Megamind Blu-ray Review

Dreamworks' Megamind receives a competent yet slightly flawed 1080p transfer via AVC MPEG4 codec, presented in a theatrically accurate 2.35:1 aspect ratio and region-free. The visual quality is praiseworthy, showcasing impressively sharp detail and vibrant colors. Intricate animations such as Megamind’s suit textures, Metro Man’s facial hair, and the detailed cityscape are rendered with remarkable clarity. The color palette shines with vibrant hues, from the soft blue of Megamind's skin to the bold reds and oranges of explosions. Contrast levels are well-defined, with deep blacks and excellent shadow detail contributing to the visual depth.

However, despite these strengths, the presentation is marred by persistent video artifacts. Aliasing and moiré patterns disrupt the viewing experience, especially on buildings, characters' hair, and textured surfaces (notable during scenes like Megamind’s press conference). These visual distortions are blamed on the probable 3D to 2D conversion process, implying Dreamworks didn’t entirely mitigate these conversion artifacts. Additionally, sporadic instances of banding add to the visual imperfections, though they are less intrusive compared to aliasing.

Overall, while Megamind's Blu-ray video quality offers eye-catching color vibrancy and significant detail, the pervasive aliasing and occasional banding issues detract from an otherwise stunning visual presentation. These artifacts are especially noticeable to those attentive to such details and degrade what could have been a near-perfect high-definition experience.

The 7.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtrack of "Megamind" on Blu-ray offers an immersive and dynamic audio experience that leverages the full capabilities of a home theater system. Opening with a seemingly subtle track, increasing the volume reveals an expansive and energetic soundscape. The surround channels work harmoniously to create a seamless soundstage, with elements such as brainbots beeping and explosions whooshing dynamically across the room. Dialogue remains clear and naturally positioned from the frontal array, ensuring clarity throughout. The bass performance, while not the deepest, provides a solid grounding with notable moments like the destruction sequences, effectively engaging the subwoofer.

This soundtrack excels with its precise spatial placement and directional effects. Sound effects traverse the room smoothly, demonstrated impressively by Metro Man zipping through frames and helicopters darting with accurately placed blade rotations. The score, both instrumental and contemporary Rock and Pop tunes, is spacious and crisply reproduced, perfectly integrated within the sound field to maintain an immersive audio environment. The aggressive mix makes substantial use of low-frequency effects, delivering tight and authoritative bass that accents dynamic scenes without overwhelming them.

Throughout "Megamind," the audio mix showcases refined sonic details and carefully articulated surround activity. Whether it's the precise off-camera voice placement in surrounds or the tactile impact of battles within Metro City, each sound element is meticulously crafted to enhance the viewing experience. This Dolby TrueHD track simplifies the listener's task to discern minute details, remaining consistent in delivering a robust and pleasurable auditory experience from beginning to end. Even amid critiques of its video presentation, the Blu-ray’s audio component stands out as top-tier, affirming its capacity for demonstration-level home theater engagement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Megamind" are a treasure trove of features that delve deeply into both the creative and technical aspects of the film. Featuring an impressive lineup that includes the standout animated short "The Button of Doom" presented in stunning 1080p and Dolby TrueHD 7.1, it offers a continuation of the film's story with excellent audio-visual quality. Other features like the engaging "Animator’s Corner" and the informative "Inside Megamind's Lair" provide viewers with a comprehensive look behind the scenes, showcasing interviews, storyboards, and detailed production insights. The audio commentary by the filmmakers is rich in detail and runs cohesively, providing both technical and anecdotal insights. Various interactive features and mini-games, although somewhat lacking in depth, round out the offerings to make this a well-rounded package.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Button of Doom: An animated short featuring Megamind's adventures post-film.
• Audio Commentary: Insightful track with director and creators.
• The Animators’ Corner: PiP feature with behind-the-scenes content.
• Trivia Track: Pop-up trivia during the film.
• Comic Creator: Interactive feature to add comic elements to scenes.
• Behind the Mind: Conceptual artwork exploration.
• Meet the Cast of Megamind: Featurette on voice actors.
• Deleted Scene: Brief omitted scene from the film.
• Inside Megamind’s Lair: Featurette on design elements.
• AnimatorMan: Quick look at animators' process.
• You Can Draw Megamind: Drawing tutorial.
• Mega Rap: Rap video with film clips.
• The Reign of Megamind: Interactive comic book.
• Spot the Difference: Interactive game.
• World of Dreamworks Animation: Promotional content.
• Trailers: Previews for other films and games.

"Megamind," DreamWorks' latest offering, presents a clever subversion of the superhero genre, exploring the consequences when a super-villain triumphs over his nemesis. The plot pivots around Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell), who, after defeating Metro Man (Brad Pitt), finds himself purposeless and longing for his usual adversarial balance. This twist on good versus evil—the villain's existential crisis post-victory—is both intriguing and refreshing. Ferrell shines in his role, skillfully infusing Megamind with a balance of arrogance, social awkwardness, and yearning that deepens the character’s arc. Meanwhile, Tina Fey as Roxanne Ritchie and David Cross as Minion add substantial comedic support. However, despite the inventive premise, some of the humor veers into juvenile territory, and the love story between Megamind and Roxanne lacks originality.

Visually, "Megamind" is a feast for the eyes with its sumptuous CG animation. The action sequences are dynamic and engaging, rivaling DreamWorks' previous hit, "How to Train Your Dragon." Particularly notable are the film's use of bright backdrops and colorful characters which keep audiences entertained throughout. The film also thoroughly explores what happens to a supervillain who must redefine his purpose after his ultimate victory. However, despite its deeper themes, the movie does not achieve the emotional resonance seen in Pixar's offerings such as "The Incredibles."

Director Tom McGrath keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, although it stumbles in the third act before regaining momentum. The interplay between Megamind and Metro Man establishes a compelling archetypal struggle peppered with high-flying action and sharp humor. In summary, "Megamind" may not reach the depths of its Pixar counterparts but stands as a fun, visually striking entry with enough novelty and charm to hold its own. It's a film that will entertain both young audiences and their parents without delving too far into slapstick or juvenile humor.

"Megamind" presents an innovative twist on the superhero genre, where the villain emerges victorious, leading to a uniquely engaging storyline. The animation is high quality, with well-crafted characters and excellent voice performances that make it enjoyable for both children and adults. Despite struggling to find its emotional core at times, the film stands strong in its entertainment value. A commendable effort from DreamWorks, "Megamind" showcases their growing prowess in animation, rivaling Pixar's legacy.

The Blu-ray release of "Megamind" is a mixed bag, combining cinematic excellence with some unfortunate technical drawbacks. Paramount provides a pitch-perfect lossless audio track that qualifies as demo material, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. On the flip side, the video presentation is hampered by significant aliasing issues that detract from the overall viewing enjoyment. While special features abound, they largely consist of promotional content rather than substantial behind-the-scenes insights. This disparity prevents the Blu-ray from achieving a top-tier status among 2011 releases.

In summary, "Megamind" is undeniably fun and well-executed, marked by engaging action sequences and clever twists on traditional superhero tropes. However, viewers should be aware of the visual imperfections in the Blu-ray transfer. Despite its flaws, this release brings enough charm and auditory excellence to warrant a hearty recommendation, especially for fans of animated films seeking light-hearted entertainment.