Dinosaur Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dinosaur" arrives with a 1080p, MPEG-2 encoded transfer displayed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the transfer brings out the film's sharp and clean visuals, it struggles to match the vibrancy and clarity found in top-tier animated Blu-ray releases like "Cars" and "Ratatouille." The video quality notably suffers from a lack of overall sharpness and detail, exhibiting a softness and mutedness that detracts from its impact. This is especially apparent in wide and medium shots, where background objects and landscapes lack definition, although close-up shots reveal improved detail, showcasing the textures of the dinosaurs' skin with commendable clarity.

Despite these shortcomings, the presentation does manage some technical merits. The edge enhancement present is minimal, though it becomes visible around specific objects, such as the vines in chapter five, where a noticeable halo effect can be observed. Furthermore, color banding is an issue in darker scenes following the meteor attack, indicating limitations in the transfer's handling of gradients. The color palette predominantly features earthy tones — grays, tans, and greens — which, while fitting the film's aesthetic intentions, results in a lackluster presentation that never quite achieves the vibrancy seen in more visually dynamic animations. Nighttime and cave scenes maintain black levels satisfactorily, preventing major detail loss.

Ultimately, this Blu-ray presentation of "Dinosaur" does not live up to expectations set by other animated offerings in the Blu-ray format. Though certain details and textures are preserved adequately, particularly in close-ups of the dinosaurs, the overall visual experience is compromised by a conspicuous softness, muted colors, and sporadic edge enhancement. While not devoid of merit, these visual inconsistencies hinder the film from realizing its full potential on Blu-ray, making it a visually underwhelming experience compared to its contemporaries.

Disney's release of "Dinosaur" on Blu-ray featuring a PCM 5.1 uncompressed surround sound track offers a dynamically balanced audio experience, distinguishing itself with precision in sound directionality and an adept use of the surround system. Among the auditory highlights, the initial attack sequence and the meteor storm in chapter six stand out, delivering an audio spectacle that arguably surpasses the visual presentation. The meticulously crafted soundscape fills the room, with roars and stomps of dinosaurs providing a palpable sense of their massive presence, while the audio track maintains a harmonious balance, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and prominent, free from being overshadowed by the robust surround effects and music.

Attention to detail is further exemplified in the echoing voice effects in chapter 21, set within a cave, showcasing the depth and layering capability of the audio mix. The soundtrack, with its rich bass and immersive musical score, effectively complements the narrative and visual elements, though it features a slight sharpness in tone at higher volumes. Nevertheless, this aspect does little to detract from the overall auditory experience. The surround channels are consistently active and effectively utilized, enveloping the viewer in a fully immersive sound field that enhances the cinematic experience.

In essence, the PCM 5.1 audio track on Disney's "Dinosaur" Blu-ray exemplifies how superior audio mixing can elevate the viewing experience. The blend of natural and ambient sounds with clear, front-focused dialogue ensures that the essence of the film is conveyed without compromise. While the soundtrack may exhibit minor sharpness at peak volumes, this does not significantly impede the enjoyment of the audio presentation, marking it as an exemplary achievement in Blu-ray audio quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Dinosaur" provides a modest yet engaging collection of special features, aimed to enhance viewers' appreciation of the film's technical and thematic achievements. The highlight is a comprehensive commentary track featuring co-directors Rob Zondag and Eric Leighton along with digital and visual effects supervisors Neil Eskuri and Neil Krepela, offering in-depth insights into the animation process, technological advancements, and underlying themes. Additionally, the Blu-Scape - Origins animated short by Louie Schwartzberg adds a visually appealing element, despite its minor picture quality issues. The Movie Showcase spotlights the film's peak audiovisual moments, enriching the viewing experience. Lastly, The Monster Cloud offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes glance at creating one of the movie's key sequences. These extras collectively cater to both tech enthusiasts and fans of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Co-Directors and Supervisors: In-depth discussion on technology, animation, themes, and ideas.
• Blu-Scape - Origins: A visually stunning animated short film, despite some picture quality issues.
• Movie Showcase: Highlights three key scenes showcasing exceptional audio and visuals.
• The Monster Cloud: A detailed look at the creation of one of the film's pivotal moments.

Dinosaur," a Disney animated film that initially seemed to soar amidst the meteoric rise of computer animation, unfortunately, now resides in the shadow of its more illustrious contemporaries such as "Wall●E" and "Ice Age." Though it carved out a decent box office performance, it lacks the lasting impression and iconic character roster that has etched titles like “Toy Story” into the annals of animation history. This story of survival and unity in the wake of cataclysmic events, follows Aladar and his adoptive lemur family's journey to find sanctuary, fails to climb the ranks and secure a spot in most top-ten animated films lists from the early 21st century. Its visual appeal, groundbreaking at the time of release, now struggles against the strides made in animation technology, revealing its age in a genre that evolves at lightning speed.

Dinosaur's narrative treads a familiar path within the genre of dinosaur-centric films, presenting themes of camaraderie across species lines, leadership conflicts, and the quintessential migratory quest for survival. Despite its attempts to innovate with a blend of live-action environments and computer-animated characters, the film falls short of delivering a cohesive and immersive visual experience. The character-environment interaction occasionally falters, highlighting limitations in technology that, while impressive at the time, have since been vastly improved upon. As a result, the movie serves as a snapshot of a transitional era in animation, one where ambition often outpaced execution.

The detailed portrayal of prehistoric creatures and their struggles offers viewers a spectacle of visual achievements, notably in scenes capturing the nuanced textures and dynamics of dinosaur life. However, Dinosaur's reliance on visual spectacle over narrative depth places it in a curious position—remarkable yet not quite memorable. It's an artifact from a period where animation began to break away from traditional formats, exploring new territories but not quite securing its foothold. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this film is a testament to the evolutionary journey of animated cinema, capturing a moment where storytelling and technological innovation intersected with varying degrees of success.

The Blu-ray release of "Dinosaur" delivers an experience that, while functional, leaves much to be desired in the wake of its more illustrious and vibrant animated counterparts. The film itself doesn't escape mediocrity, treading familiar ground with a story and character ensemble that fail to leave a lasting impression. This sense of the mundane extends to the visual presentation on Blu-ray. Although the picture quality is passable, it falls significantly short of the dynamism and crispness found in more recent animated releases, lacking the richness and depth that have become a benchmark for the medium. It's not all tepid waters, however; the audio track shines as the collection's standout feature. Offering a robust and engaging auditory experience, it occasionally breathes life into the film in ways that the visual components do not.

Extras included in this release are few and far between, yet they reach a level of adequacy for those seeking just a bit more from the "Dinosaur" universe. These features, though not groundbreaking, add a layer of engagement for the dedicated viewer interested in exploring beyond the film's surface. The direct comparison with Pixar's "Cars" accentuates "Dinosaur"'s shortcomings in becoming a reference-worthy animated Blu-ray selection. However, it manages to hold its ground as a supplementary option for varied family entertainment, especially suited for younger audiences looking for something to watch during less engaging days.

In conclusion, "Dinosaur" on Blu-ray stands as a lukewarm addition to an animated film collection. It doesn't push the envelope in terms of story or visual splendor but manages to hold appeal with its commendable audio track and enough supplemental material to satisfy mild curiosity. While it won’t be remembered as a pinnacle of animated storytelling or Blu-ray achievement, it serves its purpose as an entertaining diversion for children and families, making it a moderate recommendation for that specific demographic.