Ralph Breaks the Internet Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Ralph Breaks the Internet" on Blu-ray is an exemplary showcase of Disney’s commitment to high-quality visual fidelity. The 1080p transfer offers a crisp, clean, and sharp rendering of the film's digitally created material, delivering intimate visual excellence across a variety of vibrant and creatively-designed locales. The imagery bursts with bright colors, from the vivacious blues and pinks of the Disney Princess lounge to the intense oranges and yellows of the “Slaughter Race.” While early scenes may initially present lighter saturation, this is likely a deliberate artistic choice rather than a technical shortcoming. Furthermore, black levels are consistently deep and inky, enhancing the contrast and depth of the image.

Particularly notable is the meticulous attention to detail in the CGI animation. Characters' clothing showcases intricate textures, such as the stitching on Vanellope’s sweater and Shank’s leather jacket. These details extend to the backgrounds, where even the dingy neighborhoods in “Slaughter Race” are rendered with visible imperfections and blemishes. The clarity of smaller aspects, like tiny objects flying through the air and the pulsating beams of light, remains distinct throughout, contributing to the film's dynamic visual tapestry.

The overall visual experience is elevated by impeccable contrast management. Bright highlights remain crisp without losing their luminous radiance, and darker scenes maintain outstanding gradational detailing within the blackest corners of the frame, imparting a three-dimensional quality to the 2.39:1 image. The vibrant primaries and eye-catching secondary hues bring an engaging richness to the screen, making sequences such as those with the Disney princesses or the urban chaos of “Slaughter Race” standout as visually stunning moments. This Blu-ray presentation exemplifies high-quality animation encoding, offering a mesmerizing viewing experience that invites repeated viewing to catch every nuanced detail.

The audio presentation of "Ralph Breaks the Internet" on Blu-ray is delivered via a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. This mix aligns with recent Disney audio releases, necessitating an approximate upward volume adjustment of 5 dB to achieve optimal listening levels. The track, while clean and well-mixed, occasionally feels subdued, selectively utilizing its dynamic range. Despite this, the use of the LFE channel is notable, exhibiting robust bass during action scenes like the "Slaughter Race" sequences and the climactic battle against the giant Ralph. Dialog clarity remains impeccable throughout, with reverb notably enhancing scenes such as Vanellope and Ralph's entry into the Internet.

This DTS-HD MA track impresses with its ability to create an immersive soundfield. Surround channels are actively engaged, providing discrete effects and fluid stage-filling ambience, especially vibrant when characters interact in bustling environments like a digital search hub or a Disney fan site. Sound effects exhibit effective panning, enriching the experience as audio elements travel seamlessly between speakers. While quieter, dialogue-driven scenes benefit from precise prioritization and distinction, lending a broad and spacious feel to the midrange.

The overall audio mix is well-balanced, with Henry Jackman's score offering warmth and fidelity that occasionally bleeds into the surround channels, enhancing the immersive quality. Although bass levels could have more punch to match the visuals, they remain sturdy and palpable in key moments. Optional subtitles are available in English SDH, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Despite some perceived restraint in specific dynamic moments, the track remains a satisfying auditory experience befitting the film's vibrant visual narrative.

The Blu-Ray release of "Ralph Breaks the Internet" comes with a robust suite of extras that provide viewers with a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Highlights include an in-depth process documentary, music breakdowns involving renowned artists like Imagine Dragons and Alan Menken, a plethora of hidden Easter eggs, and various deleted scenes complete with director intros. These extras are not only entertaining but also informative, showcasing the extensive creative effort that went into the film’s production—from conceptualization to execution. The inclusion of quirky segments like BuzzzTube Cats adds a unique touch, making this package an essential addition for fans and animation enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• How We Broke the Internet: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
• Surfing for Easter Eggs: Highlights numerous hidden surprises.
• The Music of Ralph Breaks the Internet: Explores the film's musical score and song selections.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes with director introductions.
• BuzzzTube Cats: Compilation of cat videos from the movie.
• Music Videos: Performances by Imagine Dragons and Julia Michaels.
• Baby Drivers – Slaughter Racing School: Artists' experiences at race car driving school.

Ralph Breaks the Internet, the sequel to 2012's Wreck-It Ralph, dives deeper into the digital realm, combining fascinating explorations of the Internet with a heartwarming narrative that centers on friendship and personal growth. Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (voiced by Sarah Silverman) venture into the vast and wild world of Wi-Fi after Ralph inadvertently damages Vanellope’s arcade game, Sugar Rush. This journey into the digital cosmos is visually spectacular and filled with eye-catching animations, making it an engaging experience for both younger and older audiences alike. The narrative explores themes of change, the fear of obsolescence, and the struggles of maintaining deep friendships amidst evolving personal aspirations.

The film expertly satirizes various online entities and behaviors, such as auctions on eBay, YouTube mimicry via "Buzztube", and the darker side of comment sections. This nuanced portrayal is in stark contrast to the haphazard approach seen in The Emoji Movie. Ralph’s descent into viral video creation to raise money introduces humorous yet critical commentary on the internet age's fleeting fame and virality. Gal Gadot’s character, Shank, in the online game “Slaughter Race”, offers a fresh dynamic, serving as both mentor and counterpart to Vanellope, who becomes enthralled by the exciting new possibilities outside her arcade life.

Despite its commendable depth, the movie encounters some pacing issues, particularly in its second act where segments involving a virus and Vanellope’s internal conflict seem rushed. The climax, although intended to bring resolution, feels anticlimactic, relying on a somewhat conventional "talk down the monster" trope. Nevertheless, highlights include the uproariously funny Disney Princess scenes featuring original voice actresses from over the decades, which provide delightful meta-commentary and nostalgia. Overall, while Ralph Breaks the Internet might not capture every bit of its predecessor’s charm, it delivers a well-crafted tale brimming with humor, heart, and insightful reflections on the digital age.

Ralph Breaks the Internet offers a dynamic and engaging sequel to 2013's Wreck-It Ralph. The movie transitions from 80s and 90s nostalgia to explore modern digital culture, effectively delving into themes of social media's absurdities and the complexities of friendships evolving over time. This creative endeavor propels the story forward into the vast and fascinating world of the internet, providing audiences with a fresh and exciting backdrop. While some narrative elements, particularly the climax, may feel somewhat underwhelming, the film's journey through the digital realm delivers numerous moments of humor and heart. The relationship between Ralph and Vanellope remains a cornerstone, enriched by the new experiences and obstacles they encounter.

Technically, the Blu-ray release does not disappoint. Presented in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio, the video quality is outstanding, with vibrant colors and sharp detail that truly bring the digital world to life. The audio, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 for English along with French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, provides a solid auditory experience, although some may argue it stops short of excellence. It's clear that Disney has committed to delivering a high-fidelity experience, ensuring that both visual and auditory presentations align closely with the film’s high-energy content.

Overall, Ralph Breaks the Internet stands as a formidable sequel, balancing entertainment with thoughtful exploration of contemporary issues. Despite some weaknesses in its storytelling climax, this film continues to be fun and endearing, particularly when experienced alongside its predecessor. Fans will appreciate the stellar HD presentation and satisfying soundtrack of the Blu-ray, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts of animated films.

Conclusion: It’s not a perfect movie, but Ralph Breaks the Internet is a very solid sequel to 2013’s Wreck-it Ralph, and explores more modern tropes (instead of the 80s and 90s tropes from the first movie), including the stupidity of social media, as well as friends having to learn to move on with life while still being friends. The climax is a bit weak, but this is still a fun watch by any stretch of the imagination and works well in tandem with the 2013 film. The video is fantastic and the audio solid, making this a very pleasing pickup for Disney fans everywhere.