All-Star Superman Blu-ray Review

"All-Star Superman" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition video presentation in the 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio, utilizing AVC MPEG-4 encoding. The visuals are vibrant, showcasing a bold and beautiful color palette characteristic of a Superman release. The primary colors, particularly in Superman’s costume, burst with intensity, complemented by deep blacks and clean whites that enhance the overall viewing experience. The animation, adhering to Frank Quitely’s minimalistic style, still offers significant delineation and definition, although some background details are intentionally simplified.

However, the transfer is not without its flaws. Persistent issues like banding, aliasing, and digital artifacts detract from the otherwise impressive visual fidelity. These anomalies are noticeable in various scenes: banding along the corridors of the Fortress of Solitude, artifacts in Superman’s cape during flight scenes, and stair-stepping in the skies. Despite these issues, they do not severely impair the enjoyment of the film as the high-definition upgrade over the DVD version remains substantial and worthwhile. Some minor image pixelation and aliasing further complicate certain sequences, but these are relatively minor annoyances in an otherwise visually satisfying presentation.

In summary, while "All-Star Superman's" Blu-ray transfer presents some room for technical improvement, it is undeniably a notable leap over its standard DVD counterpart. The overall vibrancy and sharpness of the image make for a compelling visual treat despite some persistent encoding blemishes, attributed possibly to limitations of the single-layer disc format. This Blu-ray offers a solid, albeit imperfect, visual experience that should still delight fans of the DC Universe Animated Films.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "All-Star Superman" offers a remarkably immersive auditory experience, especially for a DCU-Animated release. Dialogue clarity is consistently high, blending seamlessly into the overall soundscape without the artificiality often found in animated features. This clear vocal articulation is complemented by a responsive and engaging surround environment, particularly noticeable in the intense action sequences that feature dynamic directional sound effects.

The mix adeptly captures the sheer power of Superman's confrontations—explosions rattle your windows, and earth-shaking impacts make you feel every powerful blow. The rear speakers are impressively active, with meticulously crafted effects such as energy blasts and collapsing structures that enhance the spatial dimension. The LFE channel adds a solid punch, contributing to a palpable sense of intensity when buildings collapse or when earthquake-like tremors resonate through your room.

Though the score by Christopher Drake occasionally gets overshadowed in the mix, the overall audio presentation is robust and energetic. Some viewers might note that it doesn't quite compare to Hollywood blockbuster standards in terms of nuance, but the track's muscular presence serves the film admirably. Additional Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in several languages and optional subtitles further elevate the accessibility of this Blu-ray edition.

The Blu-ray release of "All-Star Superman" offers a robust selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience, although it notably lacks an animated short, a staple of many DCU animated releases. The highlights include a comprehensive audio commentary with producer Bruce Timm and original story writer Grant Morrison, delivering in-depth insights into the comic's adaptation. The "Superman Now" featurette gives viewers an extensive 34-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, including discussions about the reboot’s inception and artwork. Grant Morrison further elaborates on his creative process in "The Creative Flow: Incubating the Idea," a shorter yet enriching featurette. Additionally, Bruce Timm’s curated "Blast from the Past" episodes from "Superman: The Animated Series" are a welcome inclusion. Sneak peeks at upcoming DCU projects like "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights" and retrospective previews for past titles round out a well-composed slate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Producer Bruce Timm and Writer Grant Morrison.
• Superman Now: A making-of documentary examining the reboot process.
• The Creative Flow: Incubating the Idea: Morrison discusses character designs and setting.
• Virtual Comic: All-Star Superman #1: The first issue in digital form.
• Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Sneak Peek: Extended look at the next DCU animated feature.
• Bruce Timm's Picks: Two "Superman: The Animated Series" episodes.
• Trailers and Sneak Peeks: Previews including "Superman/Batman Apocalypse" and other titles.

Warner Premiere's animated adaptation of "All-Star Superman" masterfully captures the essence of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's acclaimed comic series. The plot ingeniously grapples with Superman's greatest vulnerability – his mortality, induced by lethal solar radiation following a heroic space mission. Voiced compellingly by James Denton, our protagonist embarks on a poignant journey to make his final days meaningful, revealing his identity to Lois Lane, engaging in a potent showdown with Lex Luthor, and addressing unfinished business. Despite its episodic structure, the narrative remains coherent and emotionally resonant, with each subplot enriching the overarching tale without feeling overcrowded.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is consistent with previous DCU-Animated releases, offering a visually appealing but occasionally flawed video quality and a robust audio track. Sam Liu's direction and Dwayne McDuffie's screenplay prioritize character development and narrative depth over sheer volume of content, ensuring crucial story beats are honored while non-essential arcs are judiciously trimmed. The film's animation style thoughtfully echoes Quitely's iconic art, embracing subtle nuances that capture the expressive dynamics of the characters. The voice acting ensemble, including Christina Hendricks as Lois and Anthony LaPaglia as Lex Luthor, delivers notable performances that bring new dimensions to these time-tested characters.

While purists might miss Bizarro World and other cut subplots, the film’s focus on core relationships and existential themes provides a fresh and introspective take on Superman’s mythos. "All-Star Superman" stands out as a quintessential adaptation within Warner Premiere’s animated portfolio, offering both fans and newcomers a reflective exploration of the Man of Steel’s moral and psychological terrain.

"All-Star Superman" stands out as a premier entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies lineup. This Blu-ray adaptation of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's acclaimed 12-issue comic series emerges as not only a faithful rendition but also a fresh, poignant reimagining of Superman's character and mythos. Through a series of episodic yet cohesive narratives, this film offers an engaging balance of fun and thoughtful storytelling, humanizing the iconic character in a profound way. The animation brings Quitely's unique artistic vision to life, enhancing the emotional weight of Superman’s adventures.

Warner's Blu-ray release of "All-Star Superman" is a compelling package for fans and newcomers alike. The video encode, while not flawless, presents an impressive image quality that surpasses its DVD counterpart. The DTS-HD Master Audio surround track delivers an excellent auditory experience, complementing the visual richness of the film. Moreover, the disc boasts a well-rounded selection of special features that enrich the viewing experience, despite the missing DC Showcase short. These elements combine to offer a robust and immersive home viewing experience.

In conclusion, "All-Star Superman" may well be the finest DCU animated movie to date. It certainly marks the pinnacle of Superman features crafted by Bruce Timm and his team. With its meticulous adaptation, strong audio-visual presentation, and enriching special features, this Blu-ray is a highly recommended purchase for DCU enthusiasts, casual superhero fans, and even those critical of the Superman character. "All-Star Superman" captivatingly delivers a riveting tale that both honors and reinvents its source material.