Big Blu-ray Review

"Big" arrives on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer that showcases a mixed bag in terms of video quality upgradation for this 1980s classic. The color reproduction stands out as its most laudable trait, featuring a broad spectrum that brings each scene to life. From Josh's red Dukes baseball jacket to the vibrant green dinosaur in his loft, colors are handled with an attention to detail, ensuring they pop off the screen with clarity and vibrancy. Despite this, the overall presentation across the film varies—the hues, though broad and generally appealing, sometimes appear bloated and less refined, particularly with saturated reds. The effort to maintain a balance between preserving the film's original texture and enhancing it for high-definition is evident, though not without its flaws.

In terms of detail and texture, the transfer does a satisfactory job in displaying the nuanced environments—from the run-down interiors of the St. James hotel to the plush office settings of MacMillan Toys, there's a clear focus on rendering scenes with as much detail as possible. Close-up shots benefit from this treatment, offering crisp visuals that highlight textures and details admirably. However, this level of detail isn't consistently maintained throughout, with wider and more complex shots losing some of their sharpness, rarely looking like true high-definition. The presence of film grain and occasional specks of dirt contribute to an authentic cinematic experience, yet they also highlight some of the limitations in the source material's condition.

The technical handling of "Big" on Blu-ray reveals a generally clean encode without overdone edge enhancement, which could have artificially compensated for visual sharpness. Blacks are portrayed solidly enough, though contrast levels result in a somewhat flat image that lacks depth in several scenes. The overall effect is a Blu-ray transfer that doesn't fully capitalize on the potential enhancements high-definition could offer to a film of its age and stature. While colors and certain textural details shine, other aspects like contrast, depth, and consistent clarity leave room for improvement. This Blu-ray edition offers both the original theatrical and an extended cut with seamless branching, yet neither version substantially benefits from the high-definition upgrade in a way that significantly outshines previous releases or expectations for older catalog titles remastered for the format.

The Blu-ray release of "Big" offers an auditory experience that, while not groundbreaking, stands as a testament to the film's lasting charm via a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. The mix is competent, filling the room with a variety of sounds that effectively transport the viewer into Josh's whimsical and at times intense world. From the lively ambiance of a carnival to the unsettling atmosphere outside a shabby New York hotel, the soundstage does its job, creating environments that are both immersive and emotionally engaging. The score, by Howard Shore, is one of the highlights, offering clarity and depth that enriches every scene it graces. However, the sound design doesn't always reach the highest of highs, with some dynamic range limitations—mid-ranges are well-represented, yet higher frequencies sometimes feel subdued, and the low end, including subwoofer output, isn't as pronounced as one might hope.

Dialogue takes precedence in this mix, being mostly clear and intelligible, capturing the nuances of performance critical to enjoying this fantasy-comedy. The track does struggle with the softest spoken lines and lacks a bit in creating a sustained immersive environment through active surround sound design. While certain scenes delight with their detailed audio—like the iconic big keyboard scene at FAO Schwarz, complete with background chatter now more perceptible than in prior releases—the use of surrounds is otherwise sparing, resulting in missed opportunities for a more consistently enveloping soundscape.

Despite these criticisms, the audio presentation of "Big" on Blu-ray certainly enhances the viewing experience. It intelligently uses its soundstage to highlight both the bustling energy of New York and the fantastical elements of Josh's adventure. While not exemplary in every aspect—particularly in terms of dynamic range and surround activity—it provides a solidly good listening experience that complements the film's narrative and emotional beats without major distraction.

The Blu-ray release of "Big" offers an insightful collection of extras that cater to fans and newcomers alike, presenting a blend of technical tidbits and nostalgic anecdotes. Pressing beyond typical bonus material, it features both the 104-minute theatrical and 130-minute extended cuts of the film, ensuring viewers can experience the movie in its varying lengths. Highlighted by 'Big Brainstorming,' an audio documentary with Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg, it delves into the pre-writing phases through audio recordings, offering a unique peek into the creative process. Additional materials include informative featurettes like 'Big Beginnings' and 'Chemistry of a Classic', alongside a glance at the toy industry in 'The Work of Play'. Deleted scenes with optional director's commentary, a Hollywood Backstory special, a quick Carnival Party Newswrap, trailers, and TV spots round off the package. Despite some commentary and featurettes feeling sluggish or redundant, the overall depth and variety provide a comprehensive look into the making of this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Big Brainstorming: An Audio Documentary by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg.
• Big Beginnings: Discussing the origins of "Big".
• Chemistry of a Classic: Cast and crew recall their experiences on set.
• The Work of Play: Insight into the profession of playing with toys.
• Hollywood Backstory: 'Big': A broad examination of the movie's development.
• Carnival Party Newswrap: A brief overview of the film's premiere.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes with optional introductions by Penny Marshall.
• Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots: Promotional material for "Big".

"Big," as presented on Blu-ray, captivates with an enhanced visual and auditory experience that elevates its timeless narrative and Tom Hanks’ celebrated performance. The heartwarming tale of Josh Baskin—a boy who wishes to be 'big' and awakens to find himself in an adult's body—explores themes of innocence, wonder, and the bittersweet aspects of growing up. This Blu-ray edition breathes new life into the film's charming story, accentuating the contrast between Josh's childlike perspective and the adult world he navigates. The fidelity of this presentation underscores the film’s emotional depth, from the iconic piano scene to the nuanced portrayal of Josh’s inner turmoil, providing a pristine viewing experience that highlights Penny Marshall’s direction and the nuanced script by Anne Spielberg and Gary Ross.

Tom Hanks delivers what is arguably a career-defining performance, embodying both the joy and vulnerability of youth in an adult setting with astonishing credibility. The supporting cast, including Jared Rushton, Elizabeth Perkins, and John Heard, complement Hanks’ portrayal, enriching the film’s exploration of childhood innocence versus adult responsibilities. The Blu-ray edition gives due attention to the film's auditory nuances, from its memorable soundtrack to the dialogue’s emotional weight, ensuring an immersive experience. This release not only celebrates Hanks' transition into a star beyond his comedic beginnings but also pays homage to "Big" as a standout entry in the body-switch genre, distinguished by its heartfelt approach and philosophical insights on aging and identity.

"Big" on Blu-ray thus offers a definitive viewing of a beloved classic. The enhanced technical quality amplifies its storytelling prowess, allowing audiences to appreciate the film’s subtle humor and emotional richness in new ways. Whether it's navigating the complexities of adulthood with a child's heart or invoking nostalgia for one's formative years, this presentation reaffirms "Big" as an endearing film that resonates across generations. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this Blu-ray edition is a testament to the film’s enduring appeal, combining superior movie presentation with a narrative that charmingly encapsulates the essence of youth and discovery.

"Big," a film that retains its magic and relevance decades after its initial release, expertly balances humor, heart, and a touch of whimsy, making it a standout in the body-switching comedy genre. This Blu-ray presentation by 20th Century Fox honors the timeless appeal of the film, showcasing Tom Hanks' memorable performance which contributes significantly to the movie's enduring charm. The narrative's exploration of youth, with its poignant message on the significance of maintaining a child-like wonder amidst the complexities of adult life, resonates well through the quality of this release.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers an above-average experience, although it may not surpass expectations in terms of audiovisual enhancement. Video and audio quality are described as distinctly average, which might be somewhat disappointing for those anticipating a significant upgrade from previous formats. However, the inclusion of several valuable supplements does add to the appeal, enriching the viewing experience with additional context and appreciation for the film's production and cultural impact. This balance between technical presentation and added value makes it a worthwhile addition for both new audiences and devoted fans looking to revisit an admired classic.

Conclusively, while the Blu-ray version of "Big" may not offer the ultimate technical revamp expected by some aficionados, its strengths lie in its faithful preservation of the film’s original wonder and the enhancement provided by its special features. The timeless narrative, combined with this respectful Blu-ray adaptation, ensures that "Big" remains a cherished piece of cinematic history. Fans encouraged to add this release to their collection will certainly find it enhances their appreciation for a film that so beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder through the lens of adulthood.