Jumanji Blu-ray Review

The 20th anniversary Blu-ray re-release of "Jumanji" utilizes the same 1080p AVC-encoded high-definition transfer from its prior 2011 release. This 1995 film retains its mid-90s aesthetic, marked by a somewhat dated and processed look. Colors are generally bright and lively, though some appear reserved until the vibrant sequences kick in. Skin tones are natural but slightly waxy due to processing, while noticeable edge enhancement introduces halos around objects and people. Textures, such as the wooden carvings of the game box or the floor where Robin Williams’ character gets stuck, are well-detailed. The image remains mostly clean from dirt and debris, although infrequent white flecks do appear.

Despite being an identical transfer to the previous Blu-ray release, this presentation yields mixed results in technical terms. Detail is moderate with some murkiness, impacting the clarity of special effects which look notably dated, particularly the flat and faded monkeys. Depth is somewhat flatter with sporadic three-dimensional elements, and movements maintain a cinematic quality with minimal blur. Black levels are deep but suffer from minor crushing, hiding details on clothing and surfaces at times. Color reproduction leans towards a dingier palette, though green stands out impressively among primary colors, while skin tones are consistent albeit overly smooth in close-ups. The transfer also displays grain and slight compression issues throughout.

The 20th anniversary Blu-ray re-release of "Jumanji" preserves its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, consistent with its earlier edition. This mix delivers a high-energy experience, particularly during dynamic sequences such as stampedes and action scenes, which engage the entire soundstage with powerful low-frequency effects. The rear speakers efficiently contribute to the immersion by distributing the chaos of animals and other active elements throughout the room. The score prominently drives forward and complements the action without undermining the vocal tracks, creating an auditory landscape that is robust yet articulate.

However, there are notable imperfections. The audio mix suffers from prioritization issues, particularly during scenes where intense low frequencies clash with dialogue, resulting in some lines being overwhelmed. This mismatch is especially apparent when transitioning between dialogue-heavy moments and high-octane sequences. Dialogues can become less clear as characters move away from the camera, leading to a somewhat disjointed experience. While the mix's ability to fill the room with booming action is commendable, it lacks cohesion in balancing quieter scenes, potentially detracting from the overall listening experience for those seeking finely-tuned audio consistency.

The soundtrack does well in creating a spatially accurate representation, with effective directionality and ambient sound that transitions seamlessly from front to rear speakers. Low-frequency sounds such as stampedes and crashes are vividly impactful, giving depth to action scenes. Dialogue reproduction varies but maintains clarity and prominence in less chaotic moments. Though not flawless, this mix delivers an engaging auditory journey that fares well in energetic scenes but could benefit from more refined balance between its dynamic range and quieter, dialogue-driven moments.

The 20th Anniversary Blu-ray of "Jumanji" impresses with a robust suite of legacy and new bonus materials, catering to both long-time fans and new viewers. Legacy features include an in-depth Special Effects Crew Commentary and various production insights like Making Jumanji: The Realm of Imagination. The new content enriches the collection with a Jumanji Motion Storybook read by author Chris Van Allsburg and two episodes from Jumanji: The Animated Series. Fans will find the reflections from the cast of "Goosebumps" particularly engaging. This edition successfully blends nostalgic elements with fresh offerings, making it a comprehensive and engaging package for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Special Effects Crew Commentary: Audiovisual insights from the effects team.
• Making Jumanji: The Realm of Imagination: Behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Lions and Monkeys and Pods...Oh My!: Analysis of animatronics and CGI.
• Production Design: Bringing Down the House: Various stages of set destruction.
• Storyboard Comparisons: Visual comparisons of scenes.
• Jumanji Motion Storybook: Animated reading by Chris Van Allsburg.
• Jumanji: The Animated Series: Two episodes from the 90s show.
• The Cast of Goosebumps Reflects on Jumanji: Reflections by cast members.
• Goosebumps Sneak Peek: Preview of the "Goosebumps" movie.
• Original Teasers and Trailers: Collection of promotional clips.

Sony’s 20th Anniversary re-release of 'Jumanji' on Blu-ray provides an interesting nostalgia trip. The film embarks on an adventurous journey, commencing with young Alan Parrish discovering a mysterious board game. This game, which appears harmless at first, unveils its unimaginable powers by magically transporting Alan into the perilous jungles of Jumanji. The story advances as Alan, now grown and played by Robin Williams, is freed 26 years later by Judy and Peter Shepherd. The trio, along with Sarah Whittle, grapples with the game’s malevolent forces, experiencing both thrilling action and tension-filled suspense. The narrative's uniqueness lies in its blend of adventure and underlying dark themes, beautifully balanced by Robin Williams' charisma.

The film’s appeal largely hinges on its animatronics and practical effects, a true testament to 1995’s creative ingenuity. While some contemporary viewers might find the special effects dated, particularly the CGI-rendered monkeys, the stampede sequence holds up remarkably well. It’s clear that the real-world animatronics provide a palpable experience that CGI sometimes fails to capture. Contrasting opinions arise regarding the film's overall tone: some viewers remember it as a fun-filled spectacle, while others note its darker, even grim undertones. Despite these observations, 'Jumanji' offers a compelling mix of comedy, magic, and drama that caters to both nostalgic adults and a new generation of young viewers.

Conclusively, 'Jumanji' exemplifies a creative endeavor that stands the test of time by combining imaginative storytelling with technical wizardry. Although its special effects occasionally betray their age, the practical animatronics and inventive scenarios contribute significantly to its lasting charm. Coupled with a sense of adventure and moments of genuine peril, this blend guarantees an enchanting experience for both longstanding fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray re-release of "Jumanji" marks the film's 20th anniversary, undoubtedly prompting feelings of nostalgia. However, this edition offers minimal new content, with added special features largely serving as promotional material for the "Goosebumps" movie. The inclusion of digital copies and a few featurettes are essentially the only enhancements compared to prior releases. This version delivers neither audio nor video upgrades, which could be a significant disappointment for those seeking an elevated viewing experience.

Although "Jumanji" is celebrated for its innovative concept, the film's dark and gloomy tone may detract from its otherwise playful premise. This latest Blu-ray iteration does not introduce any substantial changes that would justify a repurchase for current owners. Fans unfamiliar with the Blu-ray edition might find value here, but those with an earlier copy should think twice before upgrading.

To summarize, the 20th-anniversary Blu-ray release of "Jumanji" fails to bring compelling new features or enhanced audiovisual elements to the table. While the animated episodes and Chris Van Allsburg reading add a touch of novelty, the additional content mainly serves as advertising for other projects. Therefore, this version is most suitable for newcomers to the Blu-ray format, while previous owners are better off retaining their original copies.