Brave Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Brave" in 1080p/MVC-encoded video is a masterpiece that transcends standard animated features with its meticulous attention to detail. The transfer offers a stunningly clean and razor-sharp image, exhibiting the vibrant and varied color palette of Merida's world. Lush greens, fiery reds, deep blues, and impressive inky blacks combine to create a visual feast, enhanced by pristine contrast levels. The clarity extends to the tiniest details, from the wild curls of Merida’s hair to the tattered seams of kilts and the rough fur of Mor’du, resulting in an animation that feels extraordinarily lifelike. Furthermore, technical performance is top-notch, with no visible signs of macroblocking, aliasing, or noise; even banding is nearly nonexistent.

In the realm of 3D, "Brave" continues to excel but with certain caveats. Depth perception is outstanding, particularly in scenes featuring vast landscapes and intricate interiors such as castles and forests. The sense of space and scale enriches the viewing experience, making it immersive and engaging. However, certain fast-paced sequences, like Merida’s rapid horse ride, can prove too challenging for some 3D displays to handle smoothly, potentially causing strobing effects or a confusing visual experience. While the volume and realism of character renders stand out in specific scenarios, there are moments when the 3D layering inhibits the natural roundedness one would expect. The 3D presentation’s aim is more focused on creating an immersive environment rather than indulging in frequent pop-out effects.

Conclusively, both 2D and 3D formats provide unique advantages. While the 2D version promises an exemplary animation experience replete with impeccable detail and color dynamics, the 3D version offers a potent sense of immersion marred slightly by speed-related visual artifacts in some scenes. Together, they present "Brave" as a visually breathtaking title that remains one of Pixar’s finest in Blu-ray format.

The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 mix of the "Brave" Blu-ray stands as a benchmark for Disney's audio presentations. Initially introduced in cinemas with the Dolby Atmos format, it offers unparalleled precision in the positioning of sound effects and dialogue. While the home release does not implement the full Atmos experience, the TrueHD 7.1 mix provided is exceptional. The mix boasts superb dynamic range and crystal clarity that beautifully transitions from delicate atmospheric details, such as wind rustling and subtle background noises, to visceral action scenes brimming with robust sound effects. The nuanced Celtic-inspired soundtrack seamlessly integrates into the mix, enhancing the film’s narrative without overshadowing dialogue. However, there are rare instances where dialogue might seem slightly buried under thick Scottish accents, yet it generally remains comprehensible and well-delineated.

From the very opening scenes, the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 mix emphasizes its immersive qualities. Distinct sound elements, like the crunching of grass or the fearsome roar of a demon, highlight the powerful use of LFE channels that add palpable heft and presence throughout. The surround activity is remarkable, creating an enveloping soundfield that engages all channels dynamically. The forests and castle settings are sonic marvels, with impeccable directional sound and smooth panning effects that place the listener right in the heart of the action. Even subtle nuances such as birds chirping or leaves rustling are delivered with precision. Bass frequencies underscore powerful moments with depth without overpowering finer details.

Additionally, Patrick Doyle's score receives pristine treatment, showcasing reeds' purity and percussion’s rhythmic intensity that drives excitement without overwhelming other elements. Multiple lossless options, including 5.1 and 7.1 mixes, ensure flexibility and quality for diverse setups. No imperfections mar this high-quality track; no distortions, break-ups, or noise issues are present. Overall, Pixar's meticulous craftsmanship shines through once again, offering a home theater experience that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

The Blu-ray of "Brave" is packed with an extensive and varied set of extras that will undoubtedly appeal to fans and animation enthusiasts alike. Featuring a mix of insightful behind-the-scenes content, character studies, and deleted scenes, the disc reveals the meticulous effort and creativity that went into the making of the film. Highlights include the comprehensive and lively audio commentary by the film's creative team, which delves into diverse aspects such as story development, character design, and animation challenges. Two standout short films, "La Luna" and "The Legend of Mor’du," enrich the viewing experience with their enchanting storytelling and impressive animation. The various featurettes cover everything from Scottish cultural influences to the technical intricacies of rendering moss and hair. Overall, this Blu-ray offers a deep dive into the film's production, making it a valuable addition for any collector.

Extras included in this disc:

• La Luna: An endearing short film about family and responsibility.
• The Legend of Mor’du: Explores the backstory of Brave's formidable villain.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion featuring the director and production team.
• Brave Old World: A featurette on the research trip to Scotland.
• Merida & Elinor: Focuses on the lead characters' design.
• Bears: Character design featurette centered on bears.
• Brawl in the Hall: Development of the clans' comedic clash.
• Wonder Moss: Examination of the creation of background moss.
• Magic: Exploration of Brave's fairy tale elements.
• Clan Pixar: Introduces the Pixar team.
• Once Upon a Scene: Insights into various versions of key scenes.
• Extended Scenes: Four sequences with pop-up annotations.
• Promotional Pieces: Includes deleted scenes and trailers.
• Fergus & Mor’du: An alternate opening sequence.
• Fallen Warriors: Montage of nearly finished but unused scenes.
• Dirty Hairy People: The meticulous animation of grime and hair.
• It is English… Sort Of: Featurette on Scottish slang used in the film.
• Angus: Design and animation of Merida’s horse, Angus.
• The Tapestry: Focus on Merida's family tapestry and its significance.
• Art Galleries: Showcases characters, development art, environments, and more.

Pixar's "Brave" is a visually stunning and aurally captivating film that excels as both an animated marvel and a technical showcase. Set against the mystic backdrop of 11th century Scotland, "Brave" follows the adventurous Princess Merida, voiced by Kelly Macdonald, whose defiance of age-old traditions sets off a series of events that lead her to seek a transformative spell from a mysterious witch. The movie shines in its meticulously detailed animation and finely tuned voice acting by talents like Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson. While some critics argue that the story lacks the depth and emotional punch of earlier Pixar classics, it's clear that its blend of humor, heart, and vividly rendered landscapes keeps audiences engrossed.

Technically, "Brave" is a gem. The Blu-ray release, presented in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4, offers an impressive range of visual clarity with colors that are both vibrant and meticulously detailed. The character designs and intricate backgrounds blend to create an immersive viewing experience, albeit with minor reservations regarding the depiction of character roundness and layering in faster scenes. The audio is nothing short of spectacular, featuring both 7.1 and 5.1 Dolby TrueHD tracks that envelop you in rich, crystal-clear soundscapes. The voice work harmonizes perfectly with a lush musical score, making for one of Pixar’s most acoustically impressive films to date.

Despite some criticism regarding its simplistic plot and limited geographical scope within the narrative, "Brave" retains substantial appeal. Younger viewers will undoubtedly be captivated by its engaging characters and comedic moments, while adults can appreciate its underlying themes of family, respect, and tradition. Isn’t it remarkable how such a visually and auditorily exceptional film could still manage to embed valuable lessons on familial bonds? While it may not attain the lofty heights of Pixar’s crowning achievements like "Toy Story" or "Up," "Brave" remains a highly recommended watch, both as an entertaining film and a technical marvel deserving a place in any animation aficionado's collection.

Pixar’s "Brave," while often considered a lesser entry in the studio’s acclaimed filmography, still stands out with its compelling narrative and technical execution. Set in 11th century Scotland, the film chronicles the adventures of Merida, a strong-willed princess who defies traditional expectations. The Blu-ray presentation of "Brave" solidifies its position as one of the best releases of 2012. The high-definition video transfer is breathtaking, with stunning visuals that are even more captivating in 3D. Accompanying the visual splendor is a pitch-perfect Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround sound track that fully immerses the viewer in the film's rich auditory landscape.

The supplementary features on this Blu-ray release are extensive and meticulously curated, spread across two discs. Extras include a variety of featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage, and insightful commentary that delve into the film’s production process. This wealth of supplemental material enhances the viewing experience, offering fans a deeper appreciation for the artistry and creativity that went into making "Brave." Despite some criticism about the film not reaching the narrative heights of other Pixar classics, it remains a magical and engaging experience, particularly for younger audiences.

In conclusion, Pixar’s "Brave" Blu-ray release excels in every technical aspect. The superior video and audio quality, combined with a rich array of extras, make this release an essential addition for any collector or fan of animated films. Although the movie itself may not be Pixar’s finest offering, its home theater presentation is undoubtedly impressive. For those seeking both visual and auditory excellence in their Blu-ray collection, "Brave" comes highly recommended.