One Hundred and One Dalmatians Blu-ray Review

The Diamond Edition Blu-ray release of "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" boasts a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation. While film grain has been scrubbed, akin to previous Disney releases, it doesn’t devolve into the pitfalls encountered with "The Sword in the Stone." Slight softening and minor blurring of fine lines and background elements are present due to noise reduction, yet these issues are minimal, significantly outweighed by the overall improvement in clarity and sharpness. The film retains its original muted color palette, reflective of its wintery and rustic scenes, but vivid accents like the hues of the Radcliffe residence and Cruella De Vil's eccentric fashion choices stand out with pleasing vibrancy. Black levels are deep and consistent, contributing to a well-balanced contrast throughout the film, devoid of major concerns such as macroblocking or banding.

The transfer manages to preserve the intrinsic roughness of the animation style, with visible sketch lines characteristic of Disney's work during that era. This coarser look resonates with comparisons to Don Bluth's early animations and remains true to the film’s original aesthetics. The color reproduction is accurately handled, with blacks appearing solid and ink-like, enhancing the stark visual contrast against the snowy backdrops teeming with Dalmatian pups. Despite some minor artifact presence, such as fleeting spots of grain or specks, the transfer stands up as a clean and remarkably detailed visualization. Ultimately, while purists may lament the intrusion of noise reduction, the overall presentation exemplifies a markedly enhanced viewing experience, ensuring "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" looks better than ever on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation of "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" on Blu-ray offers two main options: the primary is a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track and a lossy Dolby Digital presentation of the original mono mix. For audiophiles, the DTS-HD MA 7.1 track provides a meticulously crafted experience with clean and intelligible dialogue, subtle directional effects, and a dynamic music score. Rear speaker activity and LFE support, while not overwhelming, enhance the immersion without diverging from the film’s original tone. Modernized touches like the echoing Twilight Bark and the rumbling bass of Cruella's car are well-executed, making the surround sound engaging, though not revolutionary.

However, there is some disappointment regarding the original theatrical mix being relegated to a lossy Dolby Digital format. While purists may appreciate its inclusion, the lack of a lossless option diminishes its full potential. The 7.1 track, despite its sophistication, can sometimes feel a touch too light for an immersive experience. The rear speakers provide ambient sounds but largely take a back seat to the front channels. Still, technical excellence is evident with dynamic range and clear dialogue ensuring an overall satisfying auditory journey. The inclusion of additional audio tracks in French and Spanish, along with subtitles in English SDH, English, French, and Spanish, enhances accessibility.

In conclusion, while the DTS-HD MA 7.1 track stands out for its modernity and clarity, the missed opportunity for a lossless original mono mix slightly tempers the experience. The 7.1 mix elevates the classic film’s sound design with notable low-end moments and strategic sound effects, ensuring long-time fans and new viewers alike find enjoyment in this updated audio presentation.

The Blu Ray extras for "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" offer an engaging and informative look into the creation and legacy of this beloved Disney classic, all presented with a mix of new and repurposed content in high definition. Highlights include the detailed recounting of transitioning to cost-effective animation techniques like Xerox copying, discussions about industry challenges from company veterans, and enthusiastic insights from younger Disney stars. The extras not only dive into technical aspects but also celebrate the film's artistic milestones and its cultural impact. However, the inclusion of historical promotional material like trailers and radio spots enriches the context further.

Extras included in this disc:

• Lucky Dogs: Disney staff discuss production challenges and animation techniques.
• Dalmatians 101: Kid-friendly overview hosted by Cameron Boyce.
• The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt: Short animated feature.
• The Best Doggoned Dog in the World: Episode from The Wonderful World of Disney.
• DisneyView: Custom artwork replaces black sidebars.
• Classic Bonus Features:
  • Redefining the Line: The Making of 101 Dalmatians
  • Cruella De Vil: Drawn to Be Bad
  • Sincerely Yours, Walt Disney
  • Music & More Bonus Content

Disney’s “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” originally released in 1961, stands as a pivotal film in the history of Disney animation. The story centers on Roger and Anita Radcliffe and their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, who become parents to fifteen puppies. When the villainous Cruella De Vil orchestrates the kidnapping of the puppies for a fur coat, Pongo and Perdita must rally their animal friends to rescue them. Noted for its unique Xerox animation process introduced by Ub Iwerks, the film cut production costs significantly during a financially bleak period for Disney.

The animation in “101 Dalmatians” is distinguished by its raw, unrefined lines, reflective of the Xerox technique used to transfer artists’ drawings directly onto cels. This method allowed Disney to produce the film at half the traditional cost, thereby saving the studio from potential closure. The visual style, characterized by visible pencil lines, provides a scrappy yet vivid energy that brings Dodie Smith's characters to an expressive life. Despite the simplicity of its plot and the segmented structure, the film excels in endearing character arcs and an adventurous rescue mission that sustains excitement throughout its lean 79-minute runtime.

Cruella De Vil emerges as one of Disney's most iconic villains, with a malicious, single-minded obsession with fur that makes her presence both memorable and unnerving. Her actions drive a climactic chase filled with high stakes and palpable tension. Though the narrative includes only one musical number, “Cruella De Vil,” its out-of-place nature doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience. Coupled with a rich tapestry of supporting characters and sharply animated sequences, “101 Dalmatians” remains a classic – not for its perfect structure but for its innovative animation, charming characters, and heartwarming storytelling that has captivated audiences across generations.

The long-awaited Blu-ray release of "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" brings this beloved Disney classic to vibrant high definition, delighting both new viewers and long-time fans alike. This timeless tale, notable for its historical significance and innovative animation techniques, looks better than ever. The video presentation impressively maintains the integrity of the original artwork, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track delivers a rich and immersive auditory experience.

Disney has done a remarkable job in curating this Blu-ray edition, ensuring it includes an extensive selection of extras. Nearly all special features from previous editions are ported over, alongside brand-new content that enhances the viewing experience. This generous collection of extras provides an in-depth look at the film's creation and lasting impact, making it both entertaining and informative for audiences of all ages.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" is a standout. It offers exceptional audio and visual quality, a wealth of special features, and the enduring charm of a Disney classic. This is a highly recommended addition to any collection, promising countless hours of entertainment and nostalgia for both children and adults.