Rango Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Rango" sets a towering benchmark for animated video quality, exhibiting a mastery over the visual medium that can be described as nothing less than a spectacle of digital excellence. Paramount’s 1080p AVC-encoded transfer captures an astonishing level of detail in every frame, showcasing the meticulous attention afforded to textures, from the chameleon protagonist’s rugged skin to the intricate aesthetics of the dilapidated town of Dirt. This clarity imbues even the most minute aspects of the film's visual design—be it the subtle fray on a character's clothing or the distinct grains and pebbles of the desert landscape—with a lifelike prominence. Coupled with the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the film’s deliberate color palette shines, striking a balance between vibrant primaries and the more subdued, earthy tones of its dusty setting. Contrasts are strikingly sharp, ensuring that every scene, regardless of the time of day depicted, is rendered with exceptional clarity and depth, welcoming viewers into Rango’s visually rich world.

The technical prowess of the video transfer does not stop at detail and color accuracy; it extends into dynamic range and shadow detail as well. Blacks are deep and true, providing a canvas for the film’s darker scenes that enhances visual depth without sacrificing detail. This nuanced handling of light and shadow plays a significant role in creating the three-dimensional illusion that sets "Rango" apart, making it not only a reference-quality demonstration for high-definition animated video but also an immersive visual experience that maintains its integrity and impact upon multiple viewings.

In sum, "Rango" on Blu-ray is a tour de force in animation presentation. Its pixel-perfect animation and deliberate artistic choices in color and contrast elevate it to perhaps the best-looking animated film on the format to date. Viewers will be hard-pressed to find any faults in this exemplary presentation, as it enriches every texture, motion, and hue with unparalleled precision and beauty, making it an essential showcase for the capabilities of high-definition home entertainment.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Rango" boasts an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that, while perhaps not reaching the unparalleled heights of its video counterpart, still delivers a thoroughly engaging audio experience. The soundtrack is meticulously balanced, ensuring every sound and musical note finds its perfect place within an expansive soundstage, creating a harmonious blend that results in one of the most memorable auditory experiences of the year. Rich in detail, the audio mix features crystal-clear dynamics that effortlessly transition between the loud and the subtle, accentuating the film’s vibrant action scenes with vigorous clarity while maintaining precise and intelligible dialogue throughout.

Notably, the soundtrack's design choices have led to a presentation that, although somewhat front-heavy, seems deliberate, enhancing the film's unique atmosphere without detracting from its overall impact. The immersive quality is further bolstered by a wide range of disinct sounds that fill the environment, from the roaring engines and gunfire to the subtler nuances of a creaking fan or the buzz of a fly, all finely integrated to deepen the cinematic experience. Moreover, the low-end response is tightly controlled, adding a physical depth to the audio that complements its lively mids and highs.

Rear channel activity contributes to the soundscape with discrete effects and atmospheric sounds that, while not always creating a fully immersive experience, effectively widen the soundstage and enrich the film's auditory field. This approach ensures that even amidst the most chaotic scenes, the dialogue remains sharp and easily comprehensible. "Rango's" audio presentation thus stands as a testament to the meticulous care and artistic choice behind its sound design, making it a significantly enjoyable aspect of the Blu-ray edition.

The Blu-ray release of "Rango" distinguishes itself with an array of special features that deeply enrich the viewing experience, appealing to both fans and filmmakers alike. Highlights include a versatile audio commentary available on the extended version, offering invaluable insights into the film's production from the perspective of its major creative forces. "Breaking the Rules: Making Animation History" shines as a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look, meticulously detailing the digital animation process and character development. For educational content, "Real Creatures of Dirt" provides an interesting dive into the real-life counterparts of the film's desert-dwelling characters. The offering also includes storyboard comparisons and an interactive tour of Dirt, amongst other extras. Though some content like the storyboard reel and deleted scenes beckons primarily to dedicated fans or aspiring animators, the sheer depth and variety cater to a broad audience, making it a compelling package for anyone interested in the art of animation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A collective insight from director Gore Verbinski and his team, focusing on the film’s design, structure, and themes.
• Breaking the Rules: Making Animation History: An in-depth two-part feature on the making of "Rango", from initial concept to final animation.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of ten scenes not included in the theatrical release, offering an alternative ending.
• Real Creatures of Dirt: An educational piece introducing the real-life desert animals that inspired the characters of "Rango".
• Storyboard Reel Picture-in-Picture: Allows the theatrical version of the film to be viewed alongside its initial storyboards.
• A Field Trip to Dirt: An interactive tour providing more information on the movie's setting and characters.
• Rango Theatrical Trailer: The film's official trailer.
• Digital Copy: A version available for iPad 2 and iPhone 4, with noted differences in visual and audio quality between devices.
• DVD Copy: Standard DVD format included.

Rango," a visually stunning and structurally mature animation, cleverly intertwines Western motifs and sophisticated storytelling within the framework of what is ostensibly a film for children. This Gorbe Verbinski directorial venture stands as a testament to the evolution of digitally-animated films into a realm of breathtaking realism and artistic sophistication. The film's narrative, a rich tapestry of genre character arcs and tropes, manifests in a dazzling desert world inhabited by anthropomorphic creatures, each rendered with an astonishing level of detail that challenges the boundaries between animation and live-action. From the lifelike textures of reptilian skin to the meticulously crafted environments of the town of Dirt, "Rango" elevates the visual standard for animated films, showcasing an unprecedented level of technical prowess.

At its core, "Rango" is a tale of self-discovery and valor, tracking the titular character's journey from an insecure pet chameleon to the unlikely hero of Dirt, a parched settlement facing its demise. While the plot borrows heavily from classic Westerns and features familiar themes of courage, justice, and communal unity, it is the film's self-awareness and clever integration of cinematic references that endow it with a unique charm and wit. The voice cast, led by Johnny Depp, delivers performances that breathe life into the vibrantly animated characters, their efforts complemented by a script that balances humor, suspense, and moments of genuine emotion.

Yet, "Rango" transcends typical family movie fare, targeting a broader audience with its sophisticated humor and references to iconic films. The narrative complexity and occasional mature themes suggest a film crafted with adult viewers in mind, despite its animation format and Nickelodeon branding. This duality, coupled with groundbreaking animation technology from ILM that blurs the line between digital and reality, ensures that "Rango" resides not only as an important piece in the annals of animated films but also as a singular achievement in modern cinema that appeals to cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

Rango" shines as a uniquely entertaining film, brilliantly marrying the classic charm of the postmodern western genre with top-tier digital animation. While the plot may not break new ground, the execution is flawless, presenting an experience where the vibrancy and detail of its world command attention. Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Rango" stands out, boasting immaculate video and audio quality that showcases the film's stunning visuals and dynamic soundstage to the fullest. The meticulous attention to detail in the animation, voice acting led by Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty, and Bill Nighy, and the overall production value are creatively celebrated. It thrives on its ability to enchant adults and cinephiles alike with its wit and beauty, although its appeal to younger viewers may vary.

The Blu-ray package itself serves as a collector's dream, offering a rich selection of extras that provide fascinating insights into the making of this animated feature. The first venture into animation by ILM is executed with such finesse that both technical enthusiasts and general fans of cinema will find the package to be thoroughly rewarding. The combination of pristine video quality, enveloping audio presentation, and engaging bonus materials makes it an essential addition to any collection.

In conclusion, "Rango" as presented on Blu-ray by Paramount is a testament to the transformative power of animation and sound design in cinema. Its successful blending of thematic familiarity with groundbreaking visual execution secures its place among the best digital animated releases. A masterpiece in both storytelling and technical prowess, this release is highly recommended for those who appreciate cinema as an art form, cementing its status as a must-own in this year's Blu-ray compilations.