Ratatouille 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ratatouille" offers a palpable, though initially modest-looking, enhancement over the standard Blu-ray. Right from the bat, the 2160p/HDR presentation demonstrates its worth with more pronounced clarity and texture across a variety of elements. Whether it be the intricate lines of frosting on a piece of cake, Remy’s fur, or even the everyday items strewn about the Parisian kitchen, each detail benefits from a superior sharpness and depth that the resolution upgrade brings. The improvement extends to fine details and texturing, particularly noticeable in elements like Remy's fur, Linguini's hair, and even the text on cookbooks or newspapers, offering a visual treat that underscores the necessity of this upgrade for fans and newcomers alike.

The HDR enhancement plays a pivotal role in refining the visual experience, delivering colors with more depth and nuance. The implementation of HDR10 enriches the film’s color palette, from the warm, sunset hues to the deeper, more vivid tones of Remy's blue fur and Linguini's red hair. This is complemented by improved contrast and black levels, which add to the overall image depth without sacrificing detail in darker scenes. These enhancements create a softly luminous look that not only respects but elevates the film's original aesthetic, offering a subtle yet significant improvement in its visual dimension. The wider color gamut carefully delineates shades, lending the characters and environments a richer presence that was previously unattainable on Blu-ray.

Despite being rendered in 2K and finished in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, this 4K UHD transfer of "Ratatouille," upscaled from the original animation files, showcases a commendable improvement in textural resolution and color richness, enhancing both the tactile and visual realism of the film. The minor instances of aliasing are a small trade-off for what is overall a very clean and nuanced presentation. While not as stark a difference as some may expect when comparing side by side with its Blu-ray counterpart, this release finds its strength in the subtleties—an enriched color gamut, improved sharpness, and deeper contrast—all contributing to a viewing experience that feels new and refined, breathing new life into this beloved Pixar classic.

The "Ratatouille" Dolby Atmos soundtrack serves up an auditory feast that is both a substantial upgrade over its predecessors and a testament to the immersive potential of modern audio mixes. Sporting nuanced updates, the presentation exudes an air of refinement right from the get-go, requiring a slight volume elevation to fully reveal its grandeur. Once adjusted, listeners are plunged into a vividly constructed soundscape where early scenes dump a deluge of atmospheric effects—thunderstorms rumble with a palpable sense of overhead dread, lightning strikes bring an electrifying clarity, and a shotgun blast provides a startling jolt of low-frequency energy. This meticulous attention to detail extends to more serene moments within the bustling Parisian kitchen, achieving an ambiance rich with the clatters and culinary zest one would expect. The overall balance is exquisite, ensuring that dialogue retains its rightful prominence without sacrificing the track's dynamic range.

The richness of the audio experience is further bolstered by Michael Giacchino's score, which gracefully navigates the surround sound channels, complementing the kitchen's frenetic energy without overwhelming it. Dialogues remain crisp and are well-placed within the mix, seamlessly blending with the environmental sounds and musical cues. This is particularly impressive given the challenge of maintaining vocal clarity amidst complex layers of background activity. The use of height channels is judicious but impactful, adding layers of texture to the soundscape that heighten key moments—such as Remy's adventurous escapades through sewers or culinary disasters—into memorable auditory experiences.

Despite a few moments requiring listener intervention in volume adjustment, Disney's effort on this Atmos track signifies a notable improvement in their approach to audio mixing. The result is a soundtrack that not only enhances the storytelling but also envelops the listener in an authentically engaging atmosphere. The additional audio options, including English 5.1 DTS-HD and Dolby Digital variants, ensure accessibility while preserving the film’s sonic integrity for a variety of home entertainment systems. This audio presentation of "Ratatouille" on 4K UHD Blu Ray brilliantly captures the essence of Paris and its gustatory delights through a masterfully crafted auditory lens, proving once again that sound is as pivotal to storytelling as visuals.

The "Ratatouille" 4K UHD Blu-ray release boasts a generous assortment of extras primarily housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, mirroring Disney's 2007 release. Standout features include the charming animated shorts "Your Friend the Rat" and "Lifted," which showcase Pixar's storytelling prowess and technical innovation. The inclusion of Cine-Explore presents an immersive viewing experience, allowing fans to delve deeper into the creation of this culinary adventure with commentary from director Brad Bird and producer Brad Lewis. Additional highlights are the behind-the-scenes documentaries that offer insights into Pixar's creative process, the dedication to culinary authenticity, and a touching tribute to Dan Lee. Despite the physical extras being confined to the Blu-ray, the package is rounded off with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code, providing versatile viewing options. Navigating the bonus content can be cumbersome due to the menu design, yet it remains a comprehensive compendium for aficionados of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Fine Food and Film: A comparison of culinary creativity to filmmaking.

Animated Short: Your Friend the Rat

Animated Short: Lifted

Cine-Explore: Animation Briefing

Cine-Explore: Documentary Shorts

• Care and Feeding of Your CG Rat
• Building Paris
• Tiny Rat Cameraman
• A Woman in a Man's World
• Behind the Swinging Doors
• Something New
• Where the Color Isn't
• My Dad the Composer (a rat-u-mentary)
• Good Enough to Eat
• 2D Animation

Cine-Explore: Deleted Scenes

• Chez Gusteau
• First Day
• Meet Gusteau

Deleted Shots R.I.P.

Game: Gusteau's Gourmet Game

The Will

Remembering Dan Lee

Easter Eggs

Disney's "Ratatouille," the 2007 Pixar sensation, makes its way to the 4K UHD Blu-ray format with impressive technical enhancements that breathe new life into the charming tale of Remy, a rat with culinary dreams far beyond the expectations set by his rodent status. This release sports a stunning 2160p/HDR video presentation that impeccably showcases the vibrant streets of Paris and the bustling kitchen of Gusteau's restaurant. The addition of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack elevates the auditory experience to match, immersing viewers in the bustling world of French cuisine and the nuanced soundscapes of a busy kitchen. However, it is noteworthy that this package does not include new extras, relying instead on bonus features carried over from the 2007 Blu-ray release, which nonetheless remains a substantial collection.

Remy's journey from an aspiring chef in rural France to his adventures in Paris, aided by the unlikely companion Linguini, a garbage boy turned faux chef, is rendered with stunning clarity and depth. The story's heart and humor are enhanced by the technical prowess of the 4K presentation, making each scene from Remy's tasteful creations to his daring escapades across kitchens and rooftops leap off the screen. The textures of food, the detailed Parisian backdrop, and the character animations benefit immensely from the high-definition upgrade, emphasizing Pixar's meticulous attention to detail.

Encased in a sturdy black 4K case with familiar artwork, "Ratatouille" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is accompanied by a standard Blu-ray disc hosting all bonus content, maintaining its original appeal and augmenting it with visual and auditory improvements. The set ensures that enthusiasts and newcomers alike can enjoy this culinary adventure in the best quality available, making it a fitting tribute to Remy’s ambition and the film’s enduring legacy. This release reaffirms "Ratatouille" as an essential title for collectors, promising an enriched viewing experience that highlights the beauty of following one’s passions against all odds.

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "Ratatouille" presents itself as a formidable upgrade from its predecessors, promising and delivering an enhanced cinematic experience that significantly sharpens both its visual and auditory delights. Viewers can expect a pristine 2160p resolution that not only clarifies but invigorates the on-screen imagery, matched adeptly with HDR colors that inject vibrant depth and vivacity into the already charming animation. The enriching Dolby Atmos soundtrack further solidifies the release's appeal, offering a well-rounded auditory experience that complements the film’s visuals without overwhelming them.

Disney and Pixar’s enchanting tale of ambition, cuisine, and unlikely camaraderie gets a refreshing update with this release. The story’s heartwarming essence and comedic elements shine brighter with the new HDR grade and Atmos sound mix, enhancing the film's original appeal. The improvements are nuanced in textures and colors, courtesy of an expanded resolution and a radiant HDR10 presentation. These technical enhancements breathe new life into the visuals, making every scene more engaging. The Dolby Atmos mix, too, provides an assertive but balanced sonic backdrop that enhances without needing to dominate, addressing previous concerns with Disney Atmos tracks' balancing issues.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Ratatouille" merits a strong recommendation for veterans and newcomers alike. It might not be a revolutionary upgrade, but it certainly adds substantial value, especially for those yet to own the film or looking to revisit it in unparalleled quality. With its refined visual clarity, dynamic color palette, and an audibly pleasing Dolby Atmos soundtrack, this release not only pays homage to the film’s original charm but elevates it, ensuring "Ratatouille" continues to delight audiences with its story about following your dreams against the odds, in an even more immersive format.