Justice League Dark Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of Warner's "Justice League Dark" Blu-ray demonstrates high standards akin to previous DCU animated features, distinguished by clean lines, solid blacks, and reliable contrast. The muted palette seen in real-world scenes complements the source material, while manifestations of magic burst with brighter, more saturated hues. Director Oliva cleverly uses specific color values to distinguish magic types, enhancing the liveliness of the imagery. Blacks are solid though not infinitely deep, providing strong contrast without overpowering the scene. The resolution excels with sharp clarity, offering tack-like sharpness and crisp edges without noticeable edge enhancement.

However, it’s worth noting the technical constraints regarding the bitrates. Mastered at an average rate of 16.99 Mbps, the Blu-ray still manages to avoid common artifacts like banding despite these limitations. But one can't help but speculate how much the overall presentation could improve with higher bitrates that utilize more of the available digital space. The disc, occupying only 31.4 GB of a BD-50, leaves around 12 GB unused. This underutilization suggests potential for a more robust video quality, though as it stands, the presentation remains commendable, balancing stable contrast and refined clarity amidst diverse scenes.

The high-resolution DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack of "Justice League Dark" is a standout feature, offering a well-articulated and crystal-clear rendering across the board. This balanced presentation delivers high-level detail, harmoniously blending dialogue, sound effects, bass, and music. The result is a dynamically gratifying and richly enveloping surround sound mix. Robust bass and action-based sounds/effects enhance the overall experience, making it both immersive and engaging. Cranking up the volume amplifies the enjoyment, fully immersing viewers in the film's supernatural landscape.

The 5.1 soundtrack encoded in lossless DTS-HD MA is particularly aggressive and active, capitalizing on the story’s supernatural elements to create an imaginative sound design. Rear-channel activity is notable, with off-screen dialogue frequently emanating from the surround speakers, and effects such as magical and superheroic actions panning from front to back and between left and right rears. This immersive audio environment is further enhanced by Robert J. Kral’s energetic soundtrack, which blends seamlessly with the film's mystical proceedings. The dialogue remains clearly rendered throughout, ensuring that every line is delivered with precision while maintaining a captivating auditory experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Justice League Dark" provide an extensive yet familiar range of content for fans and collectors. While some features are recycled from previous discs, this effort still offers valuable insights and sneak peeks. Highlights include a deeper dive into "The Story of Swamp Thing" featuring insights from co-creator Len Wein and a comprehensive panel discussion from New York Comic Con 2016, where cast and crew share unique production experiences. Additionally, the "Did You Know?" segments explore intriguing aspects of characters' origins and casting choices. The inclusion of trailers and episodes from "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" adds further value, though a notable portion of these were previously released.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Story of Swamp Thing: Features insights from co-creator Len Wein.
• Justice League Dark at New York Comic Con 2016: Panel discussion with cast and crew.
• Sneak Peeks: Previews for Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, Justice League: Doom, and Justice League: Gods and Monsters.
• Did You Know?: Segments on Constantine's origin, JLD's magic, Black Orchid's origin, and casting insights.
• DC Comics Vault: Episodes from "Batman: The Brave and the Bold".
• Trailers: Including previews for live-action Wonder Woman and more.

"Justice League Dark" stands out as a remarkable entry in the DC animated universe, showcasing a seamless blend of action, intricate plotlines, and an impressive roster of supernatural characters. Directed by Jay Oliva and penned by J.M. DeMatteis and Ernie Altbacker, this film is masterfully constructed around a robust narrative spine, ensuring a cohesive storyline despite its large ensemble cast. The movie is anchored by John Constantine, voiced compellingly by Matt Ryan, whose portrayal brings an extraordinary level of sardonic charm and demonic energy to the character. Ryan's performance is a standout, effectively elevating the film above its peers and making Constantine a magnetic focal point amidst the chaos.

The film’s plot follows Batman's quest to uncover the cause of widespread delusions leading civilians to commit heinous acts. His journey introduces him to a supernatural cohort including Zatanna, Deadman, and Jason Blood/Etrigan, each contributing unique talents to the unfolding drama. As they delve into the mysteries of the Dreamstone and its ancient creator Destiny, the narrative navigates complex character histories and mystical lore with finesse. The interactions are bolstered by superb voice performances from an accomplished cast including Camilla Luddington as Zatanna and Nicholas Turturro as Deadman. The antagonists, voiced by Alfred Molina and Enrico Colantoni, add a layer of theatrical menace, enriching the supernatural conflict.

Despite the inherent risk of overcrowding the plot with numerous characters and events, "Justice League Dark" maintains a focused and dynamic pace. The creative team expertly balances the elements of horror and action while retaining strong character development. Constantine’s sardonic attitude and Batman’s skeptical demeanor create memorable narrative tensions, deftly blending skepticism with mysticism. Overall, "Justice League Dark" delivers a thrilling and immersive experience, underpinned by strategic pacing and engaging voice talent, making it a standout installment in the animated franchise.

"Justice League Dark" presents an engaging and darker facet of the DC Universe with an array of supernatural characters led by the enigmatic John Constantine. The film successfully translates Matt Ryan's acclaimed portrayal of Constantine into an animated format, bolstered by a solid voice cast and well-crafted narrative. The animation is polished and visually immersive, complemented by a compelling storyline that keeps the audience enthralled. The blending of Constantine's cynicism with Batman’s brooding skepticism creates a dynamic interplay that is both entertaining and pivotal to the film's appeal.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release excels with a superb audio-visual presentation. The video quality is outstanding, with vibrant colors and crisp details that bring the dark and mystical world to life. The audio mix is equally impressive, providing clear dialogue and robust effects, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of a comprehensive set of special features adds significant value, offering deeper insights into the production and the characters' backstories, which will be appreciated by both newcomers and long-time fans alike.

In conclusion, "Justice League Dark" is a must-have for fans of the DC Universe and animated films. It offers an enthralling adventure with high-quality production values and an engaging narrative. Matt Ryan’s performance as Constantine is a standout, making this Blu-ray a worthy addition to any collection. Highly recommended.