The Good Dinosaur 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Good Dinosaur" showcases a striking enhancement in visual presentation, primarily attributed to its masterful HDR color grading. From the captivating opening scene featuring an asteroid being propelled out of its belt, the benefits of HDR are immediately evident. The depth and allure of the cosmic backdrop, enriched by dynamic contrasts between the black, blue, and purple hues and the luminous asteroids, set a visually impactful precedent. This depth continues as Earth comes into view, with the HDR intensifying shades of blue and green – notably, the vibrant portrayal of water and the lush dinosaur greenery. These elements not only exhibit an increased color fidelity and saturation but also present a depth and brightness that inject the film with a renewed sense of vitality. The HDR's capability to enhance both high-intensity colors and intricate dark scenes without compromising on detail or allowing for disappointment is truly commendable.

While the HDR's prowess in revamping the film's color palette is undeniable, the 4K UHD version also brings subtle yet appreciable improvements in texture and clarity. Early scenes highlighting Arlo's birth environment demonstrate this upgrade, where elements like the hay-covered floor, dinosaur hides, and even the intricacies of the broken egg benefit from a heightened textural sharpness. The enhancement in detail contributes to a tangible sense of realism and immersion, with environmental and character details benefiting uniformly. Though there's an acknowledgment of occasional aliasing, it does little to detract from the overall visual appeal.

The technical achievements of the 4K UHD presentation for "The Good Dinosaur" cannot be overstated. It provides a satisfying leap over its Blu-ray counterpart, primarily through its breathtaking HDR color work and noticeable improvements in texture and clarity. These enhancements ensure that every frame is a visual feast, marking a significant step forward in home entertainment viewing experiences.

The audio presentation of "The Good Dinosaur" in its 4K UHD Blu-Ray format with Dolby Atmos soundtrack presents a mixed bag. Notable is the shortfall in dynamic range, which even when compensated for by increasing the volume, leaves much to be desired, particularly in scenes heavy with potential for impactful audio, such as the storm in chapter 16. While surround sound channels are diligently employed, delivering a broad spectrum of discrete effects from whirling winds to debris tumult, the execution lacks the low-end heft that would lend a sense of sonic authority to pivotal moments like T-Rex encounters or climactic weather events, making these sections come across as underwhelming.

However, the soundtrack shines in its spatial definition and immersion. Surround sound is consistently engaging, seamlessly enveloping the listener in the film’s atmospheric ambience, from sweeping landscapes to the bustling activity of various environments. This enveloping experience is heightened by well-defined external ambient effects, which excel at transporting the audience to the heart of each scene with an impressive realism. The integration of music is adept, possessing a clear dominance on the front side while maintaining a harmonious blend with the surrounds. The use of overhead channels is judicious, enhancing core audio elements without overwhelming them, and ensuring that dialogue remains crisply intelligible and centered throughout.

In essence, while the Dolby Atmos soundtrack of "The Good Dinosaur's" 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc may fall short on delivering the full dynamic prowess expected of such a high-caliber format—especially in terms of low-end power—it compensates with an immersive ambient experience and clear dialogue. The execution of surround and spatial audio stands out, making for an enveloping auditory journey despite its few shortcomings in dynamic depth.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Good Dinosaur" might lack extras on the UHD disc itself, but compensates with a robust set of supplemental materials on the included standard Blu-ray. This array of content, remaining consistent with the 2016 release, encompasses a delightful short film, intriguing featurettes providing insights into the creation and animation process, a collection of deleted scenes that offer glimpses into the filmmakers' evolving vision, and an in-depth audio commentary that pools the expertise of significant members of the production team. Importantly, a Movies Anywhere digital copy code enriches the package, ensuring viewers can enjoy this Pixar adventure across multiple platforms. The package is thoughtfully presented with an embossed slipcover, signaling the special treatment given to this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sanjay's Super Team: A short film.
• True Lies About Dinosaurs: Featurette.
• Recyclosaurus: Featurette.
• The Filmmakers' Journey: Featurette.
• Every Part of the Dinosaur: Featurette.
• Following the T-Rex Trail: Featurette.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content.
• Audio Commentary: With Director Peter Sohn and crew.
• Dino Bites: Miscellaneous content.
• Hide and Seek: Featurette.
• Trailers: Promotional content.

Disney's 2015 animated feature, 'The Good Dinosaur', has been upgraded to the 4K UHD format, enhancing its visual and auditory appeal significantly. Released initially on Blu-ray in 2016, this version retains all original extras on the bundled Blu-ray, ensuring fans don't miss out on any bonus content. This latest release boasts an impressive 2160p video resolution, HDR color grading for more vivid and lifelike colors, and an immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience, providing the film with a much-needed technical refresh.

The movie itself offers an imaginative glimpse into an alternate reality where the asteroid responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs narrowly misses Earth, allowing these magnificent creatures to evolve alongside humans. It follows the journey of Arlo, a young dinosaur characterized as being smaller and less confident than his family members. Voiced by Raymond Ochoa, with his father voiced by Jeffrey Wright, the story delves into Arlo's quest for self-discovery and courage as he attempts to navigate a vast and intimidating world. Alongside a human child named Spot, Arlo embarks on an adventure filled with challenges that test his bravery and help him find his place in the world.

The improvements in visual and sound quality on the 4K UHD release truly accentuate the stunning animation Pixar is renowned for, making 'The Good Dinosaur' a more engaging and captivating experience. Scenes are enriched with depth and clarity, while the lifelike color grading and atmospheric audio envelop viewers in the sprawling landscapes and perilous journey of Arlo and Spot. While maintaining a technical focus, this UHD version does justice to the original movie's heartfelt story and innovative concept, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and new viewers alike.

The Good Dinosaur" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray showcases a remarkable upgrade from its predecessors, truly emphasizing the capabilities of the UHD format to elevate animated films. The introduction of HDR technology is not just an incremental improvement but a transformative one, rendering colors with an unparalleled vibrancy and bringing a new level of detail and texture that could very well set the benchmark for future releases. While the visual enhancements steal the show, they are well-complemented by an Atmos soundtrack. Though the audio track might benefit from a bit more power to match the visual spectacle fully, it provides ample spatial dynamics to immerse viewers in the expansive landscapes and intense moments of "The Good Dinosaur".

Unfortunately, the release doesn't present new extras compared to previous editions, which might be seen as a missed opportunity to add value for enthusiasts and collectors. However, the included Blu-ray compensates with a generous suite of bonus content. This inclusion ensures that while the primary allure is the outstanding improvement in visual and auditory experience, enthusiasts will find additional content to deepen their appreciation for this animated adventure.

In conclusion, "The Good Dinosaur" 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a must-have for fans of the film and a testament to how next-generation home cinema technology can breathe new life into already visually stunning works. Its exceptional HDR application and significant improvements in clarity and texture represent a noteworthy advancement in animated film presentations. Even though a stronger Atmos soundtrack could have perfected this release, and the lack of new extras is a slight drawback, this edition remains highly recommended for its superior visual quality and ample existing supplementary content, cementing its place as a prime example of UHD's potential.