Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Blu-ray Review

The 1080p, MVC-encoded 3D Blu-ray presentation of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" delivers an engaging visual experience designed with a meticulous approach to detail. Shot by Philippe Rousselot, the film effectively uses lighting and production design to distinguish between the muted palette of 1920s New York and the vibrant, magical realms it portrays. Notably, sequences featuring inter-dimensional creature habitats and magical headquarters introduce vivid, saturated colors that stand out against the subdued tones of the mundane world.

The thoughtful post-conversion to 3D effectively enhances the film’s immersive qualities. The design ensures that depth effects are prevalent from the outset, with elements such as the opening newspaper montage indicating the filmmakers' intent to exploit the added dimension fully. Scenes where characters navigate multi-leveled structures or confront fantastical creatures benefit from this design, as objects frequently project outwards or seem to recede deeply into the frame, creating a compelling spatial experience.

Despite minor and fleeting aliasing issues during intense sequences, the overall image on the 3D disc remains as finely detailed as on the standard Blu-ray. The chiaroscuro textures of 1920s New York and warm, glowing tones of magical environments maintain their integrity and clarity. Glass shards and debris fly towards viewers with convincing realism, and skin tones and black levels remain natural and deep. For enthusiasts of 3D films, this Blu-ray edition of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" offers a robust and meticulously crafted visual treat that fully utilizes the format’s capabilities.

The audio presentation of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" on Blu-Ray offers a refined lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that excels in delivering an engaging auditory experience. Iconic sound sequences such as the Obscurus' rampage provide a highly immersive environment, bringing to life the cacophony of falling masonry, shattering glass, and the fearsome spirit's roar. Each magical creature is distinctly voiced, offering a spectrum ranging from high-pitched chatter to deep bellowing sounds, effectively blending the organic with the otherworldly. The film's sound design also masterfully captures the varied aural atmospheres of MACUSA headquarters and other sequences, and James Newton Howard’s vibrant orchestral score is energetically rendered and smoothly integrated with clear, well-prioritized dialogue throughout.

However, it’s important to note that while the DTS-HD MA mix is commendable, it doesn’t include the Dolby Atmos track available on the standard and UHD editions of the Blu-Ray. The Dolby Atmos encode provides an enhanced experience with superior positioning and directionality, particularly in scenes that benefit from overhead sound elements. For instance, in Atmos, the enchanted paperwork in MACUSA's offices swooshes diagonally across the auditory space, creating a more encompassing effect. The giant wings of Frank the Thunderbird swooping overhead and the precise placement of the Occamy's numerous coils further demonstrate the Dolby Atmos track's ability to offer a more multi-dimensional experience. The DTS-HD MA mix achieves a robust sound but lacks the specificity and added depth that Dolby Atmos provides.

In summary, while the lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on the 3D disc is robust, clear, and dynamic, especially in action sequences, its lack of a Dolby Atmos option means it falls short of providing the most immersive possible audio experience for this magical world.

The extras on the standard Blu-ray disc of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" provide an immersive and insightful look into the film's production, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and cinephiles alike. The wide array of featurettes covers everything from the conception of this new magical era to the intricate details of character wardrobe and creature design. Each segment features in-depth discussions with J.K. Rowling, director David Yates, and key production crew, providing a well-rounded perspective on bringing the wizarding world to life. The deleted scenes offer additional entertainment value, showcasing moments that expand on character development and plot nuances, complete with polished visual effects.

Extras included in this disc:

• Before Harry Potter: A New Era of Magic Begins: Insight into the development of new stories and characters.
• Characters: Deep dive into character origins, design, and wardrobe.
• Creatures: Exploration of creature creation with seven segments.
• Design: Detailed look at the film’s aesthetic and set construction.
• Deleted Scenes: Eleven scenes that add depth and provide entertainment.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them serves as the inaugural entry in a new series within the beloved Harry Potter universe, once again brought to life under the expert direction of David Yates. Set in 1920s New York, the film departs from the familiar settings of modern-day London and Hogwarts to explore an era filled with wonder and dark undertones. The film follows Newt Scamander, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, on a quest filled with magical creatures and unexpected allies, including Tina and Queenie Goldstein, employees of America’s Magical Congress. This setup provides an engaging foundation for future sequels by introducing compelling new characters and intricate plot points, against a backdrop rich in magical lore.

Rowling’s script delves into more mature themes compared to her earlier works, blending a sense of wonder with an atmosphere marked by darker, more adult themes. Notably, the film eschews the whimsical humor typical of the Harry Potter series, focusing instead on more serious narrative elements. However, Dan Fogler's Jacob Kowalski offers refreshing comic relief; as a muggle unwittingly entangled in Newt's adventure, he brings a light-hearted touch to the otherwise grim storyline. Despite its inherent bleakness, Fantastic Beasts successfully immerses viewers in its new magical realm, balancing suspenseful storytelling with moments of levity.

Visually and technically, the Blu-ray edition stands out with its impressive 3D effects, enhancing the cinematic experience by immersing viewers further into Rowling and Yates' meticulously crafted world. Although there are some noted audio omissions which may disappoint 3D enthusiasts, the overall package remains a solid offering for fans of the franchise. Warner Bros. includes both a 50GB 3D Blu-ray disc and a standard Blu-ray disc, complete with inserts for digital copies and additional promotional materials. This comprehensive edition ensures that fans can enjoy Rowling’s expanded universe with high-quality visual and auditory fidelity.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" delivers an engaging 3D experience, standing out with its exceptional depth, clarity, and brightness. Unlike many 3D films, it doesn’t suffer from diminished image quality or darkness, resulting in a visually stimulating experience with effective pop-out effects and a tangible sense of dimensionality. This stellar visual performance, however, is somewhat overshadowed by the audio presentation: the 3D Blu-ray release lacks the Dolby Atmos track available on other formats, featuring instead a solid but arguably less immersive DTS-HD 5.1 mix.

The significance of Dolby Atmos's omission becomes more noticeable for enthusiasts who prioritize a comprehensive home theater setup. The decision to exclude this format in favor of the simpler DTS-HD 5.1 could dissuade viewers seeking an all-encompassing, high-fidelity audio experience that matches the visual prowess of the film. Nevertheless, for those who are ardent fans of 3D and are willing to compromise on audio for visual depth, this disc still offers substantial value.

The extras included in this release enhance its re-watchability value, featuring behind-the-scenes content that enriches the understanding and appreciation of the film's production. However, for those weighing their options between the UHD and standard Blu-ray versions, it might be wise to consider how critical the added 3D effects are compared to the superior audio quality and resolution offered by the other formats.

It seems almost a cruel joke for studios to be releasing such impressive 3D presentations at a time when hardware manufacturers appear to be phasing it out. It's an even crueler joke for Warner to deprive 3D purchasers of a film's best available soundtrack. Such purchasers are already faced with a Hobson's choice between 4K and 3D editions, and the omission of Atmos from Fantastic Beasts' 3D disc puts a heavy thumb on the scale. I can recommend the disc for its effective and entertaining dimensional effects, but I wouldn't be surprised if repeat viewers end up leaving their 3D glasses in the case so that they can enjoy the 2D version's superior sound.