Thor: Tales of Asgard Blu-ray Review

"Thor: Tales of Asgard" stands out with its remarkable AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, becoming a new benchmark for Marvel's animated features. The animation, while not groundbreaking, benefits from sharp and well-detailed visuals, complemented by a robust color palette. The imagery begins with earthy tones in Asgard but soon blossoms into a spectrum of burnished reds, oranges, and purples as the narrative progresses. CGI elements, particularly in climactic battle scenes, deliver satisfactory visual excitement despite their modest execution. Although the animation leans towards conventional Saturday morning aesthetics, the Blu-ray's video presentation remains impressively solid.

The presentation is significantly enhanced by the absence of video compression issues—a common flaw in previous Marvel entries—that can often compromise image quality. Notably, banding is nearly non-existent and only appears in a few minor instances, with aliasing limited to some trivial jagged outlines. Despite some initial distraction caused by unconventional character outlines, the video remains technically sound, maintaining impeccable detail levels and vivid, saturated hues throughout. The encode provides 77 minutes of consistently crisp and visually appealing content. This Blu-ray effortlessly holds its ground against some of DC Universe's best presentations, and for fans seeking a dependable visual treat, it does not disappoint.

The audio presentation of "Thor: Tales of Asgard" on Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix. While the track offers excellent fidelity with clear and easy-to-hear dialogue, it lacks the fully immersive qualities expected from a 7.1 mix. Despite having some nice touches of surround activity in several fight sequences and a Celtic-sounding underscore that spills nicely through the soundfield, the rear speakers, movement, and localization effects remain surprisingly underutilized.

Bass levels are noticeably light throughout the mix, even during scenes that would benefit from more substantial low-frequency effects. This results in a strangely bass-light outing that diminishes the overall impact of action sequences. Nevertheless, the track is superb in clarity and prioritization, ensuring that the voices are clear and well-handled. Unfortunately, despite these strengths, the mix falls short of delivering a wholly satisfying aural experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Thor: Tales of Asgard" present a substantial collection that fans will find both insightful and entertaining. The two audio commentaries provide distinct insights; the first, featuring supervising producer Craig Kyle and screenwriter Greg Johnson, is engaging and informative, benefiting from their extensive collaboration. The second commentary, with producer Gary Hartle, director Sam Liu, and character designer Phil Bourassa, is more technically driven but suffers from pacing issues. The Making of Thor: Tales of Asgard featurette offers a solid behind-the-scenes look with valuable input from various creative contributors. Lastly, the Avengers Bonus Episode showcases an early Thor appearance with high-definition visuals and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Additional inclusions are a trailer gallery and a DVD copy of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Two Audio Commentaries: Insights from the creators, with variable engagement levels.
• Worthy: The Making of Thor: Tales of Asgard: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
• The Avengers Bonus Episode: "Thor the Mighty" from "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" series.
• Trailer Gallery: Collection of trailers.
• DVD Copy of the Film and all Extras: Retail version for additional viewing options.

"Thor: Tales of Asgard" offers an adventurous glimpse into the formative years of Thor, translating the Norse god and comic book legend into a young hero eager for real action. Not an origin story per se, the film presents a youthful, spoiled Thor disobeying Odin to embark on a journey that threatens all of Asgard. Accompanied by his brother Loki and the Warriors Three, Thor sets out to retrieve the fabled Sword of Surtur, inadvertently kickstarting a chain of events which jeopardize their realm. This brief, 74-minute feature excels at introducing Thor’s backstory and general milieu, though it sacrifices some depth in character development and plot resolution due to its brevity.

The animation quality is notably proficient—surpassing much of Marvel Animation's typical fare—with well-conceived backgrounds and sound character designs that avoid overly exaggerated physiques. Voice acting is strong overall, although Matthew Wolf’s portrayal of Thor arguably feels mismatched to the character’s apparent age, reflecting a more authoritative resonance than one might expect from a petulant adolescent. The plot gains momentum towards the third act, climaxing with an engaging confrontation with the Frost Giants and shifting dynamics among key characters. However, Loki’s abrupt and unconvincing transformation from timid ally to malevolent trickster remains a glaring narrative oversight.

Despite its low-budget veneer and moments of predictable pacing, "Thor: Tales of Asgard" manages to balance seriousness with comic relief effectively, maintaining viewer interest throughout various fight sequences and character interactions. The film stands as an accessible entry point for those new to the Thor saga, complementing its big-screen counterpart by emboldening anticipation. It delivers a satisfactory blend of heroism, character progression, and thematic exploration within the constraints of an animated feature, securing its place as an adequate if unremarkable introduction to Thor’s mythos.

"Thor: Tales of Asgard" serves as an engaging backstory to the canonical Thor universe, coinciding strategically with Kenneth Branagh’s big-screen adaptation. While the narrative and animation may not break new ground, the film imbues a certain charm that caters well to both avid Marvel fans and newcomers. The plot successfully addresses key aspects of Thor's origins, bridging gaps that fill curious minds eager for context within this expansive mythology.

The animation style adheres to Marvel Animated’s standard approach — straightforward and efficient. However, the Blu-ray presentation notably elevates the viewing experience, boasting exceptional video quality and robust audio. The colors are vibrant, and the detailing sharp, promoting a visually pleasing and immersive spectacle. Additionally, the package includes valuable extras that further enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the storyline and characters.

In conclusion, "Thor: Tales of Asgard" may not be groundbreaking but it is a solid and charming entry within the Marvel Animated Features collection. The Blu-ray release, with its superior technical presentation and supplementary content, makes this an easy recommendation, particularly for those looking to delve deeper into Thor's backstory before or after watching Branagh's cinematic rendition.