Lego DC Batman: Family Matters Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Lego DC Batman: Family Matters" offers an impressive visual experience that ranks among the best looking Lego animated films from Warner Brothers to date. The 1080p, 1.78:1-framed video transfer showcases vibrant colors with fantastic saturation; the blues and blacks of Nightwing’s costume and the reds and greens of Robin’s stand out brilliantly. Even subtler hues, such as the pale blues and grays of Batman’s costume, are rendered with remarkable strength. The overall image clarity is striking, with sharp details evident across various textures and elements, both close-up and at medium distances.

However, this release does face some technical inconsistencies, most notably the issue of banding which permeates several scenes, such as the opening sky scene or the hood of Wayne's limo. This persistent problem significantly detracts from the otherwise excellent visual presentation, creating a dense eyesore across many backgrounds. Aliasing also occurs, though it is much less frequent and severe compared to the banding. Despite these flaws, the animated style delivers solid black levels and richly detailed Lego textures. Were it not for these technical hurdles, the Blu-ray could easily achieve a near-perfect rating in video quality.

The audio presentation of "LEGO DC: Batman - Family Matters" on Blu-Ray is anchored by a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that is both lively and engaging. The soundtrack excels in delivering a dynamic listening experience, although it does reveal the constraints of its budget at times. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are particularly impressive, enhancing action scenes with substantial rumbles and booms that those who appreciate robust bass will find satisfying. While the surround channels are somewhat subdued during less active scenes, they do come alive during action sequences, ensuring that the soundscape remains immersive albeit predominantly front-heavy.

Throughout the runtime, the track maintains a high level of intensity and dynamism. The initial action scene featuring Batman and Solomon Grundy sets a strong precedent with a healthy low-end response and significant activity across the audio stage. This level of engagement persists throughout, with the surround sound providing effective support to the front channels and contributing discrete elements that enrich the overall auditory experience. The music, characterized by wide front-end coverage, blends seamlessly with the sound effects and LFE, creating a balanced and robust soundtrack.

Dialogue is another strong point of this DTS-HD MA track. It remains clear and center-focused, consistently prioritized even amidst the most chaotic action scenes. The balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects is well managed, preventing any element from overwhelming the others and ensuring that viewers can follow the story without missing a beat. In summary, while not pushing the boundaries of 5.1 lossless audio, this track offers a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience that fulfills its purpose effectively.

The extras provided on the Blu-ray release of "Lego DC Batman: Family Matters" offer a modest yet enjoyable array of supplemental features that enhance its appeal. Notably, the package includes the film's trailer in high-definition and several other valuable additions. The standout extra is undoubtedly the LEGO build set that allows viewers to construct their own mini Ultimate Batmobile, described as one of the coolest LEGO inclusions to date. This additional content, together with a non-embossed slipcover, enhances the package's value. Despite the limited number of extras, their quality and fun elements make this a worthwhile edition for fans and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Build your own Lego mini Ultimate Batmobile: A standout LEGO inclusion providing an engaging building experience.
• WB/Lego/DC trailers: Promotional content from Warner Brothers, LEGO, and DC.
• Lego DC Batman: Family Matters trailer: Preview of the main feature in high-definition.

"Lego DC: Batman – Family Matters" stands out among the Lego DC superhero films, delivering a vibrant and kid-friendly narrative brimming with classic superhero action and humor. This film focuses on Bruce Wayne (voiced by Troy Baker), who decides to sell Wayne Enterprises to devote himself entirely to his crime-fighting persona, Batman. However, this decision inadvertently enables the machinations of a new villain, Red Hood (Jason Spisak), who, along with Two-Face (Christian Lanz), unleashes chaos upon Gotham. The plot thickens with the inclusion of a rogue AI intent on world domination, making the Bat-family’s task even more challenging.

The film manages to keep the younger audience engaged with its colorful animation and simple, yet effective storyline. The action sequences are well-crafted, tying back to key story elements like the robotic helpers introduced early in the film. This adds a layer of continuity and coherence often missing in children's entertainment. The use of familiar characters from the Batman universe, such as Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, and Batwoman, enriches the narrative, appealing not just to kids but also to older fans familiar with these figures.

Character dynamics receive substantial attention, particularly the intricate relationship between Batman and Red Hood, hinting at deeper emotional complexities without veering into overly dark territory. This sketch of internal conflict sheds light on Bruce Wayne’s evolving understanding of his dual identity's impact on Gotham. The subplot involving Billy Batson's orphanage is a poignant reminder of Wayne Enterprises' philanthropic influence, emphasizing that heroism extends beyond the cape and cowl. Despite its lighthearted tone, "Family Matters" manages to explore these themes effectively, illustrating a nuanced portrayal of heroism and community service interlaced with Lego’s trademark whimsy.

"Lego DC Batman: Family Matters" delivers an enjoyable blend of action and humor, tailored for younger audiences yet entertaining enough for adults. Unlike its more slapstick predecessors, this installment takes a slightly more mature approach without diving into dark, complex themes. It effectively balances fun and excitement with moments of drama, ensuring engagement across a wider age spectrum. The cast, featuring Troy Baker, Steve Blum, and others, brings life to the characters under Matt Peters' direction and Jeremy Adams' writing.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray are commendable. The 1.78:1 AVC-encoded video offers vibrant visuals, albeit marred by noticeable banding issues. Audio is solid, with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track in English complemented by French and Spanish DD 5.1 options, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, and Spanish, accommodating a broader audience. However, the disc is sparse on extras, save for an exciting LEGO Batmobile build kit—a gem for collectors and DC enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Lego DC Batman: Family Matters" is a delightful addition to any family movie night. It strikes a balance between child-friendly content and elements that will entertain older viewers. Despite limitations in bonus materials and minor technical flaws in video quality, its engaging storyline and solid audio make it a worthwhile purchase. Recommended for families and DC fans alike, especially given its affordable price point and included LEGO set.