The Polar Express Blu-ray Review

"The Polar Express" makes a grand entrance onto Blu-ray, offering enthusiasts both a standard 2-D and an enhanced 3-D viewing experience, each with their own set of virtues. The 2.35:1, 1080p transfer shines in its replication of the original final digital print, showcasing a remarkable digital prowess with scenes that range from intimate dialogues to exhilarating, fast-paced sequences. The 2-D version, presented in identical quality to its predecessors including the HD DVD and prior Blu-ray releases, ensures a flawless direct-to-digital transfer. Imperfections are non-existent, attributing to an incredibly stable and consistent image quality that animated features, particularly CGI-animated, excel at displaying. However, it tends to exhibit a slightly soft and dark demeanor at times, not as an issue of the transfer but as an artistic choice, which in turn gives it a somewhat misty appearance yet maintains extraordinary depth and texture detail, from the individual snowflakes to the lifelike garments of characters.

On the other side of this release is the 3-D version, enclosed with four pairs of anaglyph 3-D glasses for a dive into a more immersive viewing. While this method inherently introduces some color degradation and ghosting due to the red/blue prism effect, the three-dimensional illusion it provides is commendable. The depth created falls slightly short of other notable 3-D films but still delivers a substantial impact in well-lit scenes and sequences that are meant to leap out at the viewer. The most realistic dimensional effects are noticed in the mid-ground, with only the farthest and closest planes appearing somewhat flattened. Despite the occasional loss of focus and softness with objects coming close to protruding out of the screen, "The Polar Express" in 3-D stands as one of the more superior executions of anaglyph technology on Blu-ray.

Technical aspects aside, the video quality of both versions is steeped in meticulous care, from the preservation of intentional visual styles to achieving a textural realism rarely seen in CGI works. Notwithstanding a slight tendency toward oversaturation, colors are rendered vividly, with no evidence of noise or bleeding even in the most intense hues. This zeal in maintaining rich fleshtones and deep blues adds a layer of enchantment to the visually compelling journey to the North Pole. Although each version has its distinct advantages depending on viewer preference for traditional or three-dimensional experiences, both transfers succeed in immersing audiences in the magical world of "The Polar Express" with unwavering fidelity and unprecedented detail.

Warner Brothers has outdone itself with the Blu Ray audio presentation of "The Polar Express," offering it in a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This represents a significant enhancement over the previously available lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 edition, bringing to the forefront a level of audio fidelity that is both immersive and dynamic. The soundtrack boasts some remarkably deep bass that elevates the entire auditory experience, particularly noticeable as the Polar Express first makes its grand arrival. This moment transforms the soundstage into a vivid, almost tactile train station, thanks to the rumbling sounds that are both tight and powerful, enveloping the listener in a startlingly clear auditory spectacle. The ambient sounds and Alan Silvestri's captivating score also benefit greatly from this upgrade, creating a rounded and deeply engaging listening experience.

Dialogue clarity is another area where the TrueHD sound mix shines, ensuring that every word is heard crisply amidst the high action sequences and quieter moments alike. The mix's dynamic range and low-bass extensions are standout features, especially during the train's lifelike chugging and the dramatic crash sequence, which is nothing short of sonic excellence. The immersive sound doesn’t end there; subtle yet effective uses of the rear channels contribute to a rich surround sound environment that brings to life the various ambient noises inside and outside the train, from the metallic hums to the steam engine's distinct puffing.

In terms of spatial imaging and seamless integration of sound elements, this latest audio offering excels, crafting a near wall-of-sound that envelops the listener. While improvements in the rear channel effects may not be immediately pronounced, they remain a crucial component of an overall sound design that is both lifelike and enveloping. Despite the primary focus on 3-D visuals in this release, the audio upgrade stands on its own merit, accentuating every moment of the journey to the North Pole and underscoring why this version of "The Polar Express" is superior in nearly every auditory aspect.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Polar Express" meticulously preserves every supplement from its previous editions, presenting a comprehensive suite of features that engage both technophiles and fans of the film's heartwarming narrative. Notably, the "You Look Familiar" and "A Genuine Ticket Ride" segments delve into the innovative performance capture technology and the multifaceted production process, covering aspects from virtual camera techniques to the creation of the North Pole, with Tom Hanks' versatile performances taking center stage. Further enriched by "True Inspirations: An Author's Adventure," viewers are offered a glimpse into Chris Van Allsburg's creative mind, grounding the film's technical achievements with his personal story and artistic vision. The inclusion of a making-of music moment with Josh Groban and behind-the-scenes footage adds layers to the film's auditory and emotional appeal, though the absence of the interactive game from prior releases is noted. Subtitles in multiple languages ensure accessibility, enhancing the overall value of this release for a wide audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• You Look Familiar: Insight into performance capture technology and Tom Hanks' roles.
• A Genuine Ticket Ride: A five-part making-of feature hosted by cast members, exploring film production aspects.
• True Inspirations: An Author's Adventure: An interview with author Chris Van Allsburg about his life and work.
• Behind the Scenes of 'Believe': A look into the making of Josh Groban’s song for the film.
• Flurry of Effects: A comparison of motion-capture acting and final film scenes.
• Smokey and Steamer: Presentation of a deleted song featuring Michael Jeter.
• Josh Groban at the Greek: Live performance of "Believe" by Josh Groban.
• Meet the Snow Angels: Interviews with cast and crew sharing their Christmas memories.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "The Polar Express."
• THQ Game Demo: A commercial for the video game, not a playable demo.

'The Polar Express,' directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the enchanting book by Chris Van Allsburg, emerges as more than just a festive season watch; it's an exploratory journey that resonates deeply with the Christmas spirit and the core of human beliefs. The movie's unique proposition lies in its ability to delve into the realms of belief, friendship, and self-discovery through a visually captivating 3-D presentation on Blu-ray. Its story pivots around a young boy, teetering on the brink of disbelief in Santa Claus, who is whisked away on a magical train ride to the North Pole. This adventure rekindles his faith in Christmas and introduces him to new friends, all while showcasing Zemeckis’ innovative use of motion capture technology.

Despite initial skepticism owing to its somewhat uncanny valley aesthetics, as some viewers found the CGI characters to evoke a less traditionally heartwarming appearance, this technological approach does blur into an abstract art form that ultimately enhances the viewing experience. However, the visual style teeters close to overshadowing the narrative but finds redemption in its heartfelt message. The film excels in creating a spectrum of identifiable characters without overtly naming them, except Billy, allowing the audience to see themselves within the story and learn through each character’s journey towards realizing the essence of Christmas— a message more profound than the usual holiday materialism, albeit subtly shadowed by the more commercial undertones that some viewers felt detracted from its potential depth.

Critics and audiences alike are divided on 'The Polar Express.' Some see it as a technological marvel that successfully melds action with the spirit of Christmas, bringing about a poignant exploration of belief amidst an action-packed adventure to the North Pole. Others view it through a more critical lens, highlighting a perceived lack of depth in its moral and slightly eerie visual expressions of its characters. Nonetheless, it stands out for its bold narrative approach, eschewing named characters for universally relatable archetypes embarking on a shared journey of discovery. This method reinforces the communal spirit of Christmas and the individual introspection it invites. Above all, 'The Polar Express' invites viewers of all ages to revisit the warmth of childhood wonder and belief, packaged in a visually stunning cinematic experience.

"The Polar Express" Blu-ray presentation offers an immersive journey back into one of the most visually stunning and emotionally captivating Christmas movies of recent times. It stands shoulder to shoulder with holiday classics such as "A Christmas Story" and "It's A Wonderful Life," beautifully capturing the essence of Christmas through the eyes of a child. The film's adept use of cutting-edge moviemaking technology, coupled with its rich tapestry of adventure, drama, and heartfelt moments, reaffirms its place in the pantheon of family entertainment. This edition comes with an upgraded 3-D version which, despite some shortcomings, adds a fresh dimension to the viewing experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack enhances the auditory immersion, ensuring every train whistle and snow crunch is felt more deeply than ever before.

Warner Brothers has been meticulous in porting over all the supplements from the previous Blu-ray release, ensuring longtime fans and newcomers alike have plenty to explore beyond the film itself. Despite some critique that the movie may feel emotionally distant to some viewers, its visual spectacle cannot be denied, offering enough wonderment to captivate children and adults alike. The 2-D version retains its original charm with gorgeous visuals that are as enchanting as ever, making this Blu-ray a comprehensive package that respects the film's legacy while embracing new technology.

In conclusion, "The Polar Express" Blu-ray is a definitive must-have for enthusiasts and collectors. Its ability to weave technology with storytelling—though met with mixed feelings towards its 3-D rendition—still presents a compelling case for its inclusion in holiday movie marathons. The auditory and visual enhancements bring a new life to this modern classic, ensuring that its message about the importance of belief and the true spirit of Christmas continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.