Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest Blu-ray Review

"Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest" makes an impressive debut on Blu-ray with a meticulously crafted 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that showcases the film's rich visuals. The presentation excels in delivering vibrant and stunningly detailed imagery. Colors are gorgeously saturated, featuring a varied palette from lush green forests to the reds and oranges of sunset skies. The animation's crisp lines are rendered impeccably without noticeable aliasing, pixelation, or other imperfections. Black levels are consistent and deep, enhancing the visual depth and contrast against brighter elements like snow. Artifacting and compression issues are negligible, with minimal banding observed only on rare occasions.

The overall clarity and precision of the Blu-ray presentation are noteworthy, with fine details in the line art being exceptionally sharp. Backgrounds possess a watercolor-like quality, enhancing the picturesque aesthetics that Disney is known for. The high definition transfer ensures that every scene pops with vibrant, dazzling colors whether it's earthy browns of a fall forest or the emerald greens of spring. Blacks are impressively inky, providing excellent contrast with lighter elements and bringing out the subtleties in shading. This modern update retains the timeless Disney feel while appealing to contemporary audiences, making it an all-around demo-worthy visual experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest" doesn't quite reach the visual splendor of its Blu-ray presentation, but it holds its own exceptionally well. The clarity and precision of the dialogue are noteworthy, with voices being crisp, centered, and articulate. Environmental sounds such as snapping branches and rustling leaves are rendered with sharpness and soothing quality, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. The low-end output, while not extraordinary, is more than sufficient, offering moments of impactful LFE during intense scenes involving snarling dogs and snapping rifles. The rear speaker activity, though not aggressively prominent, is effective and in synergy with the film’s tonal ambiance. Dynamics and directional effects create a convincingly enveloping soundscape, despite the direct-to-video sound design occasionally favoring front channels and selectively applying ambient effects.

One standout feature of the audio presentation is how well the soundtrack handles both action-packed sequences and quieter moments. During scenes where Bambi is pursued by hunting dogs, the rear speakers come alive with barks and howls that fill the sound field, while distant gunshots resonate convincingly. The LFE channel adds depth with pronounced booms, particularly during a pounding rainstorm which seamlessly integrates front and rear speakers to immerse the viewer. Directional audio is utilized effectively, be it Bambi's father’s urgent shouts or subtle nuances like tadpoles darting across the frame.

Overall, the sound design of "Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest" is engaging and finely tuned. Although it might lack some high-octane elements typically desired by audiophiles seeking constant action, it provides a well-rounded high-definition audio experience. The balanced combination of dialogue clarity, environmental effects, and dynamic range ensures a captivating auditory journey suitable for audiences of all ages.

The Blu-ray extras of "Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest" are modest, composed of primarily short features and interactive activities geared towards a younger audience. While comprehensive content enthusiasts might find the offerings somewhat sparse, the included segments do provide engaging and insightful behind-the-scenes looks and fun interactive elements. The extras encompass a mix of standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) content, with highlights including brief insights into the film's legacy and production, animation tips, musical exploration through a deleted song, and trivia tracks. Overall, the additional content contributes educational value and entertainment, especially for children and fans of the original story.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Legacy Continues: Cast and crew discuss the original film’s legacy and Bambi II's production.
• Deleted Song: "Sing the Day" storyboard presentation.
• Games and Activities: Interactive games like Friend Owl's Forest Fun and Thumper's Hurry and Scurry.
• Disney Sketch Pad: Animator Andreas Deja provides animation tips.
• Bambi's Trivia Tracks: Pop-up trivia designed for young viewers.

Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest represents a bold yet contentious addition to Disney's lineage of animated midquels, nestling itself within the narrative arc of the original Bambi. Midquels often face criticism for their perceived frivolity and potential to undermine beloved classics, and Bambi II is no exception. The film navigates the precarious months following Bambi's mother's tragic death, aiming to address the tumultuous father-son relationship between Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest, voiced by Patrick Stewart. While the thematic potential is undeniable, tackling elements of fear, loss, and inherited responsibilities, the execution often falters. The narrative is burdened by overcrowded subplots and whimsical diversions that dilute the emotional gravitas of its predecessor. The poignancy and contemplative nature of the original Bambi give way to a lighter, more commercial tone, aligning more with contemporary sensibilities.

From a technical standpoint, Bambi II benefits from visually appealing animation that respects the cel-animation charm of the original while integrating modern vibrancy. Despite the presence of uplifting songs and an endearing dynamic between Bambi and his friends Thumper and Flower, the film's storytelling choices, including recurring comic relief and sentimental montages, reduce its overall impact. The portrayal of Bambi's father as a talkative, flawed character marks a significant departure from the mysterious majesty depicted in the original, which may disappoint long-time fans. However, children are likely to find joy in Bambi's playful antics and adventures through the forest, demonstrating an enduring appeal among younger audiences.

Considering Disney's mixed track record with direct-to-video sequels, Bambi II stands out as a relatively untroublesome installment. While it may lack the depth and integrity to achieve classic status or resonate profoundly with adults, it retains enough visual splendor and heartwarming moments to engage children without treading into excessive modernity. Animation enthusiasts and parents will appreciate its harmless charm and respectful nods to the past, even if it doesn’t quite recapture the original’s timeless magic.

"Bambi and the Great Prince of the Forest" (better known as Bambi II) serves as a charming if somewhat unnecessary follow-up to the classic 1942 original. Directed by Brian Pimental, the 2006 midquel navigates the delicate terrain of living up to its predecessor by focusing on the formative years of Bambi, seamlessly fitting into the timeline of the original story. While comparing it directly to its predecessor may leave some fans wanting, it stands on its own as an engaging tale for younger audiences.

The Disney Blu-ray release of Bambi II stands out with a notably crisp and colorful video presentation. This high-definition upgrade ensures that the lovingly crafted animation shines with vibrant colors and sharp detail, maintaining the visual charm that Disney is known for. Complemented by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio track, the auditory experience is clear and immersive, giving life to the forest's ambient sounds and musical score. However, it is worth noting that the supplemental package accompanying the film is rather sparse, which might disappoint those looking for extensive bonus content.

In conclusion, while Bambi II may not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, it is more than a mere cash-grab sequel, providing a heartwarming experience tailored for a younger demographic. Disney's Blu-ray release enhances this midquel with superior audio and visual quality, despite a lackluster array of extras. Highly recommended for family viewings and for those seeking to revisit Bambi's world in high definition.