Young Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Young Sherlock Holmes" exhibits substantial shortcomings primarily due to the outdated transfer employed. Paramount has not revitalized the film; instead, it displays signs of neglect with occasional splotches and speckles noticeable throughout the viewing. The problematic application of edge enhancement and digital noise reduction (DNR) further compromises the visual fidelity, rendering an image that is both soft and flat in texture. Although the shift from Rec. 601 to Rec. 709 color fidelity offers a slight improvement, the overall picture quality remains lackluster. The film's naturally subdued color palette is exacerbated by the transfer's failure to enhance vibrancy, resulting in an uninspiring viewing experience.

The image quality suffers from murky black levels, impairing shadow detail significantly, particularly in darker scenes such as the warehouse exploration sequence. The transfer’s aspect ratio adjustment to 1.78:1 from the theatrical 1.85:1 does not compensate for the visual shortcomings and rather serves to highlight them. Faces appear smeared during motion, backgrounds lose clarity, and wide shots fail to capture intricate details, further degrading the viewing experience. Film grain treatment is also inadequate, presenting a smeary mess that detracts from the desired filmic appearance.

Overall, this Blu-ray release is a disappointment for aficionados who have eagerly awaited its debut, given its evident potential for high-definition remastering. Paramount’s decision not to commission a fresh transfer is perplexing, especially considering substantial fan interest over years. The execution fails to deliver on expectations for a vibrant and engaging visual presentation historically associated with high-quality transfers. Despite being watchable, it undeniably remains a deflated achievement, leaving much to be desired for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "Young Sherlock Holmes" on Blu-ray, while not groundbreaking, offers a respectable and faithful rendering that enhances the film's original sound design. The Dolby TrueHD upgrade improves upon the 2003 DVD's 5.1 mix, showcasing increased clarity and definition. This lossless encode provides a satisfactorily spacious and engaging experience, even if it doesn’t fully envelop or transparently mimic real-life soundscapes. Dialogue delivery is clear and well-grounded in the front-center channel, ensuring vocals are realistic and prioritizing actor inflections effectively.

The front soundstage is notably wide, with admirable stereo separation that faithfully captures the 70mm multi-channel mix narrative presented during its original 1985 theatrical release. The surround channels contribute sparingly, largely employed to enrich ambient sound and extend Bruce Broughton's dynamic musical score. Despite this sparse use, when discrete effects are introduced, they are implemented with precision, maintaining the integrity of the original auditory experience. Notably absent, however, is the original stereo matrixed surround track previously available on the DVD edition, which remains a curious omission given the available disc space.

Overall, while this track may not push a high-end sound system to its limits, it delivers a soundscape characterized by detailed engagement and well-represented core audio elements. Specific scenes, such as the workshop sequence with its engaged side spacing and the lively dining hall ambiance, underscore the solid fidelity throughout. Though not an auditory showcase for home theaters, this Blu-ray offers a satisfying orchestration of "Young Sherlock Holmes" intrinsic audio features, striving to provide as rich an experience as possible within its original production confines.

This Blu-ray release of "Young Sherlock Holmes" notably lacks any supplemental material, disappointing for collectors or aficionados hoping for insights into the film's production. While the Blu-ray comes in an exclusive SteelBook packaging that offers visual appeal with stylized collages of characters and scenes, it does not compensate for the absence of extras, which are essential for a comprehensive cinematic experience. The attractive design, featuring iconic imagery of Holmes magnifying glass in hand, adds aesthetic value but fails to deliver the informative content typical in Blu-ray extras. Absence of even basic features like a theatrical trailer suggests missed opportunities to enhance viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: This release offers no additional content beyond the film itself.

Barry Levinson's "Young Sherlock Holmes" reimagines Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved detective in a thrilling origin story that marks a unique departure from traditional portrayals. Set in a prestigious boarding school, the film introduces a teenage Sherlock Holmes, played by Nicholas Rowe, who is already demonstrating his exceptional deductive reasoning and detective skills. Alongside his future confidant John Watson, depicted humorously and earnestly by Alan Cox, Holmes investigates a string of peculiar deaths linked to a hallucinogenic poison. This investigation leads them to uncover a dark and clandestine cult. The narrative adeptly combines elements of mystery and suspense with character exploration, ensuring audience engagement through its twists while revealing Holmes' vulnerability amidst professional challenges.

The film excels in showcasing the budding chemistry between Holmes and Watson, foreshadowing their legendary partnership familiar to fans. The screenplay skillfully inserts nods to Doyle's original works, effectively respecting the canon while reinventing Holmes’ youthful perspective. Though the film takes creative liberties acknowledged in a closing message, these deviations are crafted with reverence for both character and source material, enriching the cinematic experience. Levinson's direction has faced criticism for lacking dynamism; however, this remains his only solo venture into the Young Adult fantasy genre. Still, it is in its innovative use of special effects where the film stands out significantly. The Oscar-nominated visual effects work—remarkably featuring Pixar’s initial foray into CGI character creation—imbues the film with a visual flair well ahead of its time.

Despite some stylistic parallels drawn with other productions like "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," "Young Sherlock Holmes" shines as a visually compelling and narratively satisfying addition to the detective genre. It merges the cognitive prowess of Sherlock Holmes with adventure elements, creating a cinematic piece that is both entertaining and respectful to its literary roots.

The Blu-ray release of "Young Sherlock Holmes" offers a mix of nostalgia and innovative storytelling, remaining true to the essence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective while reimagining his youthful adventures. The film succeeds in delivering an entertaining narrative that immerses viewers in its historical setting, capturing the spirit and wit of Holmes's early days. However, this home media presentation falls short of expectations in crucial areas.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation is notably deficient. The video quality is alarmingly poor, failing to meet the standard expected from a major studio release. The image lacks sharpness and vibrancy, marking it as one of the most disappointing catalog releases in recent memory. Despite the audio presentation being relatively solid, it fails to compensate for the lackluster visual experience. Additionally, the release is bereft of supplementary materials, leaving enthusiasts and collectors without the extras that often enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the film.

In conclusion, while "Young Sherlock Holmes" delivers on its promise of entertainment and creative reimagining in terms of narrative, Paramount's Blu-ray edition is a regrettable effort. The absence of high-quality video transfer and bonus content undermines the overall appeal, even with the attractive SteelBook packaging. Potential buyers should consider their expectations seriously, as this release caters more to those seeking a physical collector's item rather than a premium viewing experience.