Watership Down Blu-ray Review

Martin Rosen's "Watership Down" has been presented on Blu-ray by Criterion in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding and a stunning 1080p transfer. This digital marvel was meticulously crafted from the 35mm original camera negatives at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging in Burbank, California. The dedication to preserving and enhancing the film's integrity is further evidenced by the remastering of the original stereo soundtrack at a crisp, 24-bit quality from a 35mm magnetic track, utilizing advanced restoration technologies like Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's integrated workstation, and iZotope RX 4 to eliminate auditory imperfections such as clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle.

Visual fidelity is exceptional, showcasing a broad spectrum of deeply organic colors that significantly contribute to the film's distinctive ambiance. Noticeable shifts in the primary color palette—specifically in blues, browns, and greens—not only add to the visual storytelling but also underscore the film's thematic depth and narrative evolution. Despite occasional fluctuations in depth and clarity, which seemingly align with the original visual design intentions, the overall image quality remains remarkably stable with no discernable digital artifacts. The absence of debris, damage marks, or any form of physical degradation solidifies this Blu-ray rendition of "Watership Down" as a superior and authentic viewing experience.

This Criterion release stands out not only for its technical merits but also for the care invested in preserving the film's organic visual appeal. Frank Roman’s supervision as the colorist at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging ensures that each frame vibrates with life, perfectly in tune with the film’s ethos. This is a definitive presentation that respects the source material's integrity while offering a fresh and immersive viewing experience. It must be noted, however, that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a compatible player for playback.

The audio presentation of the "Watership Down" Blu-ray, featuring an English LPCM 2.0 (Stereo) track, stands as a fine example of how essential sound design is to the storytelling process. Despite the absence of a multichannel surround sound mix, this stereo track delivers in clarity and depth, ensuring that dialogue is crystal clear and easily understandable throughout the film. The lack of any noticeable audio imperfections such as pops, cracks, background hiss, or digital distortions contributes to a clean and immersive listening experience. Additionally, Criterion's inclusion of optional English subtitles is a thoughtful touch, catering to a broader audience.

The film's score, crafted by Angela Morley, plays a critical role in enhancing the emotional and dramatic moments of the narrative. It’s evident that the music has been given ample space to breathe and resonate within the mix, thus elevating the overall impact of key scenes. Although the track doesn't showcase an expansive dynamic range as one might find in more modern or aggressive surround sound mixes, it nonetheless excels in presenting a well-balanced and engaging audio experience. The lush orchestral compositions are presented with a warmth and richness that complement the film's animation and thematic elements beautifully.

In summary, while the audio track on the "Watership Down" Blu-ray may seem simplistic due to its LPCM 2.0 stereo configuration, its execution is anything but. The clean, undistorted dialogue coupled with Morley's emotive score succeeds in drawing the viewer deeper into the rabbits' journey. The technical proficiency displayed in ensuring the track is devoid of any auditory flaws speaks volumes of the care taken in its presentation. For aficionados who value sound quality and are looking to experience this classic film in the best audio format available, this release meets the mark admirably.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Watership Down" is a meticulously curated compilation that enhances not only the viewing experience but also provides in-depth insights into the creation and significance of this animated classic. The inclusion of interviews with Guillermo del Toro and Martin Rosen offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, highlighting the film's impact and the hurdles overcome during its production. Del Toro's reflections bring a contemporary view, focusing on socio-political themes, while Rosen provides a firsthand account of production challenges and creative decisions. The "Defining a Style" featurette and storyboards offer a behind-the-scenes look at the animation process, showcasing the team's artistic contributions and conceptual evolution. An illustrated leaflet adds a scholarly touch with Gerard Jones' essay, creating a complete package that respects both the art and audience. The original trailer rounds off the extras, preserving its historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Watership Down.
• A Movie Miracle: Guillermo del Toro on Watership Down: Del Toro shares his admiration and insights on the film.
• Passion Project: Martin Rosen on Watership Down: Rosen discusses the production challenges and his vision for the adaptation.
• Defining a Style: A look into the contributions of key animators and background artists.
• Storyboards: Viewers can explore the animation team's storyboard process.
• Leaflet: Features Gerard Jones' essay on the film.

Martin Rosen’s adaptation of Richard Adams' "Watership Down" for Criterion’s Blu-ray release captures the haunting beauty and the enduring spirit of the source material while presenting it in a technically refined manner. The 1978 film, true to Adams’ novel, weaves a narrative that is as much a reflection on political ideologies and societal constructs as it is an adventure of a band of courageous rabbits seeking a new home. This Criterion release does not only respect the original work but enhances it with high-quality visuals and sound, ensuring that both its dark and vibrant moments are conveyed with equal potency.

The film's presentation on Blu-ray benefits immensely from an atmospheric animation style that complements Angela Morley’s Oscar-nominated score, adding depth to the already profound tale of survival, leadership, and community. The voice cast, led by John Hurt as Hazel and Richard Briers as Fiver, injects life into the characters with performances that resonate with sincerity and depth. This release is adorned with extras that offer deeper insights into the movie’s creation, including interviews and an archival featurette, enriching the viewing experience for both newcomers and long-standing fans. The inclusion of on-screen storyboards and an illustrated leaflet featuring Gerard Jones' essay also provides a valuable look at the film’s thematic undertones and artistic journey.

Technically, the Blu-ray showcases Criterion’s commitment to quality, boasting crisp visuals and clear audio that allow viewers to immerse themselves fully in the world of Watership Down. English SDH subtitles make this iconic tale accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that the film’s complex themes around freedom, tyranny, and the quest for a safe haven reach as many viewers as possible. Through this release, "Watership Down" is not only preserved as a crucial piece of animated storytelling but is also celebrated as a multifaceted exploration of the struggles inherent in society and the enduring resilience of hope.

Martin Rosen's adaptation of "Watership Down" presents a timeless narrative that continues to resonate with audiences, offering a mix of emotional depth and socio-political commentary that seems even more relevant today. The restoration and transition to high-definition have breathed new life into the film's stunning visuals, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The high-definition presentation not only accentuates the film’s unique animation style but also emphasizes its thematic richness, making the socio-political observations interwoven throughout the story strikingly vivid. This Blu-ray edition not only delivers in terms of visual quality but is complemented by the inclusion of insightful video interviews with Martin Rosen and esteemed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, enriching the contextual framework for both new viewers and longtime fans.

Criterion's release of "Watership Down" on Blu-ray represents a significant enhancement over previous formats, marrying the film's original artistic achievements with contemporary technological advancements. The meticulous restoration process ensures that every frame illustrates the painstaking attention to detail that went into its creation, offering a visual feast that pays homage to its source material. Furthermore, the special features, including the new video interviews, offer valuable perspectives that deepen the appreciation of the film’s enduring legacy and its influencial storytelling techniques.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Watership Down" by Criterion is an essential acquisition for aficionados of animation and film history alike. Its high-definition restoration not only showcases the film’s visual and thematic majesty but also serves as a testament to its lasting impact on viewers and culture at large. The expertly curated extras, including interviews with key figures like Martin Rosen and Guillermo del Toro, provide meaningful insights into the film's creation and its place in cinematic history. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for both newcomers and those looking to re-experience the film in unparalleled quality.