Home Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Home" on Blu-ray stands as a triumph in the realm of animated movies, setting high standards for visual excellence and technical perfection. Every frame dazzles with an intricate display of details and a spectrum of rich, vivid colors that enhance the viewing experience manifold. The attention to texture and detail is nothing short of astonishing—Boov skin showcases intimate leathery textures, Gorg uniforms are portrayed with a level of roughness and granularity, while urban landscapes come alive with the realism of brick and concrete. Moreover, the portrayal of Tip's curly hair is exceptional, showcasing a level of detail and natural movement that rivals, if not surpasses, the animated hair seen in other leading animations like "Brave." This film’s visual representation does more than just impress; it sets a new benchmark for animated characters and environments.

The color palette used in "Home" is both extensive and exceptionally executed, featuring a range of shades that are bright and vibrant without ever crossing into the territory of being overdone or gaudy. This masterfully balanced palette ensures each scene is a visual treat, contributing significantly to the film's overall appeal. Additionally, the black levels are handled with utmost care, providing depth and balance to every scene without any loss in detail, which is a testament to the Blu-ray's superior transfer quality.

Notably, the Blu-ray presentation is devoid of common visual anomalies such as macroblocking, aliasing, or banding, which often detract from the viewing experience in animated titles. This absence of visual imperfections further accentuates the stunning clarity and fluidity of the animation, ensuring a reference-grade viewing experience. From start to finish, the video presentation of "Home" on Blu-ray is an exemplary showcase of how animated films should be brought to life in the high-definition era, setting it apart as a premier example of visual artistry and technical excellence in the medium.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack accompanying the Blu Ray release of "Home" exemplifies technical proficiency, offering an engaging audio experience that, while impressive, could benefit from a slight increase in volume to reach full potential at reference levels. The audio presentation excels in delivering a crisp and accurate audio landscape, where music, particularly the Rock-Pop tracks, is rendered with exquisite detail and clarity across the spectrum. This results in a naturally immersive musical experience supported by a well-balanced low-end. The soundtrack makes excellent use of the 7.1 channels, allowing sound effects to move seamlessly across the environment, creating a convincingly detailed soundscape. From the swift movements of alien crafts to the gentle patter of rain and the intense rumbling of destructive forces, each sound is delivered with remarkable precision.

Dialogue in "Home" maintains a steadfast clarity, anchored firmly at the center of the audio mix, ensuring that every word is easily intelligible without being overwhelmed by the dynamic range of music and effects. Despite its strengths, the audio track exhibits a certain restraint in aggressiveness, leaning towards a more timid presentation that may not fully satisfy those seeking an all-encompassing auditory experience. However, this minor flaw can be mitigated by adjusting the volume slightly above standard settings, which enhances the overall impact of the soundtrack. It is important to note the distinction in audio and subtitle specifications between the 2D and 3D versions of "Home," with specific details for the 2D version provided on this page, and corresponding information for the 3D version available on a separate page. This variance underscores the necessity for consumers to pay close attention to these differences when selecting their preferred viewing format.

The Blu-ray release of "Home" impresses with a comprehensive suite of extras that cater to both fans of the film and those interested in its production elements. Alongside the main feature, this edition includes a DVD copy and a digital download voucher, enhancing its value. The collection is rich in content, ranging from short movies that expand on the Boov's backstory to interactive segments like Oh's Costume Party and educational pieces like Be An Artist! Additionally, music features prominently with a selection of party tunes and music videos, including Jennifer Lopez's "Feel the Light," plus an exclusive jukebox with clips from the film. Viewers seeking insights into the filmmaking process will appreciate the deleted scenes introduced by director Tim Johnson and the behind-the-scenes look at voice recording sessions. This selection of extras effectively extends the "Home" experience beyond the film itself, offering something for every viewer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Best Party Ever!: Aliens invite humans to the Blu-ray supplements party.
• Oh's Party Place: A branching collection of music- and party-related extras.
• Oh's Shake Your Boov Thing: The Boov share their experiences in moving to various types of human music.
• Party Tunes: Includes music video and lyric video of "Feel the Light" by Jennifer Lopez, among other musical highlights from the film.
• Oh's Party Planning Tips: Oh shares how to throw a great party for both human and Boov guests.
• Oh's Costume Party: An interactive extra allowing users to dress and make-up either Oh or Smek.
• Short Boovies: Includes "This Is Being Boov," "Almost Home," and "Testing Lab."
• Deleted Scenes: A selection of scenes introduced by Tim Johnson.
• Be An Artist!: Learn to draw characters with Story Artist Andy Erekson.
• Oh's Other Extras: Includes an advertisement for Home: Boov Pop! mobile game and a gallery.
• The World of DreamWorks Animation: Features music videos and extras from other DreamWorks Animation films.

Home," the colorful and engaging DreamWorks Animation spectacle, explores the complex themes of alien invasion, forced relocation, and family separation through a kid-friendly lens that's both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Despite its seemingly playful exterior, "Home" delves into deeper, more adult topics with a light-hearted approach, making it an intriguing watch for viewers of all ages. The story centers around the unexpected friendship between Tip, a human girl voiced by Rihanna, who seeks to reunite with her mother, and Oh, an alien voiced by Jim Parsons, who desires companionship and inadvertently alerts potential threats to his new home on Earth. Their journey is filled with misunderstanding and chaos, showcasing the film's rich subtext on the consequences of running from problems instead of facing them head-on.

While "Home" presents a sweeping saga of galactic mishaps and cultural misunderstandings, it remains firmly rooted in the evolving relationship between Tip and Oh. This dichotomy between grandiose alien antics and the intimate growth of friendship ensures that the movie maintains a balanced narrative that never allows its larger-than-life elements to overshadow the personal story at its heart. The comedic errors of the Boov, their misinterpretations of human objects and customs, add a layer of humor to the film’s already rich palette. Despite its somewhat familiar plot line, "Home" distinguishes itself with its vibrant animation and technical excellence. The film's seamless digital construction and lively colors showcase DreamWorks Animation's commitment to pushing technological boundaries while ensuring these aspects complement rather than dominate the storytelling.

"Home" might not reach the critical acclaim of animated giants like "WALL·E" in terms of originality and emotional depth, but it stands out with its unique blend of sci-fi elements, humor, and heartwarming moments. Positioned comfortably alongside films like "Planet 51" and "Escape from Planet Earth," "Home" serves as second-tier yet thoroughly enjoyable family entertainment. Its technical prowess and attention to detail rival that of industry benchmarks, making it a visual treat that supports its narrative without overwhelming it. In this way, "Home" achieves a commendable balance of storytelling and spectacle, marking it as a notable entry in the realm of animated science fiction.

Home" on Blu-ray presents a harmonious blend of vibrant visuals, emotional depth, and a sprinkle of delightful action and humor, making it an exemplary modern animated film that goes beyond mere eye candy to tug at the viewer's heartstrings. The characters, while not groundbreaking in originality, serve as effective conduits for a narrative enriched with both warmth and thrills. This release showcases the Fox/DreamWorks collaboration's prowess, offering an immaculate video experience that truly pops, accompanied by a robust sound quality that immerses viewers into its captivating world. The added assortment of succinct, child-friendly extras further enhances the enjoyment of this package, making it an appealing pick for family entertainment.

This Blu-ray edition does not skimp on delivering the crispness and dazzle that such a colorful and adventurous film demands. The attention to detail in the video quality ensures that every frame is a feast for the eyes, with colors that burst with life and animation that flows seamlessly. The sound design complements this visual spectacle with clarity and precision, providing an auditory experience that is just as engaging. The supplements, although brief, are thoughtfully compiled to cater to its younger audience, adding educational value without sacrificing fun.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Home" is a testament to what makes modern animation beloved by audiences of all ages. It masterfully combines technical excellence with storytelling richness, encapsulated in a disc that offers more than just a movie—it provides an experience. Whether it's the impeccable visual and sound quality or the engaging extras, this release is highly recommended for those seeking a joyful, heartwarming film that can be enjoyed time and again.