The Sword in the Stone Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Sword in the Stone" on Blu-ray, featuring a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, is fraught with significant issues that detract from the viewing experience. The most glaring problem is the overuse of noise reduction, resulting in an excessively soft and blurry image that lacks the crisp detail one would expect from a high-definition remaster. The line art appears to suffer from ghosting and digital smearing, making some scenes look as though they were poorly aligned or traced with Crayola markers. This is compounded by the removal of grain, leading to a plasticky and artificial appearance that is far removed from the original filmic texture.

Color enhancement and deeper black levels are positives, but they do not compensate for the loss of intricate detail. The animation does not pop and maintains a dreary palette that fails to inject new life into the presentation. Observations suggest that heavy-handed digital alterations have scrubbed the animators' line art to the point of being indistinct, blotchy, or disheveled. Furthermore, aliasing and macroblocking issues, though minor, occasionally hinder the color quality, making it difficult to enjoy certain sequences.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray remaster of "The Sword in the Stone" is a disappointing effort from Disney, whose usual standard of restoration is far superior. The aggressive application of digital tools has stripped the film of its original charm and authenticity, making it resemble a modern Saturday morning cartoon rather than a classic feature. The cumulative effect of these missteps is evident throughout the film, resulting in what can only be described as one of Disney’s poorest Blu-ray presentations to date.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "The Sword in the Stone" offers a mixed but ultimately satisfactory auditory experience. Voices are consistently clean and clear, with minimal hiss, ensuring dialogue remains intelligible throughout. The film's memorable songs are given ample space and sound pleasingly distinct. Directionality is notably effective in scenes such as Wart's transformation sequences and the duel, where specific sounds travel seamlessly across the soundstage. While the rear channels contribute to immersive moments like palace door openings and chase scenes, they remain mostly understated otherwise. The absence of hissing and crackling further enhances the clarity and quality of the audio.

However, despite these strengths, the overall soundfield is rather narrow and front-heavy, echoing its origins as a restored mono mix. This results in some inherent flatness and tininess in sound effects, which might not significantly elevate the cinematic experience even with the added channels. Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) output is modest, with minimal depth added by the rear speakers in adventure and magic-oriented sequences. Although the 5.1 remix is competently handled and never falters, it lacks much to offer beyond being a competent if unremarkable upgrade. A lossless presentation of the original mono mix might have been preferable for purists seeking authenticity, as it would blend the best of both worlds with minimal compromise.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Sword in the Stone" are a celebration of Disney's rich history and creative process. Highlights include a rare alternate opening featuring storyboards, and interviews with the famous Sherman Brothers, creators of iconic Disney music. The disc also features a nostalgic excerpt hosted by Walt Disney himself, classic animated shorts, and an interactive sing-along feature. The varying quality between high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) should be noted; however, this diverse set of extras provides valuable insights and delightful entertainment for Disney enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Opening: Rare black and white storyboards showcasing an unused scene where Walt meets Merlin.
• Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers: Robert and Richard Sherman discuss their career and Disney music contributions.
• All About Magic Excerpt: Walt Disney hosts an excerpt from his TV show "All About Magic."
• Classic Animated Shorts: Includes Goofy's "A Knight for a Day" and Mickey's "Brave Little Tailor."
• Disney Sing-Along: Interactive karaoke-style sing-along with movie songs.

"The Sword in the Stone," released as part of Disney's August 6th Blu-ray lineup, offers a nostalgic yet flawed glimpse into the tale of young Arthur, also known as Wart. The story follows Arthur's journey under the tutelage of Merlin, a quirky and wily sorcerer, and his owl Archimedes. The film boasts a charming cast including Arthur, Merlin, and villains like Madame Mim. However, it suffers from noticeable inconsistencies, such as three different voice actors for Arthur (Rickie Sorenson, Richard Reitherman, Robert Reitherman), which might distract more discerning viewers. Primarily aimed at children, the narrative struggles with depth and coherence, often leaning on episodic vignettes over a cohesive storyline.

Despite its production issues, "The Sword in the Stone" remains an endearing classic for many, especially those who grew up with it. Its playful spirit, highlighted by the memorable wizard duel between Merlin and Madame Mim, captivates viewers with imaginative transformations and whimsical animation. The wizard duel is undoubtedly one of Disney's finest sequences, resonating with childhood memories of adventure and wonder. Nevertheless, compared to other Disney classics like "Sleeping Beauty" or "Robin Hood," this film lacks emotional gravitas and narrative complexity, making it more of a nostalgic piece rather than a standout animated feature. The enduring magic lies in its simple subject matter and timeless appeal to children across generations.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "The Sword in the Stone" does what it can to preserve the charm of the original despite its subpar video presentation. The 50th Anniversary Edition comes with a 25GB Blu-ray Disc, a DVD, and a Digital Copy. While it's disheartening that this film didn't receive a Diamond Edition release, the package offers a somewhat comprehensive way to enjoy this classic and introduce it to new audiences. The inclusion of both DVD and digital formats ensures accessibility, keeping the magic alive for today's younger viewers and their nostalgic parents alike.

Disney's "The Sword in the Stone" holds a cherished place in the hearts of many who first encountered it during their childhood. While it may not rank among Disney's finest animated features, the film's appeal endures through its charming story and memorable characters. The Blu-ray release, however, presents a mixed bag. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is commendable, delivering clear and immersive sound that adds depth to the film's magical moments. Unfortunately, this strong audio performance is overshadowed by a lackluster video presentation and a sparse supplemental package, which fails to do justice to the film's 50th Anniversary.

The high-definition restoration, while a welcome endeavor, has fallen short of the quality we have come to expect from Disney. The video lacks the vibrancy and sharpness that would ideally bring the animation to life in a new way. This mediocrity is disappointing, particularly for collectors and enthusiasts who were hoping for a definitive version of this beloved classic. Despite these technical setbacks, the nostalgic value of "The Sword in the Stone" ensures that it will still find its way into many Disney collections.

In conclusion, Disney's Blu-ray release of "The Sword in the Stone" is far from perfect, marred by subpar video quality and minimal extras. Yet, for those who hold the film dear, its imperfections may be overlooked for the sheer joy it brings. Priced reasonably, it remains a worthwhile addition for fans, warts and all.