The Secret of NIMH Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Secret of NIMH" brings mixed results in terms of video quality. Despite being presented in 1080p with an AVC encode, the transfer exhibits a variety of significant issues that should have been addressed during the restoration process. The image suffers from persistent dirt, debris, and visible scratches, leading to a rather disappointing viewing experience. Additionally, brightness flickering and occasional color fluctuations detract further from the overall quality. Certain scenes, particularly the opening titles, are marred by severe ghosting effects and judder, undermining what is supposed to be an immersive visual journey.

However, not all is lost: certain scenes display colors with eye-catching vibrancy and depth. The earthy tones, the glowing orange eyes of the owl, and Mrs. Brisby's cloak show a commendable range of hues. Specific effects such as glowing candle flames and the amulet's throbbing red power are rendered effectively. Although there are no signs of overt edge enhancement or banding, the heavy grain and lack of digital noise reduction result in a grittier image compared to other high-definition transfers, notably those from Disney. Some viewers might appreciate this as it preserves a more organic look, but others may see it as a missed opportunity for a cleaner presentation.

In summary, while this Blu-ray edition reveals greater detail than previous home video formats and maintains a natural grain structure without digital tinkering, its visual inconsistencies and blemishes are hard to overlook. It's evident that MGM fell short in providing a comprehensive restoration, leaving fans wishing for a cleaner and more polished transfer that meets the standards of contemporary high-definition media.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track for The Secret of NIMH delivers a solid, faithful audio presentation consistent with the film’s original sound design. The star of the audio experience is undoubtedly Jerry Goldsmith's enchanting score, which resonates with a warm and rich quality, faithfully reproduced by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Action scenes gain depth from the score, while subtler moments like Mrs. Brisby's explorations are effectively supported by the detailed effects, such as the soft cracking of the owl's neck and the skittering of tiny feet. Despite dated elements, the sound mix generally maintains clarity and presence without attempting any unnecessary enhancements to create a false surround experience.

Dialogue clarity is a mixed bag; while it remains comprehensible, it occasionally suffers from a lack of weight and presence, especially in more subdued scenes. Voices can sound thin and somewhat flimsy, particularly during Jeremy's high-pitched rants where minor imperfections such as hisses and cackles are noticeable. The action sequences, although constricted by their era-typical audio design, still manage to deliver an immersive quality. Metallic clashes and mechanical sounds are presented with reasonable impact, though not as vibrantly as a contemporary mix might allow.

Overall, while some may have preferred a more modern 5.1 surround presentation, the two-channel mix does an adequate job of preserving the film’s original auditory experience. With its rich musical scores and reasonably clear dialogue, The Secret of NIMH offers an engaging auditory journey that complements its visual narrative well despite minor deficiencies inherent in older recordings. The subtle storm effects toward the film's end serve as a perfect example of how effective stereo sound can be in delivering atmospheric tension.

The extras for "The Secret of NIMH" Blu-Ray are a valuable addition, providing substantial insights and behind-the-scenes content that enhances the viewing experience. The star inclusion is the audio commentary by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, originally recorded in 2007, which is both engaging and educational. They delve into the film's production challenges and the innovative techniques they employed, maintaining an amiable rapport throughout. Additionally, the "Secrets Behind the Secret" featurette offers a succinct yet informative overview of the adaptation process from book to screen, hosted by Bluth and Goldman. This set concludes with the original theatrical trailer in high definition, adding a nostalgic touch. Overall, these extras ensure that fans and animation enthusiasts gain a deeper understanding of the film’s creative journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman: In-depth discussion on animation techniques and production challenges.
• Secrets Behind the Secret Featurette: Overview of the story-to-screen process.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: High-definition version of the original movie trailer.

"The Secret of NIMH," often hailed as Don Bluth's magnum opus, presents an engaging yet thought-provoking narrative that mixes charm with darker themes rarely explored in animated features. The storyline, based on Robert C. O'Brien's novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH," follows Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse who seeks to save her sick son from impending danger, leading her to a group of intelligent rats who were test subjects at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This backdrop offers a rich and layered story that weaves elements of fantasy, science fiction, and emotional depth, making it a standout in the annals of animated cinema.

The animation, completed under significant time and budget constraints, is both atmospheric and artistically sophisticated, showcasing Bluth's commitment to traditional animation techniques. The character designs are expressive, and the visual effects, such as luminous fire and precise movement physics, highlight the meticulous craftsmanship. However, the Blu-ray transfer has sparked mixed reactions; while it brings certain aspects of the film's intricate details to life, it also falls short of expectations due to a lackluster restoration effort that leaves some scenes appearing dated and grainy. This dichotomy might not unsettle ardent fans who appreciate the improved fidelity, but newcomers may find the quality jarring.

Narratively, "The Secret of NIMH" excels by presenting complex characters and motivations that navigate ethical dilemmas and personal growth. The film does not shy away from themes of death, violence, and moral quandaries, granting it a haunting yet compelling aura that resonates with audiences beyond the young demographic. The presence of humorous elements and thrilling sequences balances the narrative intensity, ensuring a multifaceted viewing experience. Yet, some might find the pacing too brisk, craving deeper exploration of characters like Nicodemus and Justin. Despite this, the movie’s emotional sensitivity and artistic ambition ensure its enduring legacy in animated film history.

The Blu-ray release of Don Bluth's "The Secret of NIMH" presents a mixed bag of quality. On one hand, the film itself remains a standout classic in the animation genre, richly deserving its place in any fan's collection. It's heartening to see the film available in high definition, but the transfer quality leaves much to be desired. The video presentation feels underwhelming and certainly not up to the standards one might expect from a Blu-ray release of such a visually stunning work. While the animation remains captivating, a complete remaster would have done greater justice to the intricate artwork and atmospheric mood crafted by Bluth and his team.

On the upside, the disc does redeem itself somewhat with an exceptional lossless audio track, which significantly enhances the viewing experience by providing clear and immersive sound. Additionally, the Blu-ray features a comprehensive commentary by Don Bluth and co-producer Gary Goldman, which offers great insights into the making of the film and is a treasure trove for enthusiasts. The included making-of documentary, although brief, is rich in information and provides a solid contextual background for both newcomers and long-time fans alike.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray edition of "The Secret of NIMH" is not without its flaws, it remains the best available version of this classic tale. The audio enhancements and supplementary content make it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to explore or revisit this timeless animated adventure. However, those already owning earlier editions may find it hard to justify the upgrade given the lackluster video transfer. Fans can only hope for a more comprehensive remastering in the future, but for now, this release serves as a respectable, if imperfect, celebration of Bluth’s enchanting creation.