Hidalgo Blu-ray Review

Disney's Blu-ray release of "Hidalgo" showcases an impressive 2.35:1, 1080p high-definition transfer, elevating its visual presentation significantly from its standard DVD counterpart. The high-definition upgrade shines with more vibrant yellows and oranges of the desert, enhancing the natural skin tones and delivering deeper and more satisfying black levels. Detail receives a considerable boost, making it possible to appreciate the individual grains of sand, the fine hairs on Hidalgo's mane, and even the intricate stitching of Hopkins' costume with remarkable clarity. Scenes such as the sandstorm become showcases of reference-quality visuals, with distant elements crisply rendered until they're swallowed by chaos. However, despite these strengths, the transfer doesn't quite achieve the pinnacle of visual perfection seen in the top tier of high-def adventure flicks.

The Blu-ray does exhibit some inconsistencies that keep it from ranking among the best transfers in recent months. The color palette, dominated by browns, tans, whites, and blacks, lacks the depth and sharpness found in more visually stunning releases. Although the detail level is moderately high and flesh tones are accurately presented, the overall image sometimes appears soft and lacks clarity. This is compounded by occasional flat scenes where contrast seems weakened and blacks aren't as inky, detracting from image depth. Moreover, the placement and presence of yellow subtitles can be distracting and detract from the otherwise pleasing visual experience.

In sum, Disney's "Hidalgo" on Blu-ray offers a solid and visually appealing presentation that surpasses many other discs on the market. While it showcases remarkable improvements over its DVD release, particularly in color vibrancy, detail, and black levels, it falls short of being a reference-quality visual spectacle. The occasional softness, inconsistent depth, and distracting subtitles prevent it from being categorized with the elite high-definition releases, despite its many strengths and the evident care put into this transfer.

"Hidalgo" rides onto Blu-ray with a PCM 5.1 uncompressed sound mix that is both commendable and, in parts, as boundless as the desert sands depicted in the film. The audio presentation boasts clear, lively music and sound effects that fill the room with an immersive atmosphere, especially during the film's more dynamic scenes, such as the breathtaking sandstorm and the palpable insect attack. These moments are a testament to the sound mix's ability to envelope the viewer, creating a visceral experience. The dialogue is crystal clear, anchored solidly in the central channels, ensuring that every word spoken is easily understood. The environmental sounds, from the thunderous hooves of horses to the whipping winds of the desert, are impressively reinforced by robust LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) that add depth and tension to the race sequences.

However, while the audio track excels in clarity and the enveloping use of surround channels, it falls slightly short of the absolute precision that audiophiles might demand. Certain action sequences, particularly those involving racing and duels, are noted for their less-than-precise sound placement, leading to a soundstage that feels artificially inflated rather than meticulously crafted. These discrepancies highlight a slight but noticeable disparity in audio accuracy, where the otherwise stellar directionality and immersive quality of the sound design are compromised. This might not detract from the general audience's enjoyment but could be a point of critique for more discerning listeners.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Hidalgo's" Blu-ray audio presentation enriches the viewing experience far beyond what standard DVD formats offer. The track's strengths—such as its strong LFE support, aggressive rear channel usage, and the clean, even distribution of dialogue through the central channels—showcase Disney's commitment to high-quality audio. Scenes like the aforementioned sandstorm and the clever use of environmental effects demonstrate a level of auditory immersion that is both impressive and engaging. Ultimately, this audio experience is a robust companion to the visual journey, making "Hidalgo" a compelling watch for its auditory spectacle alone.

The Blu-ray release of "Hidalgo" offers a surprisingly sparse array of extras, reflecting a missed opportunity to delve deeply into the film's expansive narrative and production challenges. Viewers are treated to "Sand and Celluloid," a brief feature exploring the history of endurance racing and drawing parallels between the sport and filmmaking, albeit in a somewhat promotional tone and lacking depth. More engaging, the "America's First Horse" documentary provides a thorough examination of the Spanish Mustang's history and its significance, appealing to equestrians and animal enthusiasts alike, despite its dry presentation. The inclusion of trailers for other Disney movies feels somewhat out of place, adding little value to the overall package. Collectively, these extras offer a glimpse into the making of "Hidalgo" and the history behind its story, but leave audiences wanting for more substantive content on the film's production and thematic elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sand and Celluloid: A basic overview of endurance racing's history, drawing parallels to filmmaking challenges.
• America's First Horse: An in-depth look at the Spanish Mustang breed, its history, and conservation efforts.
• Trailers: Previews for 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.'

"Hidalgo," though not without its faults, emerges as a commendable entry into the adventure film genre, bearing a striking resemblance to iconic movies such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," and "The Black Stallion" in various aspects. Its storytelling, enriched by the vast and perilous landscapes of the Middle East and the inherent challenge of the Ocean of Fire race, intermittently captures the essence of classic adventure film-making despite a narrative execution that occasionally stumbles. The movie's attempt to weave in reminiscent elements of bygone cinematic treasures is evident, yet it somewhat struggles to sustain a consistent rhythm throughout, resulting in periods where the pacing lags significantly. Furthermore, the narrative suffers from predictability and a lack of the enchanting 'magic' often found in Spielberg's works. Despite these setbacks, there's an undeniable craftsmanship visible in the film's stunning cinematography, vibrant score, and solid direction under Joe Johnston.

At the heart of "Hidalgo" lies Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Frank Hopkins, which adds a layer of depth and humanity to the film. Mortensen, accompanied by the venerable Omar Sharif, delivers a performance that is both heartfelt and robust, lending credibility and emotional weight to their roles. The duo's chemistry and Mortensen's ability to engage with his equine co-star elevate the film beyond its potential confines of genre and historical accuracy. Though the movie ventures into creative liberties with history and sometimes imbues its characters with anachronistically modern sensibilities, these elements are often overshadowed by its strengths. The sweeping desert vistas and meticulous production details couple with well-rounded supporting performances to offer a spectacle that is both visually and narratively engaging.

Despite its occasional meandering and a narrative that could have benefitted from tighter editing, "Hidalgo" manages to capture the spirit of adventure with a commendable degree of success. Its homage to classic adventures through its setting, character dynamics, and thematic echoes draws viewers into a nostalgically crafted world. While it may not ascend to the legendary status of the films it nods to, "Hidalgo" provides a sufficiently thrilling ride, bolstered by Mortensen's versatile acting and Johnston's dedication to reviving a semblance of Old Hollywood's adventurous heartbeat. As such, it stands as a testament to the genre's enduring appeal, even if it doesn't entirely recapture the magic of its predecessors.

"Hidalgo" makes its way to Blu-ray with a presentation that, while not reaching the pinnacle of what the format can offer, still provides a commendable viewing experience. The film itself, centered around a stirring adventure story starring Viggo Mortensen and Omar Sharif, delivers in terms of cinematography, musical score, and acting performances. These elements collectively ensure the film is worthy of the time invested by its audience. However, the pacing and predictability of the narrative may leave some viewers desiring more from the overall film experience. While it stands out for its visual and auditory delivery, including an exceptional video transfer and a powerful PCM uncompressed audio track, it falls short of setting a new standard for Blu-ray presentations.

On the technical side of its Blu-ray release, Disney demonstrates its ongoing commitment to high-definition quality without fully leveraging the platform’s capabilities. The special features included are satisfactory but limited in both quantity and informational depth, leaving those interested in the film's broader context or its historical foundations somewhat wanting. Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray edition of "Hidalgo" is posited as a valuable addition to any collection, particularly for fans or those with a penchant for adventure films.

In conclusion, "Hidalgo" on Blu-ray is a commendable release that will satiate fans of the genre and admirers of the film. Its superior video and audio quality underscore Disney's dedication to high-definition experiences, despite the lack of extensive special features and a narrative depth that might leave some audiences seeking more. Nevertheless, for its captivating performances and technical merits, "Hidalgo" remains a worthwhile acquisition for those looking to enhance their Blu-ray library with an adventure that bridges the gap between cinematic spectacle and historical storytelling.