Babe Blu-ray Review

Universal's 1080p Blu-ray presentation of "Babe" is a notable upgrade over its standard definition predecessor, delivering a generally pleasing visual experience. The film is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio via a VC-1 encode, which contributes to its vibrant and richly saturated colors. The candy-coated world of Hoggett Farm bursts to life with resplendent greens and deeply rich earth tones, effectively enhancing the film's quaint countryside aesthetic. The long-range shots are particularly strong, capturing the rolling hills and farm settings with excellent dimension and tonal warmth. Close-ups are where this transfer truly shines, providing exquisite detail—every hair on the piglets can be discerned clearly. Fleshtones are lifelike and naturally rendered, and blacks maintain good dynamic range with reliable depth of field.

Nevertheless, this transfer is not without its issues. Mid-range shots occasionally suffer from minor noise and appear slightly gauzy, impacting the otherwise fine detail seen in close-ups. Edge enhancement is noticeable in some backlit countryside shots, and occasional instances of flecks, specks, and scratches do detract from the overall visual integrity. An errant moment of image wobble occurs around the 39:33 mark, disrupting an otherwise stable presentation. Despite these shortcomings, grain is natural and intact throughout, maintaining the film's organic feel.

In summary, while "Babe" on Blu-ray may not reach the pinnacle of high-definition perfection, it offers a significantly improved visual experience compared to its DVD counterpart. The faithful rendering of colors and the substantial improvement in detail make it a worthwhile upgrade for fans of the film, despite some minor quibbles with mid-range shots and occasional imperfections.

The audio presentation of "Babe" on Blu-ray showcases a stellar lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is both dynamic and immersive. Dialogue, including Roscoe Lee Brown's narration, is crisp, free of sibilance, and well-prioritized in the front soundstage. Nigel Westlake's evocative score and atmospheric farm sounds are delivered with precision, contributing to a believable and engaging listening experience. The track features occasional low-frequency support that enhances specific moments without overwhelming the soundscape.

The soundfield is active and enveloping, with seamless directionality that enhances the cinematic experience. From the haunting squeals in the pig farms to the peaceful environmental sounds of the Hoggett Farm, the soundtrack is alive with nuanced details. The rear channels are particularly busy during scenes featuring various farm animals, creating an engaging atmosphere. Even subtler scenes, like Babe leading the sheep through an obstacle course, are rendered with clarity, capturing every chirp and distant bell with remarkable fidelity.

Overall, "Babe" delivers a well-proportioned and enjoyable sonic experience. Dialogue placement is impeccable, ensuring intelligibility across all scenes. Despite not being a typical summer blockbuster sound mix, this Blu-ray offers an audio track that is both immersive and involving, making it a delightful high-definition presentation for fans.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Babe" offer a mix of insights into the technical and creative aspects of the film's production. The feature commentary by writer/producer George Miller is particularly valuable, delving deep into the technical challenges and solutions of integrating animatronics, CGI, and live animals. Despite being a bit tedious at times, it provides fascinating behind-the-scenes knowledge. The Making of Babe gives a succinct overview of the computer modeling required for the animals' mouth movements and expressions. Meanwhile, George Miller on Babe allows Miller to share his personal experiences and thoughts briefly. Both featurettes are short but provide valuable context to the film’s creation. Additional features like the pocketBLU app, BD-Live access, and My Scenes bookmark function further enrich the disc, offering a rounded user experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Writer/Producer George Miller: An in-depth look at the technical blending of animation and live action.
• The Making of Babe: A brief featurette on the computer modeling for animal expressions.
• George Miller on Babe: Miller discusses his work and experiences on the film.
• pocket BLU app: Interactive app for additional content.
• My Scenes bookmark feature: Bookmark favorite scenes.
• BD-Live access: Online content and connectivity.

"Babe" tells the inspirational story of a shy Yorkshire piglet who learns to defy societal norms and expectations, a narrative beautifully captured on Blu Ray. The film navigates the complex relationship humans have with animals, combining genuine emotions with human-like behaviors in its animal characters. The groundbreaking integration of Jim Henson's animatronics and advanced computer graphics for the time sets "Babe" apart from its peers, creating believable talking animals without the jarring effect often present in lesser films of the genre.

The storyline begins with an unsettling prelude about industrial farming but soon transitions to the lighter, whimsical life on Farmer Hoggett's farm. Babe, won at a carnival, escapes his impending fate as Christmas dinner and instead finds himself nurtured by a Border Collie named Fly. The film cleverly juxtaposes Babe’s gentle innocence against societal roles and norms within the animal hierarchy. The anthropomorphic portrayal of the animals is both endearing and thought-provoking, posing questions about identity and purpose in a simple yet profoundly effective manner.

Despite venturing into somewhat dark themes regarding animal fate and societal roles, "Babe" maintains a touching, heartfelt narrative without being cynical or preachy. It subtly integrates humor with Magda Szubanski’s memorable portrayal of Esme Hoggett. The relationships portrayed—whether among animals or between Farmer Hoggett and Babe—are the film's emotional core. With its mix of heartwarming moments, subtle moral lessons, and technical mastery in visual effects, "Babe" stands as a remarkably unique and enduring family film.

Our review of "Babe" on Blu-ray seeks to synthesize the input reviews while maintaining an engaging and professional tone.

"Babe" is an inherently delightful and sweet film that masterfully transcends the typical pitfalls of children’s cinema. It's a charming, unassuming narrative that strikes a balance between engaging younger viewers and providing sentimental value for adults. This endearing tale, brought to life by George Miller, offers a respite from his more adrenaline-fueled projects, such as the Mad Max series. With its heartwarming story and genuine presentation, "Babe" aptly deserved its Best Picture nomination.

Visually, the Blu-ray release of "Babe" falls short of modern expectations. Some viewers may find the video quality a bit lacking in sharpness and definition, which detracts slightly from the overall viewing experience. However, the audio presentation compensates for any visual shortcomings. The sound mixing is robust, providing an immersive auditory experience that heightens the film's emotional and narrative impact. The Blu-ray boasts only minimal special features, offering little new for long-time fans of the film.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Babe," while not flawless in its technical presentation, remains a worthwhile acquisition for its enduring charm and sweet storytelling. Despite some visual limitations and sparse special features, "Babe" still merits a recommendation for offering the best available home presentation of this beloved film."