The Adventures of Tintin Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray for "The Adventures of Tintin" is nothing short of exceptional. Paramount has delivered a pristine and reference-quality high-definition display, notable for its luminous and sparkling clarity that adds appreciable dimensionality to the animated subjects. The detail and definition are impeccably rendered; fine details in the characters' physical features and objects within each frame are superbly delineated and textured. Colors are richly saturated and vibrant, with primary hues exhibiting visibly distinct stages that enhance subtle separations. The contrast is perfectly calibrated with rich blacks, multi-layered whites and grays, delivering refined detail and dimension in every frame.

The 3D presentation further elevates the visual experience, providing an incredible sense of real space and depth. The Blu-ray 3D transfer captures the film's essence with minimal crosstalk and pristine quality. Spielberg's foray into 3D brings characters and environments to life in a way the 2D version cannot, with depth that runs from elongated corridors to round objects such as whiskey bottles or Captain Haddock's nose. Rapid camera movements during action sequences, especially on large screens, convey a roller-coaster-like immersion that few other 3D films achieve. Black levels are inky with extraordinary gradational steps, ensuring no loss of detail even in dark scenes.

Both the 2D and 3D versions of "The Adventures of Tintin" shine with pitch-perfect contrast and crystal-clear clarity, providing viewers with stunning details such as the texture of rolling ocean waters or the lifelike imperfections on character faces. Colors are vivid and richly saturated, popping energetically off the screen. Overall, this Blu-ray offers one of the most dazzling visual presentations available, honoring the craftsmanship and artistic effort that went into creating this animated adventure.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack of "The Adventures of Tintin" makes exemplary use of the surround sound platform, delivering detail-rich sonic clarity with crystalline dialogue and robust bass response. Dynamic range is expansive, allowing for a variety of sounds to come alive, particularly during the film's swashbuckling flashback sequence aboard the Unicorn. Surround sound is applied judiciously with directional cues that enhance the experience without overwhelming, maintaining a precise imaging and involving acoustic placement. Overall, the balance between front and rear channels is optimal, rendering the entire soundtrack with a seamless and immersive quality.

John Williams' score in "The Adventures of Tintin" is flawlessly integrated into the mix, boasting remarkably natural presence and crisp definition across the entire range. The soundtrack excels in offering fantastic clarity for music, dialogue, and sound effects, solidified by a positive low end that ties all elements together. Chaotic action scenes, featuring swerving cars, gunfire, and chaotic thunderstorms, are delivered with location-specific elements that showcase unflappable clarity. Dialogue is consistently clear, focused up the middle of the soundstage, and never lost amid surrounding elements. Background nuances such as light city ambience and gently rolling waters are executed flawlessly and contribute to a comprehensive sense of immersion.

The audio presentation's directionality and panning are flawless, with bullets and vehicles moving dynamically throughout the room and explosions delivering powerful low-frequency effects. The score enjoys a strong presence in the surrounds, filling the air with excitement and adventure. While much of the narrative-driven dialogue is prioritized on the front soundstage, this does not detract from the effectiveness of atmospheric elements that quietly fill the rear channels. "Tintin" boasts a well-rounded audio experience that complements its source material meticulously and achieves a reference-quality new release standard.

The Blu-ray release of "The Adventures of Tintin" offers a plethora of insightful extras that enrich the viewing experience by delving into the film's unique production process and creative inspirations. Each feature is in HD, providing crystal-clear visual quality. The included documentaries cover everything from the initial inspirations of directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson to the motion capture technology used in bringing Hergé's beloved characters to life. Noteworthy segments include detailed discussions on the conceptual design, complex animation processes, and John Williams' composition of the film's score. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a Digital Copy and UltraViolet access for more flexible viewing options.

Extras included in this disc:

• Toasting Tintin: Part 1: Cast and crew celebration at the start of performance capture.
• The Journey to Tintin: Spielberg and Jackson’s discovery of Hergé's comics.
• The World of Tintin: History and legacy of the character.
• The Who's Who of Tintin: Intersection of actors and Hergé's creations.
• Tintin: Conceptual Design: Designing the cinematic world.
• Tintin: In the Volume: Detailed look inside the motion capture technology.
• Snowy: From Beginning to End: Bringing Tintin's canine companion to life.
• Animating Tintin: Detailed animation process.
• Tintin: The Score: John Williams' musical composition.
• Collecting Tintin: Design of Tintin figurines.
• Toasting Tintin: Part 2: Celebration of the film’s completion.
• BD-Live
• DVD Copy
• UV Digital Copy and Digital Copy

Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin offers an exhilarating tribute to classic high adventure, blending digital motion capture technology with a story that brings Hergé’s beloved comic to vivid life. Jamie Bell voices Tintin, a young journalist whose discovery of a model ship, the Unicorn, launches him and his loyal dog Snowy into a globe-spanning quest to uncover hidden treasure while evading the sinister Sakharine (Daniel Craig). The plot intricately intertwines mystery and action, reminiscent of Spielberg's Indiana Jones series yet distinct enough to stand on its own. The film leverages cutting-edge digital animation to create breathtakingly realistic environments, merging photorealistic textures with the style of the original comic.

The film shines in its technical achievements, offering visually stunning digital renderings akin to those seen in "The Polar Express", but with even greater finesse. Environments such as glassy cobblestone streets and turbulent ocean waves are depicted with exceptional detail and realism. The motion capture techniques used ensure characters are animated with nuanced expressions and lifelike movement, inching closer to the boundary between animation and live-action. Despite this, some viewers may find the character animation hovers near the uncanny valley, occasionally impacting emotional engagement. Still, key action scenes, including a spectacular Unicorn vs. pirate ship battle and a seamless single-shot motorcycle chase, showcase innovative camera work and Spielberg’s knack for engaging set pieces.

Narratively, Tintin balances family-friendly excitement with moments of darker, more violent themes, making it suitable yet thrilling for younger audiences. Spielberg’s direction invokes the same adventurous spirit as his early works, though some character elements feel less compelling. Tintin’s purity may come off as bland, while Captain Haddock’s arc provides more substantial emotional grounding despite his broad characterization. Nonetheless, the energetic pacing and well-executed action sequences ensure a memorable cinematic experience that pays homage to its source material while making full use of advanced cinematic technologies. Fans of Spielberg and Hergé alike will find plenty to admire in this playful, high-adventure romp.

"The Adventures of Tintin," directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Peter Jackson, is a spectacular big-screen adaptation of Hergé's classic comic books. The film epitomizes light-hearted, family-friendly action and adventure with its photorealistic animation, captivating story, and well-defined characters. The Spielberg touch is unmistakable, with the movie channeling the adventurous spirit reminiscent of the "Indiana Jones" franchise. John Williams' exceptional score adds a rousing and playful backdrop, perfectly complementing the film's adventurous tone.

Paramount's Blu-ray 3D release of "The Adventures of Tintin" is exceptional, presenting the film in a near-perfect audiovisual package. The 3D effects seamlessly enhance the viewing experience, making the movie even more engaging. The Blu-ray edition boasts a pristine 1080p high-definition transfer that captures all the vibrancy and detail of the film's animation. In addition, the release features a robust 7.1 lossless soundtrack that immerses viewers in John Williams' thrilling score and sound effects. The disc also includes an extensive array of bonus materials that delve into the making of the film, most of which are exclusive to Blu-ray.

In conclusion, "The Adventures of Tintin" on Blu-ray is a must-have for any fan of high-quality animated adventure films. Its impressive technical presentation, engaging story, and extensive bonus materials make it a standout release. This Blu-ray edition is not only a testament to modern animation but also a loving tribute to Hergé's enduring beloved series, marking it as one of 2012’s top releases. This compelling and meticulously crafted package earns our highest recommendation.