Cool World Blu-ray Review

Shout Select's Collector's Edition of "Cool World" presents an impressive video transfer, originating from a meticulous 4K scan of the original camera negative, and personally approved by director Ralph Bakshi. The film, now available on a BD-50 disc with a 35.81 GB size, is encoded in MPEG-4 AVC at a high mean video bitrate of 33,000 kbps. This release notably advances from the earlier 2003 DVD-5 version, preserving the feature in its authentic theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The transfer adeptly maintains the film's inherent grain and cel animation, ensuring a natural look without overt digital enhancement or unwanted processing. Such refined treatment results in no discernable print flaws and a commendable video quality score of 4.75 out of 5.

The video presentation highlights "Cool World’s" hybrid aesthetic, uniting live action with animation in a way that is both vibrant and distinctive. The live-action sequences exhibit superb depth and clarity, further enhanced by rich black levels that highlight the sharpness of the cinematography. This aesthetic choice aligns with Bakshi’s directive for a dark, atmospheric world that deviates from conventional Hollywood animation, instead drawing inspiration from underground cartoonists with their eccentric geometric forms. The animated portions are particularly unique, creating a vivid, sometimes seedy world that adds to the film's intriguing visual narrative.

Overall, the pristine condition of the elements and the unfiltered film-like presentation underscore this Blu-ray release as likely the best iteration of "Cool World" to date. Despite occasional awkwardness in scenes blending live actors with animated characters, this expertly executed 1080p transfer offers a well-preserved and enthralling visual experience for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Cool World" provides a captivating and immersive auditory experience, leveraging the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix and the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix. The 5.1 track, with its 2929 kbps and 24-bit resolution, offers clean separation and an expansive soundstage. This soundscape skillfully complements "Cool World's" zany cartoon environment, making it both vivid and dynamic. Dialogue clarity is impeccable, ensuring that conversations by both the Noids and Doodles remain intelligible throughout. The surround sound design enriches the viewer's engagement with this animated realm.

Undoubtedly, composer Mark Isham's score stands as a highlight, enhancing the overall audio experience. The jazz-infused tunes are both striking and expertly integrated into the film's soundscape, with pristine clarity across both audio tracks. Saxophonists Nigel Hitchcock and Rick Keller deliver standout performances, while the inclusion of various artists like David Bowie in the end credits adds depth to the already vibrant soundtrack. Ballads by Brian Eno, Moby, Harold Arlen, and Johnny Mercer further augment the feature's musical tapestry, played back in full fidelity.

For those requiring additional accessibility options, the Blu-ray also includes optional English SDH subtitles, presented in a clear white font for readability. The presentation of these technical features ensures that both enthusiasts and newcomers will find "Cool World's" audio well-balanced and enveloping, embodying the creative flair and technical precision that define its production.

The "Cool World" Blu-ray extras provide insightful context into the film's tumultuous production, though the selection is limited. The centerpiece is "The Wild Minds of Cool World," a retrospective documentary featuring candid interviews with principal contributors. Director Ralph Bakshi discusses his original vision for an animated horror feature and the challenges he faced with Paramount, highlighting the divergence in creative direction. Kim Basinger reflects on embodying her character, Holli Would, and working with animation, emphasizing the film's experimental nature. Producer Frank Mancuso Jr. touches on his mediating role and defends the project's outcomes despite compromises. Despite some audio clarity issues, particularly with Bakshi, the feature provides valuable behind-the-scenes insights. Additionally, two of Paramount's original trailers offer a glimpse into the promotional efforts, albeit not restored to their original quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Wild Minds of Cool World: Behind-the-scenes documentary with new interviews.
• Trailers: Two original theatrical trailers.

Ralph Bakshi's "Cool World" is an audacious venture, blending Forties film noir aesthetics with a lively mix of animation and live-action. Despite being produced as a potential summer blockbuster akin to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," the movie's attempt to target a PG-13 audience with its unusual premise proved challenging. The film explores adult themes within a vibrant animated world, a combination too suggestive for kids yet overly whimsical for adult cinephiles.

"A" significant feature of the film is its animation, which is fascinatingly intricate and reflects Bakshi's distinctive artistic flair. Despite narrative shortcomings, the artwork offers a captivating glimpse into a shadowy, stylized rendition of classic cinema that differs from its contemporaries by embracing darker, underground motifs. While the plot may lack coherence, the creative animation sequences do stand out. They embody a raw energy and passion that make them almost solely worth the viewing.

The casting of Brad Pitt as Detective Frank Harris and Gabriel Byrne as Jack Deebs initially seemed promising. However, many argue that switching their roles might have better served the film's dynamics. Kim Basinger, voicing Holli Would, contributes a playful performance reminiscent of classic bombshells but ultimately caught in a movie that struggles to maintain a coherent tone. "Cool World," though flawed in its execution, should be noted for taking bold risks. Despite being an awkward spectacle, its innovative visual approach and the adventurous spirit behind its creation highlight an ambitious attempt at something profoundly different.

The Blu-ray release of "Cool World" offers an intriguing revisit to Ralph Bakshi's ambitious yet polarizing project. Despite its box office challenges, the film presents a unique blend of traditional and unconventional animation styles intertwined with live-action, set against a narrative landscape reminiscent, but not directly influenced by, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." Ralph Bakshi's diverse visual palette is apparent, rendering the movie a visual spectacle that invites repeat viewings to fully grasp its artistic design. "Cool World" isn't a straightforward animated feature; instead, it offers a chaotic mix of aesthetics that both confound and captivate.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer by Shout Select delivers a visually refreshed presentation that closely aligns with Bakshi’s original vision, providing clarity and vibrancy in every frame. The lossless audio track complements the visually dynamic scenes with depth and fidelity, effectively supporting the movie's hyperactive sound design. However, bonus content is lackluster and limited to a brief retrospective documentary, leaving collectors desiring more in-depth extras. These technical aspects highlight the film’s complex artistry, though the limited supplementary material might not satisfy all enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while "Cool World" may not achieve the landmark innovation of its contemporaries, it remains a unique exploration of mixed media presentation deserving of attention. The Blu-ray release, with its technical enhancements, renews an opportunity for audiences to appreciate Bakshi’s anomalous contribution to animated cinema. This edition is recommended for those fascinated by eclectic animation styles and who appreciate revisiting cult classics with a fresh perspective. Be advised that newcomers should adjust expectations and embrace the film's eccentric nature as part of its charm.