahl's Manuscripts: Early draft pages and correspondence.

Wes Anderson’s "Fantastic Mr. Fox" stands as a testament to his distinctive storytelling and visual mastery, translating seamlessly into the realm of stop-motion animation. Anderson’s signature aesthetic, characterized by intricate, detail-oriented splendor, finds an ideal canvas in this medium. The film uniquely captures Roald Dahl's whimsical narrative through a vibrant and richly-textured visual experience. Anderson’s careful adherence to Dahl's plot, combined with his own neurotic delivery, creates an engaging and humorous story that blends dark tonal elements with playful animation.

The narrative follows Mr. Fox (George Clooney), who tires of his mundane newspaper job and longs to return to his more primal instincts of hunting and theft. His target: the menacing trio of farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. Alongside him is his loyal opossum cohort, Kylie (Wallace Wolodarsky), as they embark on daring heists, triggering a fierce retaliation from the farmers led by Bean (Michael Gambon). This sets the stage for Mr. Fox’s cunning plans to protect his family and community, highlighting themes of rebellion and resourcefulness. The vocal performances add depth and humor, with Clooney’s charismatic Mr. Fox balancing domestication and wildness, complemented by Meryl Streep's velvety portrayal of his wife, Felicity.

The craftsmanship in "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is extraordinary, from the soft fur textures of characters to the meticulously detailed miniature sets. Anderson's proclivity for frame minutiae shines through, integrating a hip soundtrack featuring The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys, enhancing the film's urban comedy vibe. The film’s humor resonates on multiple levels, employing clever techniques like characters stating “cuss” in place of swearing and blending high-paced action sequences with dry wit. This adaptation not only stays true to Dahl’s whimsical essence but also infuses it with Anderson’s distinct style, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic masterpiece.

Criterion’s new Blu-ray release of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is nothing short of a marvel, delivering both visual and audio excellence. Wes Anderson's meticulous adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story pairs his signature quirky charm with a stop-motion animation style that is both innovative and endearingly loopy. The film's engaging characters, brought to life by a stellar voice cast, contribute to an endlessly entertaining narrative brimming with wit and humor. From the richly detailed textures to the precision in every frame, the video quality is impeccable, while the audio mix enhances the experience with clear, immersive sound.

This release is enhanced further by an impressive array of extras that dive deep into the creative process behind the film. The Criterion Collection, renowned for its high standards, exceeds expectations here with insightful commentary, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and beautifully designed packaging that collectors will cherish. Repeated viewings only enhance the appreciation for Anderson’s complex design and creative agility, making this release a delight for both new viewers and longtime fans.

In conclusion, Criterion’s Blu-ray of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" stands as a testament to Wes Anderson's ability to transition seamlessly to the animated realm without sacrificing his creative vision. If "Fantastic Mr. Fox" wasn't already a graciously hilarious picture, vibrant with charm and cleverness, it would still shine as a monumental effort in raw animation artistry. Thanks to Criterion’s meticulous presentation, this film achieves new heights as a must-own piece for any collection, ensuring it is as enjoyable on the twentieth viewing as it is on the first. This is a cinematic meal that continues to satisfy, and it hints at more Anderson masterpieces joining Criterion's illustrious ranks in the future.