The Good Dinosaur Blu-ray Review

This release of "The Good Dinosaur" on Blu-ray is nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a visually stunning experience that is bound to impress both casual viewers and aficionados alike. Disney's 1080p transfer stands as a triumph of digital animation with its exquisite detail and realistic textures. From the choppy hair of Spot to the scales on the dinosaurs and the minutiae in the expansive wooded landscapes, every element has been meticulously crafted. The depth achieved in this fully CGI feature enhances the three-dimensional quality, making movements appear smooth and backgrounds replete with fine detail.

The film thrives on a vibrant color palette dominated by shades of green, representing tree leaves, grasses, and dinosaur hides, all brilliantly offset by earthy tones and splashes of reds, yellows, and purples. Colors leap off the screen with unparalleled vibrancy and authenticity. Black levels are deep and inky, expertly used to sharpen images and perfect shadows without any crushing. While the skies occasionally present minor banding during certain scenes, it's a negligible flaw in what is otherwise a pristine reference-quality transfer. If you're looking to highlight your home theater's visual prowess, this Blu-ray presentation stands as an exemplary choice—every pixel is perfectly rendered, ensuring an immersive viewing experience that is both engaging and technically impeccable.

The audio presentation of "The Good Dinosaur" on Blu-ray showcases a remarkable DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack, complemented by a DTS-HD 5.1 High Resolution track as the default option. Users may want to switch to the 7.1 channel track immediately for optimal experience, as it renders a significant improvement in audio clarity and immersion. The audio mix is meticulously crafted, with deep, saturating low frequencies that bring dino footfalls and key action moments to life. The subwoofer delivers an impressive performance, capturing roars, stampedes, and water crashes with palpable force. The dynamic range is extensive and supportive of a diverse soundscape, perfect for home theater demonstrations.

Stage spacing and surround engagement in this mix are exceptional. The environmental ambience is rich, filling the back channels with discrete effects like splintering wood, spraying water, rustling grasses, and rolling thunder. A standout sequence involves Arlo being swept away by a river; the surround sound envelops the listener with rushing currents in the side and rear channels, while the sub-woofer thunders powerfully. While there are a few minor inconsistencies, such as varying rainfall presence between front-heavy and stage-filling scenes, the overall mix remains compelling.

Dialogue reproduction is flawless and well-prioritized within the sound field. Center dialogue is clear and natural, even amid intense action sequences. Directionality is precise, ensuring each element is perfectly placed within the mix. The music track also shines with excellent definition across the range, maintaining a dominant front end with supportive surround integration. In sum, this 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix is expertly realized, providing an engaging and immersive audio experience that underscores the visual storytelling of "The Good Dinosaur".

The Good Dinosaur Blu-ray extras offer an insightful and engaging dive into the filmmaking process with several compelling featurettes and bonus materials. The package includes a theatrical short, various behind-the-scenes looks at character design, story themes, and location scouting, alongside deleted scenes introduced by the director. Also included is a detailed audio commentary that provides exceptional insights into the animation workflow and visual styles used in the film. These supplements enrich viewers with not only the technical facets of the movie but also the creative journey and camaraderie among the filmmakers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sanjay's Super Team: A short film about make-believe adventures during prayer time and father-son bonding.
• True Lies About Dinosaurs: Explores fictional elements and modern man's understanding of dinosaurs.
• Recyclosaurus: Pixar employees build makeshift dinosaurs from donated goods.
• The Filmmakers' Journey: A look at the challenges of making the film and the team's camaraderie.
• Every Part of the Dinosaur: Detailed exploration of character construction and digital animation nuances.
• Following the T-Rex Trail: The crew visits a cattle ranch for inspiration.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes scenes "The Attack," "Building the Silo," and "Waiting for Poppa," each with director introductions.
• Audio Commentary: An informative track with contributions from key filmmakers discussing various production aspects.
• Dino Bites: Fun moments featuring the film's characters.
• Hide and Seek: A brief clip with characters Arlo and Spot playing hide-and-seek.
• Trailers: Includes North American, Russian, and German trailers.

Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" presents a fascinating alternate history, imagining a world where dinosaurs avoided extinction and evolved into a rudimentary society. The narrative follows Arlo, a young Apatosaurus, as he embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery after being separated from his family. This film integrates classic Pixar elements of adventure, humor, and heart, driven by stellar digital animation that pushes the boundaries of photorealism. Characters like the cross-eyed triceratops and Spot, an instinct-driven human child, enhance the thematic exploration of family, friendship, and survival against the magnificent yet perilous backdrop of nature.

While the film is visually stunning with its lifelike landscapes and meticulously rendered details, it falls short on originality. It's reminiscent of multiple iconic films, such as "The Lion King" and "The Jungle Book," lacking the novel spark typical of Pixar’s best works. Despite this, "The Good Dinosaur" excels in emotional depth, particularly in its portrayal of Arlo’s quest to make his mark by overcoming fears and understanding his place in the world. Directed by Peter Sohn, the film balances sentimental and perilous moments effectively, ensuring both children and adults are engaged.

"The Good Dinosaur" thrives on its visual appeal and its ability to depict profound emotional growth without excessive dialogue. The story’s strong familial and adventurous themes resonate deeply, although some scenes, like Arlo and Spot eating high-inducing berries, may raise eyebrows among parents. Overall, the film remains a significant achievement in digital animation, presenting a charming albeit familiar tale that hits the right emotional chords, even if it doesn’t reach the innovative heights of other Pixar masterpieces like "Inside Out." For families seeking a touching story coupled with remarkable visual experiences, this movie is a solid choice.

"The Good Dinosaur" may not stand out among Pixar’s most original classics, at times feeling reminiscent of "The Land Before Time," yet it still possesses substantial heart and humor. The film features robust characters, a positive emotional core, thrilling action sequences, and a grand sense of adventure. It’s visually stunning and skillfully produced, ensuring children are delighted while adults are left satisfied. The Blu-ray release by Disney elevates this experience with exceptional video quality, superb audio fidelity, and a significant amount of bonus content.

While some critics were disappointed, arguing that "The Good Dinosaur" didn’t quite meet Pixar's high standards, others found its unique qualities charming and endearing. Arlo's perilous journey is filled with genuine emotional moments and is bolstered by memorable voice acting, notably from Sam Elliott. The Blu-ray provides demo-quality audio and video, making it a remarkable home viewing experience that’s further complemented by valuable extras.

Ultimately, "The Good Dinosaur" may be seen as merely solid compared to Pixar’s more groundbreaking films, especially when it follows the critically acclaimed "Inside Out." Yet, the Blu-ray release exceeds expectations with its outstanding video and audio presentation and an immersive collection of featurettes. This release is an excellent addition to any family’s movie library and ensures that both the movie’s fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the value it delivers. Highly recommended.