How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Blu-ray Review

DreamWorks Animation's "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" presents an outstanding 1080p Blu-ray video transfer that sets a new standard for animation quality. The 2.39:1 AVC-encoded presentation is marked by an enthralling visual clarity that captivates from the very first frame. The vibrancy of the colors, ranging from lush greens and stunning reds to vivid blues and oranges, is unparalleled, rendering the animated world with stunning realism. The underground chasms of The Hidden World are particularly breathtaking, showcasing intricate quartz and crystal details illuminated by ambient light.

The technical mastery continues with deep, inky blacks that preserve shadow detail exquisitely, even within the murky environments. Every scene, from the foggy opening sequence to the high-octane sky battles, is free from noticeable artifacts such as banding or macroblocking. Small instances of minor compression artifacts, seen during specific interactions like Toothless meeting the Light Fury, do not detract from what is a reference-quality presentation. Texture fidelity is exemplary, with razor-sharp details visible in dragon scales, human attire, and environmental elements such as sand and terrain.

This disc exemplifies the pinnacle of what animation can achieve on Blu-ray. Furthermore, while this 1080p release is visually spectacular on its own terms, viewers with 4K setups may want to consider upgrading to the 4K UHD version for an even more refined viewing experience. Both formats deliver visual treats that will surely impress any audience, making "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" a must-have for animation enthusiasts and home theater aficionados alike.

The Dolby Atmos track on "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" delivers an exceptionally immersive audio experience that rivals the quality typically reserved for 4K UHD Blu-rays. Universal's decision to include the same high-quality Atmos mix on the Blu-ray as on the 4K Ultra HD disc pays off handsomely. The sound design is expertly balanced, featuring robust and dynamic bass, seamless directional effects, and full engagement of all audio channels. The potent low-frequency effects add substantial weight to dragon roars and explosions, while the overhead channels provide purposeful support that helps action sequences feel expansive without overshadowing the subtle atmospheric details.

The soundtrack excels in creating a harmonious audio environment, perfectly combining dialogue, score, and effects. Dialogue remains crisp, clear, and well-prioritized, consistently anchored at the center channel to ensure it is never lost amidst the action. Directional effects are precise, with sounds elegantly transitioning across the listening field, exemplified by the opening rescue sequence where audio fluidly moves through the space and from areas without discrete speakers. The top-end channels enrich the sonic stage further by allowing both music and action to resonate more fully. Whether capturing the high-octane excitement of a battle or the quieter moments in Berk, this Dolby Atmos track offers a stellar auditory experience that is engagingly immersive across all fronts.

The Blu-ray edition of "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" delivers an impressive selection of extra content, providing a deep dive into the film's production and creative process. Key features include audio commentary by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois, Producer Bradford Lewis, and Head of Character Animation Simon Otto, who offer an insightful breakdown of the movie's plot and technical facets. Additionally, viewers can explore story development through an engaging alternate opening and a series of deleted scenes, both with optional commentary by DeBlois. Further behind-the-scenes featurettes cover aspects such as voice acting, character development, and the design evolution of dragons. Complementary DreamWorks shorts add an extra layer of delight.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by key creators.
• Alternate Opening: Early storyboard form with optional intro.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes in unfinished animation stages.
• DreamWorks Shorts: Bilby and Bird Karma animated shorts.
• How to Voice Your Viking: Recording studio insights.
• Creating an Epic Dragon Tale: Expanding the trilogy's scope.
• How I Learned from Dragons: Actors discuss their characters.
• Brave Wilderness Presents: Nature + Dragons = Awesome: Real-world animal inspirations.
• The Dragon Sheep Chronicles: Narrated look at sheep in Berk.
• A Deck of Dragons: Introduction to new dragons.
• Growing Up with Dragons: Hiccup’s character development.
• The Evolving Character Design of Dragons: Design evolution overview.
• Drawing Dragons: Designing DreamWorks dragons.
• Epic Villain: Profile of villain Grimmel.
• Astrid's Whole Dragon Trilogy in 60 Seconds: A rapid series recap.
• Welcome to New Berk: Overview of the new Viking village.

Review Summary: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

"How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" serves as a heartfelt conclusion to DreamWorks' acclaimed animated trilogy, presenting an eloquent mix of character evolution, emotional depth, and visually captivating moments. The film picks up with Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) now leading Berk, a haven where dragons and humans live symbiotically. Despite past victories, an age-old enemy named Grimmel (voiced by F. Murray Abraham) disrupts this harmony, compelling Hiccup and his friends to seek refuge in the fabled "Hidden World." This journey is punctuated with themes of maturity, self-discovery, and difficult decisions about letting go.

The narrative successfully balances action, humor, and emotional stakes, though it is somewhat predictable and less innovative compared to its predecessors. The added romance between Toothless and the introduced Light Fury adds a charming subplot but doesn't overshadow the core storyline. While Grimmel serves his purpose as a catalyst for character growth, he's portrayed as a less formidable antagonist than the previous villains, lacking the palpable menace that marked Drago in the second film. The antagonist's psychological dimension feels more nuanced rather than physically threatening, further reflecting the film's broader focus on internal struggles over external battles.

Voiced impeccably by the returning cast (including America Ferrera as Astrid), the characters navigate the climax with a seamless blend of humor, heart, and narrative clarity. Dean DeBlois’ direction and Roger Deakins' visual consultancy ensure that the animation is both dynamic and artistically stunning. Despite minor criticisms, the film delivers an emotionally rewarding finale that stays true to its central themes. This concluding chapter may not take as many risks as its predecessors, but it still encapsulates the essence of growth and closure, making it a fitting end to the beloved series.

"How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" provides an emotionally resonant closure to the cherished trilogy directed by Dean DeBlois. While it may not entirely reach the heights of its predecessors, it remains an engaging and heartwarming film that delves deeply into themes of growth and transformation. DreamWorks' meticulous attention to audio and video quality guarantees an exemplary Blu-ray experience. Featuring a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and loaded with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, this release captures every vivid detail and sound cue, making it a visual and auditory delight.

Accompanying the main feature is an impressive slate of extras, reinforcing the value of this Blu-ray edition. Housing a robust Dolby Atmos mix, the disc ensures home viewers are enveloped in an immersive acoustic environment, rich with clarity and depth. With subtitles available in English SDH, French, and Spanish, it caters to a broader audience. Its runtime of 104 minutes passes swiftly, driven by stellar voice performances from the likes of Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, and F. Murray Abraham. The Blu-ray release on May 21st, 2019, underscores DreamWorks’ commitment to high-quality home entertainment.

In conclusion, “How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” is a commendable wrap-up to a beloved series simultaneously packed with action, emotion, and breathtaking visuals. The Blu-ray’s near-perfect 1080p picture quality and invigorating Atmos audio elevate the viewing experience to new heights. Supplementary materials are plentiful, enriching the overall package significantly. Whether you are an ardent fan or a casual viewer, this disc is an excellent addition to your collection. Highly recommended.

Recommendation: Great Watch