The Lion of Judah Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Lion of Judah" offers a decidedly mixed video presentation, particularly in its 3D rendering. The 1080p/MVC-encoded transfer displays lively and energetic colors, though it lacks vibrancy and richness. Contrast is consistent with solid black levels, enhanced by crisp whites that sparkle, especially in landscape scenes. However, the film's low-budget origins reveal themselves through flat, lifeless mapped textures, rigid animal fur, and stilted animation movements. Edge definition and detail are commendable, but the overall animation quality hampers the video experience.

The 3D presentation is one of highs and lows. While it boasts vivid primary colors and vibrant secondary hues, issues like prevalent banding, occasional aliasing, and moderate to mild ghosting can be distracting. The depth and dimensionality are inconsistently rendered. Some scenes pop reasonably well with good separation between foreground and background elements, such as in the stable or during action sequences. However, other scenes appear almost 2D, lacking any sense of depth. Notably, scenes in Jerusalem present impressive detailing with small imperfections visible on surfaces.

In sum, the video quality in "The Lion of Judah" on Blu-ray excels in its 2D offering but merely gets by in 3D. Despite its flaws, including color banding and minor posterization in daytime exteriors, the vibrant colors and fine object detailing provide a generally acceptable viewing experience, particularly for less discerning viewers like younger family members.

Warner’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track in "The Lion of Judah" offers proficient, albeit somewhat inconsistent audio performance. Dialogue is consistently bright and intelligible, maintaining clarity throughout, though it doesn't seamlessly integrate with the music and other effects, creating a slightly disjointed auditory experience. The musical score and original songs are decent but lack the full soundfield impact they could potentially offer. Directionality and cross-channel pans are adequate, and the rear speaker support is functional but not immersive. LFE output is relatively strong but lacks the depth and finesse that might come with a more dynamic soundscape.

While the DTS-HD Master Audio track benefits from excellent front-and-center dialogue intelligibility, it doesn't capitalize on extensive channel activity. The front soundstage is relatively wide and welcoming, with the musical scores and song selections bleeding into the rear channels, enhancing the overall soundfield. The mid-range of the audio doesn't impress much, but high notes are rendered cleanly and exhibit sharpness. Additionally, the deep low-end provides appropriate weight to on-screen events when required. Surround speakers remain mostly silent but do offer some discrete ambient effects sporadically, though these instances don't convincingly enhance realism but do add some enjoyment for younger audiences.

In summary, while "The Lion of Judah" doesn't break new ground in sound design or offer particularly immersive sonics, its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is adequate for an animated feature, providing clear dialogue and a reasonably enjoyable soundscape.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lion of Judah" offers a single, substantial extra that provides viewers with valuable insights into the movie's production process. Presented in high definition, this 24-minute behind-the-scenes documentary delves into various aspects of the film's development, including casting, animation techniques, performances, and the challenges faced due to budget constraints. Featuring interviews with both cast and crew, this featurette offers a comprehensive look at the effort and creativity that went into bringing the film to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: A short piece featuring cast and crew interviews discussing the movie's production and history, with BTS footage and early animation work.

"The Lion of Judah," from the small independent studio Animated Family Films in collaboration with Character Matters, aims to serve its niche audience with a strong spiritual message embedded in a lighthearted family tale. This feature-length debut appeals primarily to young children, with humor and animation that resonates most probably with toddlers to ten-year-olds. The plot revolves around Judah, a lamb voiced by Georgina Cordova, who embarks on an adventure in Jerusalem to avoid being a Passover offering. Juxtaposed against vibrant Biblical events, including the Triumphant Entry and Jesus' crucifixion, the film attempts to juxtapose entertaining animal antics with profound spiritual themes.

Technically, the film’s CG animation is modest and serviceable, designed more for simplicity rather than high quality. The voice acting features a lineup of moderately realized characters, such as Ernest Borgnine’s grandfatherly rat Slink and Omar Benson Miller’s perplexing character Horace the pig. Despite the voice cast's efforts, the characters often fall flat, marked by an irritating disposition that overshadows their potential charm. The storytelling feels disjointed and unbalanced, oscillating between forced comedic elements and severe thematic undertones without finding a harmonious blend. Some adult viewers might find this approach shallow, but younger audiences could still find it well-aligned with their grasp and interest levels.

While "The Lion of Judah" commendably integrates significant religious lessons, it often overloads the narrative with excessive moralizing, resulting in a convoluted experience. Simplifying and clarifying Jesus' sacrifice and related Passover traditions for children is commendable, but the execution leaves much desired for a more nuanced audience. In its endeavor to deliver multiple mini-lessons within its 87-minute run time, the film can feel overstuffed and confusing. Ultimately, despite its good intentions and heartfelt message, "The Lion of Judah" struggles to find the balance needed to engage both children and their accompanying adults fully.

"The Lion of Judah" serves as a reimagining of the Easter story through the eyes of a group of stable animals, ably voiced by talents such as Ernest Borgnine and Michael Madsen. Though its narrative caters primarily to Christian families seeking a wholesome and inspirational adventure, it falls short on several fronts including budgetary constraints and creative execution. While the story's alignment with Christian themes and its portrayal of Christ’s death and resurrection offer redeeming qualities, it remains largely underwhelming against higher-tier animated works.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "The Lion of Judah" fares moderately well. The video encoding and lossless audio track are commendable, providing a decent viewing experience; however, the 3D presentation fails to impress. The supplemental package is lacking, consisting of only one forgettable piece, which diminishes the overall value. Despite the occasional engaging moment for younger viewers, many may find the film’s production quality and storytelling elements to be lacking when compared to alternatives like "The Miracle Maker" or "Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie."

In conclusion, "The Lion of Judah" serves a niche audience, primarily appealing to families interested in faith-based storytelling during the Easter season. While it has commendable aspects, such as decent audio and video quality on Blu-ray, its subpar 3D presentation and limited extras leave much to be desired. For those willing to overlook its numerous shortcomings, it can offer a modestly satisfying experience. However, there are superior options available that may resonate more effectively with broader audiences while maintaining inspirational and wholesome content.