Cinderella Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Cinderella" showcases a masterfully executed 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that remains faithful to the film’s original aesthetics while delivering stunning visuals. The transfer is exceptional, presenting a color palette that is rich yet reserved, leaning on filmic saturation rather than overwhelming bursts of color. The hues—such as the luscious blue of Ella's gown, the vivid red of Lady Tremaine's lips, and the serpentine green of her dresses—are rendered with storybook perfectness. Skin tones, contrast, and black levels hold an impressive balance, with the latter being particularly noteworthy for their depth and clarity. Details are exceptional; every intricate texture and piece of set decoration is presented with a striking sharpness, aided by deliberate but unobtrusive grain retention, which adds to the film's cinematic appeal.

On a technical level, the video quality is of the highest caliber one would expect from Disney. Shot on 35mm film, the source material is pristinely translated with a very light layer of natural grain enhancing the overall clarity. This results in an image where no detail, from the weave of fabrics to surface textures and even minute grains of dirt, goes unnoticed. The colors are bold yet nuanced, particularly in the film’s signature garments and magical elements such as the pumpkin carriage, which are truly breathtaking. The 2.39:1 aspect ratio further enhances this carefully crafted visual spectacle.

Overall, "Cinderella" is free from significant technical flaws; encoding issues such as artifacting, banding, ringing, or aliasing are notably absent. While black levels occasionally appear slightly elevated during darker sequences, and minor shimmering and banding can be observed in a few fades, these are marginally distracting if at all. The overall visual presentation is enchanting and highly detailed, making it a magnificent transfer sure to delight all viewers.

Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track for "Cinderella" excels in delivering an engaging and immersive audio experience. The mix perfectly embraces the film's sound design, ensuring that dialogue is intelligible and prioritized, while sound effects are bright and clean. The low-frequency extension, though not dominant, is hearty and robust, enhancing scenes with horses galloping, carriages racing, and magical events with depth and resonance. The soundfield is enveloping, with rear speaker activity that convincingly brings life to diverse settings like forests, castles, and courtyards. Cross-channel pans are silky smooth, and the music seamlessly blends into the mix without overpowering other elements.

Directionality is precise, resulting in a natural imaging that highlights varied and convincing settings. This meticulous design extends effects work far beyond the frame's edges, breathing life into bustling markets, peaceful meadows, and extravagant balls. Dynamic range is wide and distortion-free, allowing Patrick Doyle's rousing score to be rendered with stirring fidelity and separation. Furthermore, key sounds such as exploding fireworks and the twirling of a magical wand are particularly immersive, contributing to the track's engaging personality. The consistent clarity of speech and narration further underpin this well-executed audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cinderella" offer a comprehensive and engaging look into the making of the film, providing a well-rounded viewing experience. Each featurette is presented in stunning high-definition with sharp 1080p video and accompanied by immersive Dolby Digital 2.0 or DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio tracks. The behind-the-scenes content ranges from detailed interviews with director Kenneth Branagh and key cast members to an exploration of the intricate costume design process led by Sandy Powell. Additionally, unique elements such as the animated short "Frozen Fever" and insights into the use of real animals add further depth and enjoyment for viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Fairy Tale Comes to Life: Cast and crew delve into the story, themes, and production challenges.
• Costume Test Fun: Montage of costume tests showcasing fabric textures and colors.
• Staging the Ball: Behind-the-scenes look at creating the elaborate ball scene.
• Frozen Fever: A delightful animated short featuring characters from "Frozen."
• Ella's Furry Friends: Discussion on using real animals in the film.
• Alternate Opening: Introduced by Branagh, an extended look at Ella's childhood.

Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella is a mesmerizing adaptation that intelligently reimagines Disney's 1950 animated classic. Branagh, paired with screenwriter Chris Weitz, retains the enchantment and critical story beats of the original while thoughtfully expanding its narrative and character arcs. The film benefits from performances that walk a fine line between homage and innovation, especially from Lily James as Ella and Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine. The visuals, production design, and costume work are stunning, taking a restrained yet dazzling approach to bring the fairy tale to life. It evokes a blend of traditional fairy tale charm with modern sensibilities, enthralling both nostalgic fans of the original and a new generation of viewers.

The narrative repositions Ella as a determined and kind protagonist uniquely suited for contemporary audiences. This version emphasizes her active role in her fate, complemented by a more nuanced depiction of Prince Charming (Richard Madden) and his royal relationships. Though Helena Bonham-Carter's eccentric portrayal of the Fairy Godmother occasionally disrupts the film's tone, these moments are fleeting and do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Branagh’s detailed direction ensures emotional depth without overshadowing the magical elements that define the story.

Branagh’s Cinderella does not seek to revolutionize the fairy tale but rather excels in its execution, making familiar elements feel refreshingly new. The cinematic experience is enriched by stunning set pieces and camera work, particularly in the transformation scenes and ballroom sequences. The movie’s blend of heartfelt sincerity and visual grandeur creates an elegantly balanced fairy tale that resonates with contemporary themes of courage and kindness, emerging as both a homage to and a worthy successor of Disney's animated classic.

Kenneth Branagh's 'Cinderella' is a triumph in the realm of live-action fairy tales, delivering a timeless and enchanting experience that stays true to the beloved classic. Eschewing radical reinvention, the film amplifies the magic of the original while infusing it with newfound depth and charm. Branagh's direction brings a delightful old-fashioned flair, hitting all the right notes to keep audiences of all ages spellbound. The video transfer on Blu-ray is exceptionally clear, and the audio mix is immersive, offering viewers a technically superior home theater experience.

The Blu-ray's visuals are stunningly detailed, capturing the enchanting world with vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. The audio quality stands out with its dynamic range, enveloping viewers in a rich soundscape that complements the fairy tale's magical atmosphere. While the special features included are somewhat sparse, the available featurettes provide solid insights into the craft behind the film. The inclusion of the 'Frozen' short film adds an extra layer of enjoyment, though more comprehensive behind-the-scenes content would have been appreciated.

In conclusion, 'Cinderella' exceeded my expectations, and apparently the expectations of a great many skeptics who were worried what Disney and Branagh might do with their beloved classic. Rather than reinvent from the ground up, though, the filmmakers have reimagined what people have adored for decades, staying true to the original film while expanding it in wonderful ways. Disney's Blu-ray release will prove a delight as well, thanks to an outstanding AV presentation. There aren't many special features unfortunately -- a commentary or more extensive behind the scenes documentaries would have gone a long way -- but the film is strong enough to hold its own.