A Wrinkle in Time Blu-ray Review

The presentation of "A Wrinkle in Time" on Blu-ray is visually stunning, characterized by a 1080p image that is both robust and highly detailed. The film, digitally photographed, offers a clean and refined picture quality devoid of noticeable source or encode anomalies. Colors are the real highlight of this transfer, delivering an incredibly rich and bold palette. For example, the vibrant greens on the first planet exhibit both vitality and nuanced realism, while multicolored flowers provide a striking contrast against the lush backdrops. Characters' costumes, particularly those of Whatsit, Who, and Which, dazzle with intense colors and superb detail. The textures of makeup elements such as dense, glittery eye shadow come through spectacularly. Additionally, ornate costumes adorned with tactile accents appear razor-sharp and nearly leap off the screen.

The technical aspects are equally impressive. The encoding utilizes MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, maintaining a resolution of 1080p with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. Depth in the image is well-handled, offering good separation between foreground and background elements, creating a spacious feel devoid of jittering or blurring during rapid movements. Black levels are deep and add a palpable sense of depth, although there is a noted difference compared to the 4K Ultra-HD counterpart where some detail may get lost. Color reproduction remains vivid yet slightly restrained when juxtaposed with the 4K version. Whites and grays are particularly well-rendered. Flesh tones also maintain a natural and consistent quality throughout different scenes, with close-ups revealing intricate facial details like wrinkles, makeup texture, and stubble impressively.

In summary, this is a first-class Blu-ray presentation where the combination of meticulous picture quality and vibrant color reproduction makes it a visually arresting experience. With deep blacks and exquisite detail, this Blu-ray offers a compelling viewing experience for fans of "A Wrinkle in Time."

The audio presentation of "A Wrinkle in Time" Blu-ray offers a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless soundtrack that, while impacted by Disney’s notorious low volume output, surpasses the expectations set by other recent releases from the studio. Calibration is key here; while most content reaches a comfort zone at -12.5db, this film hits its optimal audio strata around -5.0db. Despite an absence of substantial bass, the track delivers a full and balanced audio experience. The surround sound is immersive, transporting viewers with atmospheric and discrete effects, enhanced during scenes like playground noise and Mrs. Whatsit's transformation.

The technical aspects of this release are well-set. The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix is noted for its wide and deep stage, clear throughout the range, and seamlessly engaging. Dynamics are robust, especially during energy bursts and moments of destruction, which bring a notable low-frequency extension. The absence of Dolby Atmos on this Blu-ray release is filled by an energetic 7.1 mix that impressively juggles score, effects, and dialogue to maintain a balanced auditory environment. Furthermore, dialogue reproduction remains consistently clear and centered, ensuring optimal comprehension amidst the rich audio tapestry.

In summary, while not without its volume calibration challenges, the sound design of "A Wrinkle in Time" on Blu-ray presents a satisfying audio journey. Surround effects are cleverly utilized to enhance immersion, and the clarity in dialogue and spatial accuracy provides a pleasing auditory backdrop for viewers, elevating the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Wrinkle in Time" provide a comprehensive and engaging insight into the film's production. The supplementals are robust, starting with an in-depth "making of" featurette and a detailed commentary track. The commentary by Director Ava DuVernay and key crew members elaborates on various intricacies of the film, offering substantial value for enthusiasts. There’s also a collection of deleted scenes that, along with optional commentary, provide additional context to the movie. Music videos and a brief blooper reel add enjoyable and entertaining content, making this Blu-ray a well-rounded package for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Journey Through Time: An in-depth look at adapting the book, casting, costuming, shooting locations, and more.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes scenes with optional Ava DuVernay commentary.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director Ava DuVernay and several key crew members.
• Music Videos: “I Believe” by DJ Khaled featuring Demi Lovato, “Warrior” by Chloe x Halle.
• Bloopers: A brief yet fun collection of outtakes.

A Wrinkle in Time stands as an ambitious yet uneven adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's beloved novel, directed by Ava DuVernay. The movie's divergence from the source material may perturb purists, yet it extends a visually mesmerizing narrative with a tender message of self-discovery that resonates universally. It crafts an adventurous journey for its young protagonist, Meg Murry (Storm Reid), as she navigates bullying and self-doubt to find her father, aided by a trio of lauded mystical figures portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and Oprah Winfrey. The film juggles significant themes, portraying a heartfelt adventure intertwined with visual splendor and vibrant characters, despite occasionally faltering in narrative coherence and emotional depth.

Meg's journey with her prodigious brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe) and friend Calvin (Levi Miller) sees them encountering cosmic wonders and perils, marking a vivid portrayal of fantastical landscapes. Still, the film struggles under its ambition; juggling sophisticated concepts with children's storytelling proves challenging. Although bolstered by well-crafted special effects and spirited performances—particularly from young actors Reid and Miller—the narrative sometimes seems disjointed, bouncing through set pieces without fully realizing its emotional potential. Chris Pine's poignant depiction of Meg's father adds a layer of emotional gravity. However, several scenes ring hollow, echoing overly expositional dialogue and simplistic moralizing that may detract from the immersive experience.

Despite its imperfections, A Wrinkle in Time harbors an earnestness and visual charm that could endear it to younger audiences, possibly becoming a modern classic akin to The NeverEnding Story. Its sincere depiction of hope and self-belief is framed by precise cinematography and innovative costume design, lending a dynamic visual language to the film. Nonetheless, its execution feels uneven, veering from clumsy character development to surface-level engagement. While adults might find the film lacking in depth, its visual dazzle and straightforward messages ensure it remains a compelling family offering.

The Blu-ray release of "A Wrinkle in Time" offers a mixed bag, but overall, it's an endeavor that's worth examining. The adaptation has its imperfections, evident from a somewhat disjointed narrative and occasional lapses in character development. Despite this, the film showcases an overarching sense of warmth and sincerity that resonates through its core message. Visually, Disney's commitment to quality shines, with superb video clarity that enhances the fantastical elements of the storyline. The audio track, particularly when properly calibrated, enriches the cinematic experience with its robust 7.1 mix.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray serves as a commendable specimen of home entertainment. The image fidelity is top-notch, capturing the vibrant and elaborate design choices vividly. For those yet to transition to 4K, this version stands as an excellent alternative, though it's worth noting that the 4K combo pack includes the Blu-ray, providing a future-proof option. The special features included are substantial and offer deeper insights into the film's ambitious endeavor, providing additional context and value beyond the primary viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "A Wrinkle in Time" may not entirely succeed in its lofty aspirations, its heartfelt execution and technical presentation make this Blu-ray worth considering. It is particularly recommended for viewers who appreciate the underlying message and are willing to overlook some narrative shortcomings. The exceptional video quality, encompassing audio track, and enriching bonus content make it a solid addition to any film enthusiast's collection.