Show Dogs Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Show Dogs," though marred by minor issues, generally impresses with its high-quality visual execution. The opening sequence set against the wet New York City docks demonstrates impeccable textural definition and depth, capturing intricate environmental details like weathered pavements and old shipping containers with precision. The clarity extends to Max’s fur, revealing individual strands that contribute to a naturally detailed appearance. Subsequent scenes in the bright, cityscape and the well-lit police station interiors maintain this impressive detailing, effortlessly transitioning to Las Vegas’ dynamic, glitzy visuals.

Across the film, intimate human facial features, sharp clothing lines, and fine fabric definitions are crisply rendered. Las Vegas’ setting enables a rich variety in hues, all vividly saturated and punchy, with extra emphasis on maintaining color integrity without noticeable banding. Contrast is notably strong; the bright daytime desert scenes remain vibrant, while darker sequences preserve shadow details effectively. Although there are isolated instances of minor noise and very subtle banding, these drawbacks do little to detract from the overall high-quality viewing experience provided by the transfer.

The audio presentation of "Show Dogs" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. Universal pulls no punches with this family film, providing a dynamic and engaging audio experience. The soundtrack's music is vibrant and enveloping, effortlessly filling every speaker and integrating fluidly with the film's action elements. Surround channels are particularly well-utilized, enhancing scenes with both subtle ambient details like PA announcements and intense sequences marked by chases and crashes. Public address announcements during the dog pageants resonate clearly across all channels, adding to the immersive quality of the sound design.

Dialogue is consistently crisp and well-positioned, maintaining clarity and coherence without competition from the energetic soundtrack. The subwoofer channel exhibits exceptional depth, notably kicking in robustly during key scenes such as the first dog show. This depth supports the low-end frequencies of the music and sound effects masterfully. The soundtrack also achieves a pseudo-overhead effect through clever use of volume and reverberation, creating a quasi-surround sound experience.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on "Show Dogs" is executed to near perfection, reflecting commendable sound design choices that elevate the viewing experience. Despite being a family film, it provides a high-yield listening experience that surpasses some high-budget blockbusters. Kudos to Universal and the sound production team for their meticulous attention to audio detail, making "Show Dogs" a surprisingly rich auditory experience on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Show Dogs" disappointingly lacks any substantive extras, offering only the basic options on the top menu for Play, Chapters, and Setup. For those hoping for a richer experience, the simplicity of this release may be underwhelming. However, it does include a DVD copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code, aligning with Universal's standard new release format. Additionally, an embossed slipcover is provided as part of the package, but no further special features or supplemental content are present.

Extras included in this disc:

• DVD Copy: A physical DVD version of the film.
• Digital Copy: Accessible via Movies Anywhere.
• Embossed Slipcover: Decorative cover for collectors.

"Show Dogs" delivers a lighthearted, talking animal adventure, predominantly set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas. Featuring an array of canines with distinct breeds and personalities, the film embraces a playful tone from the beginning, maintaining its humor throughout. The plot, centered around NYPD canine officer Max (voiced by Ludacris) and FBI agent Frank (Will Arnett), as they go undercover at a dog show to thwart an animal smuggling cartel, serves as a simple framework for comedy and subtle commentary on animal cruelty. The dynamic interplay between Max and Frank provides the primary entertainment, showcasing the unique rapport between a tough Rottweiler and a somewhat hapless human detective.

Max emerges as a charismatic lead with Ludacris providing a voice performance that balances edginess and warmth, making the character both entertaining and endearing. While not reaching the classic comedic heights of "Turner & Hooch" or "K-9," the chemistry between Ludacris and Arnett is palpable, offering moments of genuine humor amid the otherwise predictable plot. The supporting canine cast features vocal talents of Jordin Sparks, RuPaul, Gabriel Iglesias, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, and Shaquille O'Neal. Each voice actor brings enthusiasm to the film, adding depth to their furry characters.

Despite its efforts, "Show Dogs" falters in delivering consistent, high-quality humor. Much of the comedy tends to rely on low-brow gags and bathroom humor, which may not resonate with all viewers. Additionally, there is occasional confusion regarding whether humans can understand the dogs, leading to some disjointed scenes early in the movie. Nevertheless, for those seeking a cheerful family film with charming animal antics and an easygoing narrative, "Show Dogs" offers a suitable, if not slightly underwhelming, viewing experience.

Show Dogs combines charming visuals with a light-hearted plot, creating an entertaining movie that suits a family audience. The 1080p transfer ensures a sharp and vibrant picture quality, bringing the colorful world of talking animals to life. The lossless 5.1 audio track is equally effective, delivering clear dialogue and immersive soundscapes. Universal's Blu-ray presentation is technically robust, but it lacks supplementary materials, limiting additional content to digital and DVD copies.

Despite its technical merits, "Show Dogs" might not appeal to all viewers. Its simplistic plot and juvenile humor make it challenging for those seeking a more substantive cinematic experience. However, younger audiences may find its combination of digital effects and lively voice acting engaging. The film's runtime is mercifully brief, ensuring the comedy doesn't overstay its welcome.

Show Dogs obviously won't generate any buzz come Oscar season, but it's a fairly agreeable little family film that has all its ducks in a row. Plenty of cute-and-cuddly animals (most real, some digital), some fun voice work, and a framework plot bring the movie together into an agreeable and surprisingly well-rounded 90-minute entertainer. Universal's Blu-ray is unsurprisingly featureless, but the studio has provided a rock-solid 1080p transfer and a zesty 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Recommended.