Hercules Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "Hercules" delivers a satisfying visual experience with some minor but forgivable imperfections. Similar to the Blu-ray release of "Tarzan," "Hercules" exhibits occasional issues such as aliasing, macroblocking, and banding. However, these anomalies are significantly less prevalent and less noticeable in motion on a properly calibrated display. The visuals maintain strong and stable color and contrast, with primaries that are vivid and black levels that are impressively deep. The integrity of the animation remains largely intact, with excellent line art definition and crisp background clarity, though the film's CG elements still display more pronounced aliasing due to their original animation, not the encoding.

Presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the Blu-ray transfer stands out with a sharp, colorful image free of artifacting, banding, or noise. While not quite as vibrant as "Tarzan," this difference is attributable to the original animation styles rather than any shortcomings in the transfer. The strong black levels are particularly beneficial in scenes featuring the darkened environments and Hades character. Details are robust, although the angled animation style of "Hercules" sometimes results in noticeable frame-to-frame ‘jumps’ where smooth transitions falter. Despite these minor issues, fans can enjoy the best visual presentation of "Hercules" since its theatrical release, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Hercules" is executed impressively, delivering a compelling auditory experience that complements the film's vibrant action and adventure. Dialogue and folly effects are rendered with exceptional clarity, ensuring clean and precise communication within the soundscape. The LFE track brings a robust presence, adding heft that makes the giants, titans, and monsters feel formidable. The rear speaker activity enhances the immersion with engaging and energetic directional effects, ensuring that the soundfield remains full and dynamic. This crafted six-channel mix ensures voices are crystal clear, with prioritization allowing no element to overwhelm or disrupt the dialogue’s precision.

Musical numbers, while subjectively varied in appeal, are significantly elevated by the DTS-HD track. The surround sound deftly distinguishes the instrumentals from the lyrics, providing a rich stereo spread and dynamic range. This proficiency in directionality is particularly noticeable in scenes with character movements, like Hades swooping across the screen, where the sound elegantly transitions from rear speakers to front and vice versa. Although the low-end may not be as imposing as other Disney releases like "Tarzan," "Hercules" excels in immersiveness through its well-crafted imaging. Additionally, Dolby Digital tracks are available in various languages, and subtitles are offered in English SDH, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, enhancing overall accessibility.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Hercules" offer a nostalgic yet somewhat limited look back at the iconic animated film. The features are presented in standard definition and full-frame format, which may disappoint those expecting high-definition quality. The highlight, "The Making of Hercules," is a brief 9-minute promotional reel from 1997 that includes comments from the cast and crew but lacks substantial behind-the-scenes content. Other extras include a Ricky Martin music video for "Go the Distance" in Spanish and a standard sing-along version of "Zero to Hero," both of which add nostalgic value but little else.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Hercules: An archival promotional reel from 1997, providing minimal behind-the-scenes content.
• Music Video: Ricky Martin's rendition of "Go the Distance" in Spanish.
• Zero to Hero Sing-Along: Standard definition sing-along featuring on-screen lyrics.

Disney's "Hercules," released as part of a substantial Blu-ray collection, offers a unique spin on the tale of Zeus' son, transforming traditional Greek mythology into a vibrant, fast-paced animated feature. The story follows Hercules, voiced by Tate Donovan, as he tries to prove himself a true hero to reclaim his place among the gods on Mount Olympus. Supported by a diverse cast, including Danny DeVito as his trainer Phil and James Woods stealing the show as the villainous Hades, the movie is an energetic mix of humor, action, and mythology. However, much of its appeal relies heavily on pop culture references and self-aware humor, which can be divisive among viewers. While its fast pace keeps the narrative lively, it often feels rushed and disjointed.

The animation style of "Hercules" breaks away from Disney's more polished classics, opting for a rougher design inspired by ancient Greek artwork. This produces a distinctive but polarizing visual experience. Although the hand-drawn animation showcases fluid body movements and expressive characters, the integration of CGI elements, particularly in sequences like the hydra battle, feels somewhat dated compared to more seamless blends found in contemporaneous films like "Tarzan." Despite these issues, an undercurrent of electrifying energy carries the film through its uneven moments, thanks largely to the comedic timing and vocal performances of the primary cast.

Musically, "Hercules" deviates from Disney's traditional soundtracks by incorporating southern gospel and R&B influences into its score, composed by Alan Menken. While the film includes the memorable "Go the Distance," the majority of songs performed by the Muses narration group fail to leave a significant impact and feel out of place within the context of Greek mythology. Although some scenes fall flat and certain plot devices feel predictable, the film’s wit and spirited execution still offer plenty of entertainment value, especially if approached with a less critical mindset.

Disney's "Hercules" Blu-ray release offers a technically impressive audiovisual experience despite a few notable shortcomings. The video presentation is solid, showcasing vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance the lively animation. Additionally, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track delivers an impactful audio experience, ensuring the film's various sound elements are clearly and dynamically presented. These aspects bolster the Blu-ray's overall appeal, positioning it as a commendable release in terms of audiovisual quality.

However, the release falters in its supplementary package. The bonus materials are not only scant but also dated, lacking the depth and breadth one might expect from a special edition release. This is particularly disappointing considering Disney's ample archival resources. The absence of substantial extras, like comprehensive behind-the-scenes content or even the original trailer, marks a missed opportunity to enrich the viewing experience for fans and collectors alike.

In summary, while "Hercules" on Blu-ray boasts excellent visual and audio quality that will please most viewers, its lackluster collection of extras detracts from its overall value. The Blu-ray remains a worthwhile purchase primarily for those who appreciate high-quality AV presentations or are dedicated Disney animation enthusiasts. For the broader audience, it may fall short of expectations, especially when compared to more robust releases in Disney's catalog.