The Kid Who Would Be King Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Kid Who Would Be King" is brought to viewers by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 2.38:1 aspect ratio. The quality is undeniably solid, marked by sharp and well-detailed imagery courtesy of Arri Alexas, even rivaling the finesse found in some RED captures. Though not without its minor flaws, such as slight haziness in darker scenes like the initial Excalibur discovery, the detail levels remain commendable, showcasing fine textural elements on practical items and even CGI-dominated environments like Morgana's prison. The color reproduction is robust, featuring bold primaries and nuanced tones, devoid of any notable compression issues typical of Fox releases.

However, the Blu-ray version does fall short when compared to the 4K UHD HDR10 presentation. While detail levels for facial features, set designs, and effects are strong, the lack of HDR’s vibrance impacts the overall color depth. Flesh tones and primaries appear somewhat dull, lacking the sparkle and life seen in the 4K version. Specifically, CGI elements such as Morgana's underworld layer suffer from a stark contrast between practical and digital effects, reducing the seamlessness of the visual experience.

In terms of technical specifics, the Blu-ray's clarity and detail stand out through both outdoor and indoor scenes. The depth of field captures dimensionality effectively, keeping action scenes dynamic and engaging. Black levels hold their ground well in nighttime and dimly lit footage, ensuring no loss of detail. Overall, despite occasional limitations compared to its 4K counterpart, the Blu-ray offers an impressive visual presentation that maintains a clean slate free of noise and artifacts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix of "The Kid Who Would Be King" on Blu-ray is an exceptional audio presentation that stands robustly, even when compared to the Dolby Atmos track found on the 4K UHD version. This track delivers a dynamic sonic experience, featuring excellently rendered effects that gush through the surround channels. The soundscape during scenes like the fire demon eruptions summoned by Morgana is extraordinarily effective, while the bustling noise in the schoolyard scenes keeps the listener fully engaged with rich side and rear channel utilization. The Electric Wave Bureau score prominently exploits these channels, adding a layer of immersion. The Low-Frequency Extension (LFE) introduces powerfully forceful rumbles during selected action sequences, bringing depth without overwhelming the subtle placement of ambient environmental sounds.

Dialogue reproduction is impeccably clear throughout, even amidst intense action sequences featuring clashing swords and dynamic musical scores. Spatial audio effects are expertly employed to enhance the storytelling, with city scenes delivering a claustrophobic effect and northern England scenes opening up into a broader, more expansive sound stage. Object placement feels precise, particularly during transitions from one environment to another. This meticulous attention to audio detail contributes to an overall immersive experience. Levels are balanced efficiently, making monitoring adjustments unnecessary once set at a comfortable level. This track boasts excellent fidelity and a wide dynamic range, capable of conveying both moments of bombast and nuanced quietude with equal proficiency.

"The Kid Who Would Be King" Blu-ray extras offer an insightful and engaging array of behind-the-scenes content, emphasizing the film's creative process. Highlights include featurettes detailing the training process for young actors and technical discussions on visual effects and character portrayals. Although a commentary track is absent, the extras compensate by providing in-depth interviews with cast and crew, including notable segments on Merlin and Morgana's development. Additionally, promotional materials and a music video boost the overall package, making it a well-rounded supplement for fans and enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Unseen footage cut from the final film.
• Origins of a King: Director Joe Cornish discusses his inspirations and ideas.
• Young Knights: On-set antics and filming with child actors.
• Knight School: Training young actors in swordsmanship.
• The Two Merlins: Exploration of dual Merlin portrayals.
• Meet Morgana: Rebecca Ferguson on her role as the villain.
• Movie Magic: Insights into locations and visual effects.
• Hair, Makeup, and Costume Tests: Behind-the-scenes look at stylistic choices.
• Promotional Materials: Short spots featuring Merlin and a music video.

"The Kid Who Would Be King" artfully rejuvenates the timeless story of King Arthur with a modern-day twist. The film kicks off with an animated prologue, providing a succinct yet engaging recounting of Arthurian legends before transitioning to live action. The narrative follows Alex Elliot (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), a seemingly ordinary British schoolboy who stumbles upon Excalibur at an abandoned construction site. The plot thickens as Alex, alongside his best friend Bedders (Dean Chaumoo) and newly knighted school bullies Lance (Tom Taylor) and Kaye (Rhianna Dorris), embarks on a quest to prevent the enchantress Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) from unleashing chaos upon the world. Writer-director Joe Cornish successfully melds the children’s adventure with well-developed character arcs and refers back to Arthurian lore, ensuring the story remains grounded yet whimsical.

The film shines in balancing its thematic underpinnings. It tackles clichés like self-discovery and teamwork but does so without becoming overly sentimental. Cornish deftly injects wit and charm, particularly through Merlin’s character, played amusingly by Angus Imrie, with Patrick Stewart's cameo adding gravitas. Visual effects are competently rendered, but the approach takes a delightful turn with Merlin's practical spells, underscoring that not all magic requires CGI. The film is largely cheerful, even amidst apocalyptic anxiety, and Cornish manages to deliver intense moments without sacrificing the tone's lightness.

While some subplots and scenes might feel stretched, potentially trimming around the edges would enhance the film's pacing. The film's outdoor adventure sequences bring a fresh dynamic but occasionally struggle to retain tension uniformly. A more developed antagonist could also amplify the stakes. However, "The Kid Who Would Be King" cleverly balances contemporary issues with fantastical elements, making it a commendable addition to the King Arthur narrative suited for young audiences. The score by Electric Wave Bureau complements this blend of medieval and modern settings, encapsulating the whimsical yet epic tone of this family-friendly adventure.

"The Kid Who Would Be King" arrives on Blu-ray as a delightful throwback to 80s-style kid-friendly adventures replete with action, comedy, and a touch of peril, masterfully directed by Joe Cornish. While it may not match the visual grandeur of its 4K UHD counterpart, the Blu-ray release offers an impressive audio mix that enhances the overall immersive experience. The technical merits of the transfer are commendable, providing clear visuals and well-balanced sound that complement the adventurous tone of the film. Supplementary materials, though somewhat repetitive, offer sufficient engagement and insight into the filmmaking process, making them a valuable addition for enthusiasts.

Younger audiences, in particular, may find "The Kid Who Would Be King" to be a hidden gem worth cherishing. It stands out as a superior example of contemporary family entertainment, surpassing many of the live-action kids' movies currently in circulation. With its compelling characters and heartfelt narrative inspired by Arthurian legends, the film manages to charm despite its underwhelming box office performance. The technical execution on Blu-ray ensures that the energetic spirit and endearing qualities of the movie are well preserved.

In conclusion, "The Kid Who Would Be King" is a highly recommended acquisition for families seeking enjoyable and wholesome cinematic experiences. The title may have been a misnomer for some, but the essence of the film more than compensates. It represents a delightful combination of nostalgic adventure and modern storytelling with first-rate technical specifications on its Blu-ray release. If you missed its theatrical run, now is the perfect opportunity to experience this heartwarming and exciting film.