How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "How to Train Your Dragon" offers an exceptional viewing experience emblematic of DreamWorks' superb animation. The-region-free disc presents the film in a theatrically accurate 2.35:1 widescreen format, delivering breathtaking detail and vibrant colors. From the intricate detailing of dragon scales and Stoick’s beard to the photo-realistic ocean waves, every frame exudes craftsmanship. Each texture, whether it's the rough hide of Toothless or the fuzzy hair on characters' forearms, is rendered with stunning clarity, making the animation nearly indistinguishable from reality at times.

Colors are robust and vivid throughout, with lush greens, fiery reds, and deep blacks that burst forth on the screen. Evening scenes showcase mesmerizing sunset hues, contributing to an immersive visual experience. The contrast and brightness levels are meticulously calibrated, producing rich black tones that lend depth and detail even in the darkest settings. Every aspect, from clothing weaves to wooden surfaces, is presented with precision and authenticity. Despite the complex, fast-paced flying sequences, the transfer remains free of digital imperfections such as compression artifacts or banding.

In terms of color accuracy, the Blu-ray's palette is nothing short of spectacular. The varied hues of dragons and landscapes are rendered with exceptional fidelity. The black body of Toothless, for instance, retains distinct color nuances that contribute to the lifelike quality of the animation. Shadow details remain intact, ensuring that darker scenes are visually striking without any sign of crushing. This transfer exemplifies modern technological capabilities in digital animation, providing astounding three-dimensionality in a 2D format. With no visible anomalies during the film itself, this Blu-ray stands as a premier example of high-definition presentation, rivaling even the best Pixar releases in visual splendor.

The Blu-ray of "How to Train Your Dragon" boasts a stellar Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that stands as a reference-quality audio presentation. From the opening scenes, the surround track is aggressive and perfectly steered, making full use of dynamic range and each speaker to place the listener at the center of the action. Stereo separation is impressively expansive across the front and rear channels, creating immersive effects such as the whoosh of dragons in flight and the creak of ships navigating through mist. The clarity and presence of dialogue are maintained even amidst intense sequences. Discrete and ambient effects combine seamlessly to add dimension to the sound field, with phenomenal bass grounding every scene naturally. The LFE channel delivers rich, room-shaking impacts, especially during pivotal moments like dragon fire and the final battle.

This engaging mix utilizes the entire audio system to create a theater-like experience at home, flawlessly blending sound effects that traverse the room and envelop the listener. The track is dynamically potent yet maintains precise definition and clarity throughout. Surround channels are actively employed but never intrusive, contributing to an enveloping auditory tapestry. John Powell's rousing score is delivered with spaciousness and high-level detail, enhancing the action without overshadowing it. Directionality is meticulously executed; effects like Vikings screaming off-screen or dragons roaring travel impeccably across speakers, providing a sense of 360-degree immersion. Even during quieter scenes, ambient details like birds chirping and wind blowing maintain a lifelike presence that enhances believability.

In summary, "How to Train Your Dragon" offers an audio experience that not only matches but enhances its visual counterpart. With seamless dialogue integration, powerful bass response, and expertly crafted sound staging, this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix is as demo-worthy as it gets, promising an unforgettable home theater experience that will leave audiences thoroughly impressed.

The Blu-ray release of "How to Train Your Dragon" boasts a robust and engaging suite of extras, providing deep dives into the film's creation through a variety of formats. The audio commentary by Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, alongside Producer Bonnie Arnold, is particularly comprehensive and engaging, covering technical, anecdotal, and thematic aspects in a balanced manner. Complementing this, The Animators' Corner offers a rich picture-in-picture feature with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and storyboards, while the Trivia Track injects additional informative tidbits. Key featurettes such as Viking-Sized Cast and The Technical Artistry of Dragon provide further insights into voice acting and animation techniques. Notably, the inclusion of the short film Legend of the BoneKnapper Dragon, deleted scenes, interactive games, and musical compilations makes this Blu-ray a true delight for enthusiasts of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Enthusiastic discussion by Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, and Bonnie Arnold.
• The Animators' Corner: Picture-in-picture with interviews, storyboards, and animatics.
• Trivia Track: Pop-up text-based trivia.
• Viking-Sized Cast: Behind-the-scenes of voice recording sessions.
• The Technical Artistry of Dragon: Examination of animation techniques.
• Legend of the BoneKnapper Dragon: A 16-minute short film with Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio.
• Deleted Scenes: Three scenes totaling 7 minutes.
• The Story Behind the Story: Author Cressida Cowell discusses translating her book to film.
• How to Draw a Dragon: Step-by-step drawing guide by Animator Gabe Hordos.
• Your Viking Profile: Interactive quiz generating a personalized Viking profile.
• DreamWorks' Animation Jukebox: Musical snippets from various DreamWorks movies.
• Keep Out!: Various trailers and behind-the-scenes content.

How to Train Your Dragon, from DreamWorks Animation, has often been dubbed "the best Pixar film that Pixar never made," and with good reason. This remarkable tale centers on Hiccup, a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends a dragon named Toothless. In doing so, he transforms from an outcast to a hero, mending familial and societal rifts along the way. While the storyline adheres to predictable arcs, the film compensates with its richly developed characters, moving interactions, and thematic subtexts on friendship, acceptance, and courage. Jay Baruchel's voice work as Hiccup elevates the character’s relatability, while Gerard Butler and America Ferrera provide compelling support as Stoick and Astrid.

Technically, the movie is a visual feast. The animation quality is spectacular, featuring intricate detailing and breath-taking visuals that rival those of Pixar. Each dragon species is meticulously designed, infusing the world with a sense of wonder and realism. The flight sequences, particularly when Hiccup begins to soar with Toothless, are genuinely exhilarating and serve as some of the film's most unforgettable moments. These sequences are enhanced by John Powell’s rousing score, which envelops the viewer in a heroic auditory experience.

This Blu-ray release also stands out for its exceptional picture and sound quality. Every frame is rendered with stunning clarity, capturing the myriad textures and vibrant color palette of Berk. The sound mix is superb, immersing viewers in the world of Vikings and dragons with dynamic ranges that accentuate both quiet moments and explosive scenes. Though some may lament the lack of supplemental material compared to its US counterpart, what is included offers valuable insights into the film’s creation. This release sets a high bar for animated Blu-rays, making How to Train Your Dragon a must-watch experience for all ages.

"How to Train Your Dragon" on Blu-ray is a standout release that exemplifies the peak of what computer-animated films can achieve, delivered through the technical prowess of DreamWorks Animation. Studios like Pixar and DreamWorks continue to push the boundaries of animation, and this film is no exception. With its breathtaking visuals and pitch-perfect storytelling, the movie strikes an ideal balance between humor and heart. Though the plot may seem predictable, it excels in delivering themes of friendship, trust, and the importance of overcoming differences. The animation quality is nothing short of extraordinary, offering audiences an unmissable visual feast.

The Blu-ray release spares no detail in ensuring a top-tier home viewing experience. Technical aficionados will appreciate the flawless video and audio presentation, which truly showcases the movie's cinematic splendor. The immersive sound design and stunning high-definition visuals transform living rooms into personal theaters. Beyond the impeccable technical presentation, the disc is loaded with a wealth of special features that add significant value, providing deeper insights into the making of this remarkable film.

In conclusion, "How to Train Your Dragon" on Blu-ray is an essential addition to any collection. It offers a thrilling and heartwarming experience suitable for all ages, backed by an exceptional technical presentation that few releases can match. For fans of animation or those who simply enjoy well-crafted stories, this Blu-ray is a definitive must-own. Highly recommended.