Yellow Submarine Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Yellow Submarine" by EMI showcases a remarkable AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio. This release benefits from an extensive photochemical restoration and a meticulous frame-by-frame digital clean-up, hand-executed to preserve the intricate nuances of the film's multidisciplinary animation style. The restoration process involved a 4K scan, resulting in a spectacular visual experience. The film features incredibly bold colors and exceptionally strong line details, contributing to a visual presentation that is both sharp and precise. However, minor issues such as telecine wobble during the credits sequence and occasional motion judder during busy frame pans are present but do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

The vivid and dynamic color palette of "Yellow Submarine" is a standout, with sequences like the journey to Pepperland in "All Together Now" and the Sea of Science in "Only a Northern Song" showcasing rapid color alternations that create a mesmerizing strobe effect. The transfer accentuates the sharpness of the lines, adding depth to the two-dimensional artwork, particularly evident when paper cutouts overlap. Despite these strengths, the live-action elements—such as the montage of photographs and the end sequence—exhibit noticeable flaws. Specifically, the colors appear faded, and images are sharp to an extent that frames, especially those frozen, look subpar compared to the animated sections.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition undeniably delivers an almost perfect high-definition presentation of "Yellow Submarine," elevating its classic animation with modern restoration techniques. The minor imperfections in live-action elements do little to diminish the overall impact of this vibrant and visually engaging release.

The "Yellow Submarine" Blu-Ray offers an impressive array of audio options that cater to various listening preferences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix stands out with remarkable clarity and fidelity, perfectly suited for true Beatles enthusiasts. This lossless track not only highlights the intricate details of the music but also utilizes the surround channels to create an ambient experience with dynamic and immersive effects. Particularly striking are the phased and chorused vocals on tracks like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," which showcase the effectiveness of this mix. Furthermore, the subwoofer's active participation, driven by McCartney's bass and Ringo's drums, reinforces the musical foundation compellingly.

Other audio options include the original mono soundtrack via an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 and a repurposed stereo mix also delivered through LPCM 2.0. Both provide a nostalgic listening experience, with the mono track echoing the historical audio quality, albeit lacking the expansive clarity of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The LPCM stereo track offers better clarity than the mono but still falls short of the surround sound's immersive depth. It's noteworthy that German and Italian language tracks are available in standard Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes, ensuring versatility for a wider audience.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is exceedingly effective in delivering clear and precise dialogue, with sound effects that fully engage the listener by moving seamlessly through the channels. It offers a superior audio experience that likely surpasses what most sound systems could deliver in previous decades. For those willing to experience The Beatles' soundtrack in its highest quality, this mix should be the default choice, while LPCM 2.0 and Mono tracks are best left for those yearning for historical authenticity but at a higher fidelity trade-off.

The Blu-ray extras of "Yellow Submarine" showcase a wealth of archival content that provides a multifaceted look at this iconic film's production. The Audio Commentary Track features John Coates and Heinz Edelmann, offering invaluable insights into the film's development, voice casting, and animation. The Making of documentary: Mod Odyssey is a delightful 1968 featurette linking the film to classical tales such as "The Odyssey." Enthusiasts will appreciate the Storyboard Sequences that offer glimpses into early visual concepts. Additionally, the Original Pencil Drawings and Behind the Scenes Photos offer revealing details about character designs and production moments. The Interviews segment features brief but illuminating contributions from key cast and crew members. These special features collectively enrich the viewing experience, making it an indispensable set for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary Track by John Coates – Additional Contribution by Heinz Edelmann: Detailed discussions on preproduction, voice casting, and more.
• Making of documentary: Mod Odyssey: A 1968 featurette with behind-the-scenes footage.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material from the time of release.
• Storyboard Sequences: Early artwork for key scenes.
• Original Pencil Drawings: Developmental sketches for various sequences.
• Behind the Scenes Photos: Images from The Beatles' visit to the TVC studio.
• Interviews: Brief snippets with cast and crew discussing their experiences.

This vibrant and revolutionary film, "Yellow Submarine," released in 1968 during The Beatles' psychedelic phase, is replete with an astonishing blend of animated visuals and timeless music. The project, driven by the need to complete a contractual obligation with United Artists, saw minimal voice involvement from The Beatles themselves. Yet, it triumphs with its distinctive visual style, predominantly influenced by designer Heinz Edelmann. His utilization of cut-out imagery, live-action elements, and dynamic graphics contributes to an extraordinary sensory experience that mimics a vivid psychedelic trip. Highlighting songs like "Eleanor Rigby" and "Hey Bulldog," the film creates an audiovisual spectacle that remains captivating.

Pepperland, an underwater utopia, falls victim to the tuneless malevolence of the Blue Meanies. Lord Admiral Fred sets off on a mission in a yellow submarine to recruit The Beatles for help. The narrative, featuring pastiches of The Beatles' hits, traverses different surreal seas each with inventive visual accompaniments. Despite the ostensibly light plot, "Yellow Submarine" anchors itself as the most structured film in The Beatles’ oeuvre. Its enduring charm is underscored by its ability to blend whimsical animation with sophisticated humor crafted by co-writer Erich Segal.

The latest Blu-ray release ensures that the psychedelic essence of "Yellow Submarine" is showcased in unprecedented clarity through a meticulous hand-done frame-by-frame restoration with a new 4K scan. This premiere presentation breathes new life into Edelmann's stunning array of animation techniques, reaffirming the film’s standing as a landmark in both animation and musical history. For aficionados of either realm, this Blu-ray edition is an essential acquisition, replete with engaging visuals and the timeless music of The Beatles that defines a cultural era.

The Blu-ray release of "Yellow Submarine" is a masterful celebration of this iconic and whimsical film, initially released in 1968. The newly remastered high-definition presentation breathes fresh vitality into the vibrant animation, ensuring that both longtime fans and new viewers will appreciate the film’s eclectic artistry and groundbreaking visual motifs. The meticulous restoration work is evident in the clarity and depth of the visuals, which significantly enhance the psychedelic aesthetic that defined the movie. The audio is equally impressive, with a crisp and dynamic soundtrack that rejuvenates The Beatles' classic songs, enabling viewers to experience the film's aural landscape as never before.

Technically, the Blu-ray rocks solid A.V specs, delivering an exceptionally clean and immersive visual and auditory experience. Each frame of animation emerges with newfound sharpness and detail, while the surround sound mix allows the music to envelop viewers fully, making it feel contemporary and relevant even as it approaches its 45th anniversary. From the iconic 'Hey Bulldog' sequence to other cherished moments, every aspect of this release underscores why "Yellow Submarine" remains a perennial favorite. Despite its often eccentric nature, the film's enduring appeal lies in its innovative fusion of music and animation, a notion that is only amplified by the superb transfer quality of this Blu-ray edition.

In conclusion, revisiting "Yellow Submarine" through this Blu-ray release is akin to rediscovering an old friend in their prime. Its engagingly odd narrative and whimsical visuals are revitalized with remarkable clarity and sound quality, offering viewers an unparalleled experience. The absence of the American version's different segment is a minor oversight in an otherwise outstanding package. As one of the top Blu-ray releases of 2012, this edition is highly recommended and is likely to feature prominently on best-of-the-year lists. Highly recommended.