Pinocchio Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pinocchio" sets a new standard for the restoration of classic animated films, paralleling Disney's historic success with other monumental remasters like 'Snow White'. As the first high-definition release, this 70-year-old masterpiece shines anew, surpassing previous versions in clarity, texture, and overall visual appeal. Despite some debate over potential color alterations by Disney, it appears that the Blu-ray edition, compared to prior DVD releases, offers a less vibrant but significantly more refined image. The original DVD's oversaturation and noise issues are replaced here with a cleaner look that retains the film's natural grain, enhancing the viewing experience without straying from its artistic essence.

Detailing further into the technical aspects, the Blu-ray transfer exhibits an extraordinary level of sharpness and precision in its imagery. Shadow delineation is impressively clear, adding depth and subtlety to the animation that was previously obscured. Any concerns about print flaws or inconsistencies in contrast and blacks present in earlier versions are effectively resolved, showcasing a consistent quality throughout. The elimination of edge enhancement and visual artifacts further elevates this edition. While it may not offer the same visual 'wow' factor as other Disney classics due to "Pinocchio's" inherently simpler aesthetic, this remaster maximizes the film’s visual potential.

In conclusion, the video presentation of "Pinocchio" on Blu-ray represents a significant technological achievement in film restoration. Disney has once again proven their expertise in revitalizing their cherished animated library, delivering a product that both respects the original artistic vision and embraces modern visual standards. Although not without its minor controversies regarding color treatments, the result is undeniably superior to past editions, making it hard to envision "Pinocchio" in a better light.

Disney's Blu-ray release of "Pinocchio" features a DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 7.1 Surround track (48kHz/-24-bit), mirroring the audio specifications of the 70th Anniversary Edition, albeit lacking the original mono track. This remixed audio presentation is commendable for its ability to enhance the auditory experience of the film by expanding its sonic landscape without falling into the trap of sounding overly processed. The remix strikes a balance between breathing new life into the classic's soundscape and maintaining the authenticity and charm of its original era. The surround channels are quite active, providing a level of discrete effects and a dynamic range that is unusually full and vibrant for a vintage remix, even if the rear channels' activity and ambient presence can be somewhat uneven.

The cleanup of the audio source is notably successful, eliminating any dropouts or anomalies that could detract from the listening experience. However, the audio mix leans towards being bright and brash, a characteristic that could be seen as remaining true to the film's original sound design while also highlighting the limitations inherent in the source material of its time. Despite this, the effort to preserve the film's unique audio characteristics while updating it to a 7.1 surround sound format is admirable.

In summary, 'Pinocchio' delivers a very good audio experience on Blu-ray, effectively leveraging a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 remix to open up its soundstage while carefully preserving the film's historic sonic qualities. Even though it misses the original mono track and has moments where the remix's brightness could overshadow nuanced sounds, the overall clarity, clean-up, and dynamic range elevate 'Pinocchio's auditory presentation significantly. This mix serves as a respectful and high-quality update to a beloved classic's soundscape.

The "Signature Collection" Blu-ray release of Disney's "Pinocchio" enriches the viewing experience with a robust assortment of new and carried-over extras, underscoring its evolution in home media. Highlighted by a well-navigated menu and appealing background artwork, this edition incorporates distinguished features such as an insightful commentary track featuring Leonard Maltin, Eric Goldberg, and J.B. Kaufman, alongside novel offerings like the karaoke Sing-Along and DisneyView options. Particularly noteworthy are the newly added supplements, including "The Pinocchio Project: When You Wish Upon A Star" music video and making-of featurette, and "Walt’s Story Meetings: Pleasure Island," providing fans a unique look into the film’s creation through archival materials. Despite the absence of certain previous extras such as the "BD-Live functionality" and "Pinocchio's Matter of Facts," this release compensates with its comprehensive inclusion of both classic and contemporary content, alongside a digital copy and DVD version of the film, manifesting "Pinocchio's" inaugural venture into digital HD territory.

Extras included in this disc:

The Pinocchio Project: When You Wish Upon A Star: A two-part supplement including a making-of featurette and a music video.

Walt's Story Meetings: Pleasure Island: Vocalized recreation of story meetings with sketches and interviews.

In Walt's Words – Pinocchio: Archival footage featuring Walt Disney discussing the film's creation.

Oswald The Lucky Rabbit In Poor Papa: A newly cut vintage Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short.

Song Selection: Sequence of the film's songs with subtitled lyrics.

Audio Commentary By Leonard Maltin, Eric Goldberg, and J.B. Kaufman: Insightful discussion sans the Cine-Explore option.

No Strings Attached: The Making of Pinocchio: Comprehensive documentary on the film's production history.

Deleted Scenes: A collection including an alternate ending, presented in storyboard form.

The Sweatbox: Vignette about Disney's screening room where animators presented early work.

Geppettos Then and Now: Featurette on 'Pinocchio's influence on toymaking.

Live-Action Reference Footage: Provided for animators, now with narrative for context.

Publicity: Theatrical trailers from 1940, 1984, and 1992.

When You Wish Upon A Star Music Video by Meaghan Jette Martin: Modern take on the classic song.

A Wish Come True: The Making of 'Pinocchio': Brief look at the film's creation.

Storyboard-To-Film Final Comparison: Side-by-side comparison of selected scenes from storyboard to final film.

Disney's re-release of 'Pinocchio' as part of its esteemed 'Signature Collection' shines a spotlight on this timeless classic, maintaining its legendary status among animated masterpieces. Accompanied by a handful of new supplements and a digital copy for modern audiences, this edition offers a pristine gateway to relive the magical journey of Pinocchio. Although the video and audio presentations are reported to remain consistent with previous releases, the charm of 'Pinocchio's' storytelling, complemented by its groundbreaking animation techniques, continues to enchant audiences both old and new. The film’s narrative complexity intertwined with visually stunning artwork underlines Disney's dedication to crafting engaging stories that resonate on multiple levels.

The peculiar yet captivating storyline of 'Pinocchio' stands out for its depth and moral complexity. Unlike its predecessor 'Snow White', 'Pinocchio' ventures into darker and more nuanced territories, exploring themes of honesty, temptation, and redemption. The journey from a wooden puppet to a real boy is fraught with challenges, introducing characters and scenarios that are memorably bizarre yet incredibly profound. Pleasure Island and its grim consequences, the villainous duo of con men, and the climactic rescue from the belly of a whale all contribute to a narrative rich in adventure and moral lessons. The film's audacity to push thematic boundaries confirms its revered place in animation history.

Artistically, 'Pinocchio' demonstrates Disney's unparalleled ability to blend artistry with storytelling. Each frame is meticulously crafted, showcasing restrained yet impactful use of backgrounds, color, and textures, elevating the visual experience to match the narrative's depth. Coupled with memorable characters and a perfectly paced plot, 'Pinocchio' transcends the conventional boundaries of family entertainment. It continues to captivate with its emotional richness and sophistication, affirming its status as not just an animated film but a piece of cinematic art that offers novel insights with every viewing.

Disney's Signature Collection release of "Pinocchio" on Blu-ray stands as an exemplary preservation of one of Disney's animated masterpieces. This version offers a refined experience compared to previous releases, encapsulating the film in attractive packaging and exceptional video and audio quality, identical to its last iteration, ensuring the timeless tale of Pinocchio resonates with unparalleled clarity and depth. The inclusion of several new supplements enhances the overall package, albeit the new additions alone may not justify a repurchase for those who own an earlier release. Nevertheless, for Disney enthusiasts and collectors yet to own this classic on Blu-ray, acquiring this edition is compelling, promising not only a piece of cinematic history but also a collection enriched with engaging extras.

The film itself, a cornerstone of Disney's animated repertoire, narrates a tale as familiar as it is profound. Less flamboyant compared to Disney's later epics, "Pinocchio" excels in its emotional directness, captivating audiences with its heartwarming story of ambition, morality, and redemption. This Blu-ray edition does justice to the film’s legacy through meticulous restoration work, ensuring both video and audio delivery meet the highest standards of current home entertainment technology. While the call for those with the previous release to upgrade might not be overtly compelling given the supplemental material's scope, new or existing collectors will find this release a valuable addition to their library.

In conclusion, Disney's Signature Collection Blu-ray release of "Pinocchio" is a significant offering that beautifully marries classic storytelling with modern presentation technology. Its value extends beyond mere visual and auditory reproduction, providing a comprehensive package that pays homage to the film's enduring legacy. It remains an essential acquisition for anyone interested in the history of animation or seeking to experience this quintessential tale with the quality it deserves. This release is not just recommended; it's a cherished piece for any collector or first-time owner seeking to delve into the rich world of Disney's animated classics.