Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 68
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, a fan-centric film with upgraded animation and humor, has a niche but solid 4K release.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
DTS-HD MA
Video: 69
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm shines in 4K with cleaner, vibrant visuals despite lacking HDR, outperforming its Blu-ray counterpart in detail and depth, possibly as a playful nod to fans.
Audio: 74
The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix delivers with front-loaded clarity, engaging surround sound during action, and well-balanced effects and dialogue, complemented by English (SDH) and unusual Spanish-only subtitles for extras.
Extra: 61
This set boasts a feature-packed audio commentary, an "Alternate Cut" animatic, brief deleted scenes, and unique extras like the El Walko music video, all in a stylish package with digital copy.
Movie: 61
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm reunites the quirky trio in an odd, humor-filled sequel embracing nostalgia and randomness, with mixed reviews on its longer format and plot coherence.
Video: 69
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an interesting case in terms of video quality and technological utilization. Housed on a Warner Bros.' 2160p transfer, the transfer, surprisingly not augmented by HDR, still displays a notable leap over its Blu-ray counterpart. While the animation—deliberately rough around the edges to maintain its unique charm—may not seem like an obvious candidate for 4K enhancement, the ultra-high definition ultimately elevates the vibrancy and clarity of its visual elements. The color saturation and contrast are especially commendable, bringing a new level of depth to the film’s intentionally simplistic yet varied color scheme, which ranges from the neon brightness of the Mooninites to the darker shades of space and ominous plant life.
Despite occupying roughly 30GB on what is presumably a BD-66 disc—a curious choice given the film's uncomplicated visual style—the upgraded definition enhances smoother movements, cleaner lines, and more vivid colors, making for an unexpectedly better viewing experience than its 1080p counterpart. Details such as sparklier starfields in the opening and a generally crisper animation suggest that while the film might not 'need' a 4K release theoretically, the practical benefits in viewing quality are evident. It contrasts with the included Blu-ray version, which looks comparatively flatter and is burdened by occasional anomalies absent in the 4K presentation. This distinction is further amplified by the considerably higher bitrate maintained in various sequences of the 4K version, demonstrating that, despite its simplistic animation style, Aqua Teen Hunger Force can indeed benefit from and feels rightly placed within the 4K realm.
This release continues to puzzle with its modest use of the available disc space and the lack of HDR enhancement, hinting at a possible playful or experimental intent behind its launch into the 4K market. Although it operates within these self-imposed constraints, Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm shines in 4K UHD, showcasing how even productions with minimalist visual demands can reap significant rewards from high-definition treatment. The peculiar choice to release in this format does not detract but rather adds a layer of improvement over its Blu-ray sibling, making this a peculiar but quality upgrade for fans and collectors alike, even if it skirts close to indulgence in its execution.
Audio: 74
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix presented in "Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm" maintains its esteemed quality across both the 4K and Blu-ray formats, delivering an audio experience that complements the film's vibrant visuals and erratic storytelling aptly. Predominantly anchored in the front and center channels, this mix excels in clarity and presence, notably during dialogue-heavy scenes ensuring that every quip and jest is delivered with precision. The soundstage broadens significantly during the more dynamic sequences, with battles and score enlargements, employing efficient channel panning and discreet sound effects to immerse the viewer fully. The depth and breadth of this mix do justice to the film’s varying tones without ever feeling overwhelming, providing a balanced auditory experience.
Sound effects and the original score are integral to this mix, enriching the film's atmosphere and enhancing the overall viewing experience. The use of surrounds is cleverly executed, opening up during action sequences for a more enveloping sound, yet always maintaining a clear distinction from the dialogue and central audio elements. This careful balance ensures that even in the most chaotic moments, the audio remains crisp and coherent. Subtitles are somewhat limited, with English (SDH) available for the main feature, contrasting with the bonus features' exclusive Spanish subtitles, an unusual approach for a Warner Bros. release that might deter some viewers seeking more extensive language support.
In terms of technical execution, the audio mix for "Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm" impresses with its ability to navigate the film's erratic shifts in tone and setting without losing its clarity or impact. The levels are consistently well-adjusted, ensuring a pleasant audio experience across various scenarios without necessitating manual adjustments. Despite being heavily front-loaded, the mix doesn’t shy away from exploiting the rear channels when necessary, creating a more immersive environment that extends beyond the screen. This audio presentation showcases a meticulous attention to detail, proving to be a vital complement to the film’s visual spectacle.
Extras: 61
The "Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm" 4K UHD Blu-ray sets a new standard for fan engagement in home media releases, delivering a substantial array of extras spanning both discs. Unique to this release is the inclusion of a group audio commentary on the 4K disc, featuring a robust lineup from co-writer/co-director Dave Willis to key voice actors and behind-the-scenes crew, offering insightful and at times chaotic observations that enrich repeat viewings of the film. The accompanying Blu-ray disc does not skimp on content either, presenting an "animatic with full TextBot script" billed as an alternate cut, a brief yet interesting collection of 22 deleted scenes, and a handful of production insights and light-hearted extras like the "El Walko in SlowMotiono" music video. Though the animatic and deleted scenes may feel more like easter eggs for die-hard fans given their brief and unfinished nature, the overall package underscores the creators' commitment to delivering both a complete and engaging experience for new and old fans alike.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Available on both 4K and Blu-ray discs, features Dave Willis, Carey Means, Dana Snyder, and a wide array of contributing crew members.
- Animatic with Full TextBot Script: Presented as an alternate cut though more of a curiosity due to its animatic nature.
- Aqua Teen is Back: Offers insights into the film's inception and development with input from key creators and cast.
- Deleted Scenes: A sizable collection of 22 short clips adding up to just over 4 minutes of content.
- El Walko in SlowMotiono: A quirky music video showcasing the theme by Run the Jewels, incorporating crew members and voice actors.
Movie: 61
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, the latest foray into the bizarre world of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, arrives with an unexpectedly coherent plot relative to its anarchic predecessors, blending humor, absurdity, and a dash of social commentary. This Warner Bros. direct-to-video and HBO Max release sees our favorite disjointed trio—Master Shake, Meatwad, and Frylock—navigating their separate lives on Earth after a cataclysmic space battle disperses them. Master Shake grapples with homelessness, Meatwad adopts the role of an altruistic volunteer at a pet shelter, while Frylock, under a new guise, provides tech support for the nefarious Amazin corporation. The introduction of Neil, the vertically challenged but ambitiously villainous CEO of Amazin, alongside his assistant Elmer, pivots the storyline into a subplot involving sentient plant beings threatening New Jersey, providing a common enemy that reunites the trio in a peculiar blend of satire and slapstick warfare.
Despite sporting a more structured narrative, Plantasm retains the irreverent and sometimes nonsensical humor that defined the original series. Its indulgence in random humor and bizarre plot shifts exemplify the unique charm and appeal of the franchise. Juxtaposing the mundane with the fantastical, this sequel delves into a critique of corporate overreach through the lens of its megalomaniac antagonist Neil, parodying tech moguls with sharp wit. However, the film's pacing occasionally suffers, and the recurring interruption by Mooninites Err and Ignignokt wears thin, underlying a narrative that sometimes feels stretched even within its 76-minute runtime.
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation elevates the experience with impeccable visual quality that underscores the animation's vibrant chaos and meticulous detail. Though its narrative experimentation may not resonate with all, Plantasm exemplifies a successful continuation of its series' legacy—balancing fan service with fresh social satire. It serves both as a nostalgia trip for longtime followers and a bizarre, yet engaging entry point for newcomers intrigued by its unique comedic style. The release itself shines on the technical front, promising fans an enriched visual and auditory experience, ensuring that Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and potential for future evolutions of this cult classic franchise.
Total: 68
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm," the latest feature-length film from Cartoon Network's cult-hit series, caters to a tightly knit group of hardcore enthusiasts, presenting a continuation that juggles the balance between homage and innovation. The film propels the series' famed unpredictable humor into the spotlight, upholstered by an upgraded animation quality that appreciates the roots of its TV-show origins. Despite its brief runtime of 76 minutes, the pacing falters under the weight of its ambition, at times appearing overstuffed with recurring gags and the somewhat divisive Mooninite character interludes. Technically, Warner Bros.' handling of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release showcases an SDR transfer that elevates the visual experience beyond its television counterpart without endeavoring into HDR territory. The audio fidelity is commendably robust, particularly in its treatment of the film's distinctive sound effects, though it may venture into excess for some.
The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition of "Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm" is somewhat of an oddity—a celebration and a slight curiosity. It outshines its 1080p counterpart by offering a visibly enriched picture quality that reassures fans of their investment in a superior viewing format, yet stops short of employing full HDR capability, which could have further enhanced its visual appeal. Despite this, the disc is equipped with enough features to appease the aficionado’s appetite, including an engaging audio commentary that stands out. Nonetheless, it's clear that this outing is tailor-made for the acolytes of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force universe, barely extending a hand to novices of the franchise.
In conclusion, "Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm" manifests as a niche homage that satiates long-time followers with its blend of familiar comedic elements and refreshed visual presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray. While it may deter newcomers due to its inward-focused narrative and humor, it remains a must-have for fans, offered in a format that, despite its curiosities and shortcomings in not leveraging HDR, delivers a commendable upgrade in both visual and auditory experiences. This release underscores a devotion to fan service, ensuring that those entrenched in the series’ lore will find ample joy and novelty in this latest chapter.
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 80
The beefed-up (but still admittedly crude) animation style looks razor-sharp on this dual-layered disc, which nearly triples the real estate of the single-layered Blu-ray... even though it probably doesn't...
Audio: 80
Similarly, the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix falls within expected territory for a film of this type: mostly front-loaded, but with a more than a few little sonic surprises due to the subject matter and...
Extras: 80
Animatic with Full TextBot Script (80:27) - As the title suggests, it's the entire film in animated storyboard form with full voices and mostly finished sound effects....
Movie: 60
Plantasm differs from the first Aqua Teen film in that it actually has a semi-logical plot, which might end up being its biggest handicap....
Total: 50
It's certainly entertaining in spots and the animation is a solid step up from previous iterations, yet it unsurprisingly feels pretty padded even at just 76 minutes and the constant Mooninite interruptions...
High-Def Digest review by Matthew HartmanRead review here
Video: 70
For such a flat 2-D animation style with only a few 3-D flourishes, there’s not a whole hell of a lot to say about this transfer beyond the Aqua Teens look better than they ever have, and this disc is...
Audio: 80
Much of the film is front/center focused, but it rolls nicely for all of the big scenes and scenarios....
Extras: 50
The biggest highlight of the film is the stuffed Audio Commentary with a massive variety of personalities commenting....
Movie: 70
Also included is a mini-poster that’s actually slipped in between the disc case and the slipcover - it doesn’t easily fit inside the actual cases, I tried....
Total: 70
With a disc that doesn’t utilize HDR, it does offer up a richer presentation than the 1080p disc, but don’t expect it to blow your devil clown-possessed hairpiece back....
Director: Matt Maiellaro, Dave Willis
Actors: Dana Snyder, Carey Means, Dave Willis
PlotIn an ordinary suburban neighborhood, the unorthodox trio of sentient fast-food items—Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad—resume their usual antics leading to chaos and destruction. Amidst their escapades, they encounter a robotic villain who harbors a nefarious scheme. The villain intends to assimilate all organic lifeforms, blending human and plant DNA to create a new, twisted species. As the world faces this unconventional threat, the trio inadvertently becomes humanity’s last line of defense.
The trio’s journey pits them against a myriad of bizarre situations and characters, including their perpetually irritated neighbor Carl and other quirky new allies and adversaries. While navigating this latest adventure, they must leverage their unique abilities and question the nature of their reality. Their bonds of friendship and teamwork are tested as they grapple with the outlandish challenges before them, each step taking them closer to confronting the robotic menace threatening earthly life as they know it.
Writers: Matt Maiellaro, Dave Willis
Release Date: 08 Nov 2022
Runtime: 79 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English