Coco Blu-ray Review

The "Coco" Blu-ray video presentation is a visual masterpiece, showcasing Disney/Pixar's exceptional attention to detail and color. The 1080p Blu-ray transfer, AVC MPEG-4 encoded at 2.40:1, delivers stunning clarity and vivid colors that elevate the animated film to new heights. The colors in Miguel’s journey, especially within the Land of the Dead, are simply mesmerizing—ranging from vibrant purples and blues to the dazzling orange of marigold petals. Each frame bursts with intricate details, such as the fine hairs on Miguel's head, fabric textures in costumes, and the grain in wooden surfaces. Blacks are deep and inky, and whites are crisp and brilliant, enhancing the overall contrast and depth without any noticeable artifacts. The transfer holds up well against contemporary 4K standards, making it a reference-quality disc.

Textural detail is superb throughout, with cobblestone streets, worn building exteriors, and interior walls rendered with impeccable precision. This showcases the meticulous work of the digital artists and exhibits Blu-ray's capabilities in delivering high-definition content. The visual presentation captures every nuance, from wrinkles on characters to cracks in wooden surfaces, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. Blacks maintain their richness and depth across various scenes, supporting a three-dimensional feel that keeps viewers engaged. Moreover, minor imperfections like mild aliasing in wide shots are negligible and do not detract from the overall visual splendor of the film.

In summary, "Coco" on Blu-ray exemplifies top-tier visual quality, with intricate details and vibrant colors that highlight both the film's artistic craftsmanship and the rock-solid performance of the high-definition format. Despite being shown in 1080p rather than 4K UHD, the presentation stands as a testament to Disney/Pixar's mastery in animation and digital transfer knowledge. This Blu-ray delivers an exceptional viewing experience that will captivate audiences from start to finish.

The Blu-ray release of "Coco" provides a diverse range of audio mixes, including DTS-HD MA 7.1, DTS-HD HR 5.1, and Dolby Digital 2.0 in English. Notably, the 4K UHD version includes a Dolby Atmos track. While both the DTS-HD MA 7.1 and Atmos tracks are commendable, they share similarities that make them hard to differentiate, particularly in terms of dynamic range, overhead utilization, and LFE impact, which don't fully reach their potential. Still, the soundtracks excel in creating an immersive experience, with crisp dialogue and effective utilization of the surrounds, especially evident during scenes like Miguel's ventures into the Land of the Dead and the bustling Day of the Dead parade. The LFE is particularly punchy during fireworks displays and musical sequences, though it falls short of being profoundly impactful.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix on the Blu-ray is robust, capturing the film's musical intricacies and atmospherics beautifully. It promotes an immersive recreation of scenes that wrap viewers in detailed ambient sounds. Despite a lack of raw aggression and volume at standard review-reference levels, this can be mitigated by increasing the volume. Instrumentals, especially those depicted within the film, exhibit clarity and richness, making every guitar strum and vocal note feel tangible. Sound effects offer effortless imaging and precise placement, while dialogue maintains unwavering clarity, positioning, and prominence throughout.

Users need to be mindful that the disc defaults to the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track automatically; selecting the desired 7.1 configuration is recommended for optimal experience. The directional effects during talent shows and concerts highlight excellent panning and immersion, creating a 360° soundfield. Up-mixing using Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X successfully extends these effects into the overheads, enhancing the soundscape. The front soundstage is expansive, with mid-range clarity revealing exceptional detail. Music benefits significantly from this treatment, delivering warmth and fidelity across all frequencies, complemented by an ample but understated bass that enhances rather than overwhelms the visuals. Throughout fantastical elements, vocals maintain priority, adding emotional depth to each line delivered.

The Blu Ray of "Coco" offers a substantial collection of extras, spread over two discs, providing an immersive experience into the making of the film. The content is varied and engaging, ranging from filmmaker commentary to in-depth behind-the-scenes features. Noteworthy inclusions are the extensive research trips to Mexico that informed the film's authenticity, and detailed explorations of the music, costumes, and visual design. The collection is both insightful and entertaining, making it an excellent addition for fans and professionals interested in the intricacies of animated film production.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes with Introductions: Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina discuss deleted scenes' roles in Coco's development.
Filmmaker Commentary: In-depth commentary by Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina, and producer Darla K. Anderson.
The Music of Coco: Exploration of the beautiful fusion of music essential to Coco's story.
Paths to Pixar: Coco: Exploration of how the crew's personal stories resonate with the movie's themes.
A Thousand Pictures a Day: Immersive travelogue through Mexico during Día de los Muertos.
How to Draw a Skeleton: Lesson on drawing skeletons using simple shapes.
Mi Familia: Deep dive into developing the Rivera family and the meaning of family.
Land of Our Ancestors: Construction and inspiration behind the Land of the Dead's architecture.

Disney/Pixar's Coco stands as a testament to the studio's dedication to heartfelt storytelling and rich cultural representation. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mexico's Dia de Muertos, the narrative centers on young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), who harbors a secret passion for music despite his family's long-standing ban on the art form. This prohibition stems from an ancestral history where Miguel's great-great-grandfather abandoned his family to pursue a musical career, leaving behind his wife Imelda (Alanna Ubach) and their daughter Coco. The movie deftly weaves Miguel's quest to reconcile his love for music with family expectations, taking the audience on an emotional journey through both the colorful land of the living and the ethereal realm of the dead.

Visually, Coco is a marvel. Pixar once again demonstrates their technical prowess with intricate animation that brings both worlds to life with stunning detail and authenticity. From the kaleidoscopic hues and bustling activity of the underworld to the lifelike facial expressions and movements of its characters, the film is evidence of meticulous research and execution. Cultural elements, such as traditional masks, spirit guides, and family altars, are portrayed with a level of respect and accuracy that enriches the film's narrative depth. The voice cast, including Gael Garcia Bernal as Hector and Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz, delivers convincing performances that anchor the film's multifaceted emotional arcs.

Thematically, Coco is anchored by its exploration of memory and familial bonds. Despite some predictability in its plot twists, the film manages to resonate deeply with its portrayal of remembrance and legacy. The emotional core culminates in an incredibly touching finale that emphasizes the importance of never forgetting those who came before us. This blend of narrative heart, visual splendor, and cultural fidelity elevates Coco into the upper echelons of Pixar's storied filmography, making it not only a technical achievement but also a profoundly moving cinematic experience.

Pixar's "Coco" is an exemplary addition to Disney/Pixar's esteemed collection, emphasizing significant human themes within an innovative cultural milieu. This film departs from traditional narratives, opting instead for a heartfelt exploration of Mexican heritage through the vibrant celebration of the Day of the Dead. The story orbits around a young musician's enchanting and emotional journey in the Land of the Dead, where he connects with his ancestors, evoking a rich tapestry of familial love and remembrance. Noteworthy performances by Benjamin Bratt, Anthony Gonzalez, and Gael Garcia Bernal elevate the narrative, creating a universally resonant tale.

From a technical perspective, "Coco" is a benchmark in digital animation and cinematic sound. The Blu-ray release is meticulous in maintaining the visual splendor with a 2.39:1 AVC presentation that is both lush and meticulously detailed, providing a visually immersive experience. Audio options include DTS-HD MA 7.1, DTS-HD HR 5.1, and DD 2.0 in multiple languages, delivering exceptional auditory clarity and dynamic range. The disc excels with subtitled options in English SDH, French, and Spanish, catering to a broad audience. Moreover, the robust suite of supplemental materials enhances the viewing experience, offering in-depth behind-the-scenes insights and additional content that underscores the film's cultural significance.

In conclusion, "Coco" is a must-own Blu-ray for its masterful storytelling enriched by cultural depth and its unparalleled technical execution. This film stands as a testament to Pixar's commitment to pushing the boundaries of animated filmmaking while preserving the essence of human connection. The exceptional video and audio presentation coupled with comprehensive extras make "Coco" highly recommended for audiences seeking an emotionally compelling and technically superb home entertainment experience.