Who Framed Roger Rabbit Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" offers a 1.85:1 high-definition presentation that, while not flawless, certainly satisfies on various fronts. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video transfer captures the film's iconic visuals with notable clarity, although sharpness tends to fluctuate, particularly in sequences with heavy special effects and live-action/animation overlaps. Colors are bold and well-saturated, especially primary hues that are integral to the film's aesthetic, such as those in Toontown. Skin tones display good tonal depth, lending lifelike texture and delineation. Close-ups and mid-level shots are especially well-resolved, showcasing fine details like the texture of Eddie Valiant’s attire and the intricate rendering of Jessica Rabbit’s dress.

However, the transfer does exhibit some shortcomings inherent to the original film's source material. Noteworthy issues include mild softness, occasional color inconsistencies, and visible see-through artifacts in animated characters when in front of certain live-action elements. These visual artifacts are mostly products of the 1988 visual effects technology rather than flaws in the Blu-ray transfer. More concerning are the problems with shadow detail; scenes set in darker environments suffer from shadow crushing, digital noise, and at times, macroblocking or aliasing. Blacks can sometimes take on a red or purple tint, which diminishes the overall visual quality during these sequences.

Despite these issues, the overall presentation is commendable and arguably the best rendition of the movie seen to date on home media. With its intact grain structure, effective contrast, and generally pleasing color balance, fans who maintain reasonable expectations will find much to enjoy. The encode remains largely free of significant artifacting, banding, or shimmering in brightly lit scenes. It must be noted that while these imperfections persist, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. This Blu-ray release successfully brings out the film’s unique blend of live-action and animation with a degree of clarity that surpasses previous home video versions.

Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is a commendable effort considering the film’s 1988 origins. The audio presentation is predominantly front-heavy, which may be surprising for those accustomed to modern surround sound dynamics. However, dialogue remains clean and clear, although occasionally muffled during high-energy scenes such as Eddie's confrontations with the weasels. These instances seem to be inherent flaws from the original production rather than issues with the new mix. Alan Silvestri's iconic score, reminiscent of his work on 'Back to the Future', benefits most from this soundfield, richly filling the room and enhancing the overall experience.

Despite some instances where ADR mismatches and periodic muffled voices are noticeable, the mix provides a lively use of the rear channels. Ambient sounds such as the bustling streets of Los Angeles and the chaotic Toontown environment successfully immerse the viewer, creating a fun and engaging backdrop. Low-frequency effects (LFE) are decently handled, contributing to an effective, though not overpowering, bass presence. The overall package includes additional French and Russian 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks, as well as subtitles in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.

In summary, while "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" might not offer a groundbreaking audio experience by today's standards, it delivers a solid, enjoyable mix that respects the original sound design's integrity. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, with its playful and immersive nature, makes the best of the source material, offering viewers a nostalgic yet satisfying auditory experience.

The Blu Ray release of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" offers a comprehensive and meticulously curated collection of extras that enhances the viewer's appreciation of this groundbreaking film. The Audio Commentary features an engaging and highly informative discussion led by director Robert Zemeckis, alongside key production members, offering deep insights into the film's creation, including technical aspects and story development. The included Roger Rabbit Shorts are a high-definition delight, presenting three entertaining Maroon Cartoons. Additionally, the in-depth documentary "Behind the Ears: The True Story of Roger Rabbit" offers invaluable behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. The "Toontown Confidential" viewing option provides fascinating trivia, perfect for hardcore fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Intensive discussion with key filmmakers.
• The Roger Rabbit Shorts: High-definition presentation of three Maroon Cartoons.
• Who Made Roger Rabbit?: Mini-documentary hosted by Charles Fleischer.
• Behind the Ears: The True Story of Roger Rabbit: An extensive behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Toontown Confidential: Fact and trivia track accessible via the subtitles menu.
• Deleted Scene: "The Pig Head Sequence": With filmmaker commentary.
• Before & After: Comparison of scenes with and without animation.
• Toon Stand-Ins: Featurette on rehearsing with stand-ins.
• On Set! Benny The Cab: The making of a specific scene from the film.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a tour de force that masterfully blends live-action and animation. Set in 1947 Hollywood, the film follows private detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) as he navigates a high-intensity case involving the suspected infidelity of Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner) and the subsequent murder of Marvin Acme. Groundbreaking for its time, the movie boasts an innovative technique where live-action characters share the screen with animated ones, creating a believable and immersive world. The camera movement around animated characters, while still capturing live actors in frame, was a revolutionary approach that has remained relevant even decades later.

The movie’s unique setting, commonly referred to as Toontown, is brought to life through meticulous traditional animation and practical effects—no CGI was used. Industrial Light & Magic's involvement ensured that the animated characters appeared three-dimensional and interacted seamlessly with their human counterparts. The cast delivers commendable performances, notably Bob Hoskins, whose role demanded an extraordinary level of spatial awareness and physical acting. Christopher Lloyd’s portrayal of Judge Doom adds a layer of menace to the film, enriching its noir narrative.

The charm of Who Framed Roger Rabbit lies in its self-awareness and satire. It doesn't shy away from adult humor or breaking conventional boundaries, evident in scenes where iconic characters from rival studios share screen space, such as the dueling piano performance by Donald Duck and Daffy Duck. Despite minor issues with aging special effects, the film's story, characters, and all-encompassing world-building make it a timeless piece. Zemeckis managed to create a film that remains a benchmark for technical brilliance and storytelling in animation and live-action hybrids. Those watching today will find its humor, heart, and ingenuity as impactful as ever.

"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is widely considered a hallmark of late-80s cinema, blending live-action and animation in a uniquely captivating manner. Robert Zemeckis's vision and execution of this whimsical world where cartoons and humans coexist were groundbreaking at the time and continue to resonate with audiences. The Blu-ray release of this classic film maintains the integrity of the original, offering a faithful video transfer and a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that serves the material well. While some minor video inconsistencies and audio ADR glitches are present, they do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

The Blu-ray package includes an impressive three hours of supplementary content, most of which carry over from the previous DVD release. Unfortunately, there is no new material, which might disappoint long-time fans looking for fresh content. Nonetheless, the extant extras remain comprehensive and engaging, ensuring a rich viewing experience. Enhancements such as a sharper picture and improved sound over the DVD version make this Blu-ray a worthwhile upgrade for any collector.

For those who love "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", this Blu-ray edition is an essential addition to any collection. It's fun and clever, suitable for both adults and kids, with a superb script, excellent acting, and stellar animation. Despite some minor flaws, the restoration is commendable, and Disney's effort to bring this beloved film to high-definition should be appreciated. Overall, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" on Blu-ray delivers a satisfying adventure down memory lane and remains highly recommended.