Cars 2 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Cars 2" is a masterpiece of video presentation, embodying Pixar and Disney's esteemed commitment to quality. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer ensures an experience that will truly dazzle viewers. The vivid, striking colors pop with vibrancy, offering impeccable contrast and profound, inky blacks. The entire film transpires in glorious high definition with magnificent clarity and pixel-perfect details. The textures and refined edges enhance every minute element from the smallest rust spots on Mater's wheel wells to the intricate cityscapes and expansive race crowds, resulting in a razor-sharp visual feast.

What sets "Cars 2" apart is its flawless technical execution. The direct digital transfer (1080p/AVC MPEG-4, 2.35:1 aspect ratio) maintains a superb level of detail, texture, and depth throughout the movie. No compression errors are visible; the presentation is devoid of banding, macro-blocking, aliasing, and digital noise. This meticulous encoding allows every pixel to be filled with information, providing photo-realistic textures for elements such as metal, water, and paved streets. Tokyo's vibrant neon signs against wet streets, Porto Corsa's sunlit rustic architecture, and London's rich cultural settings all appear strikingly detailed and realistic.

"Cars 2" showcases why Pixar films are celebrated for their extraordinary attention to detail. The lavishly detailed environments based on real-world locations across the globe are brought to life with such precision that every frame is a testament to the filmmakers' dedication. Each scene provides a painterly, artistic visual feast that goes beyond mere animation and delves into photo-realistic depiction. In short, Disney delivers yet another knockout with this exemplary video presentation.

Disney's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track for "Cars 2" is a masterclass in audio presentation, delivering a thrilling and enveloping experience. Dialogue is impeccably clear and balanced, ensuring that each character's voice seamlessly blends into the action. The rear speakers contribute to creating immersive environments that mirror the settings of America, Italy, Japan, and England. Directional effects are precise, with sound panning smoothly across the soundfield, enhancing the realism and depth of the auditory experience. The LFE channel impresses with dynamic low-end elements, delivering impactful bass that remains nimble and responsive, providing weight to blaring gunfire, revving engines, and explosive sequences. This immaculate mix keeps pace with the high-octane races and spy-themed escapades, underscoring the film's energetic narrative.

The 7.1 DTS-HD MA track stands out with its intricate panning effects and discrete sound details. Although not as aggressive as some action-heavy features, such as "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," it strikes an excellent balance between bombastic bass and nuanced voice work. The soundtrack excels in both comedic and quieter moments, effortlessly transitioning to explosive action sequences and edge-of-your-seat racing scenes. Each engine purr, tire squeal, and metal crash is precisely placed, and Michael Giacchino's score adds to the cinematic espionage ambiance. One notable instance is Mater's echoing voice warning about pistachio ice cream, which showcases the track's immersive depth and panning capabilities—an ideal demo moment for any sound system.

Additional audio options are comprehensive with English 5.1 DTS-HD MA ES, English Descriptive Video Service 2.0, English Dolby Digital 2.0, Español 7.1 DTS-HD HR, 5.1 Español Dolby Digital EX, and 5.1 Español Mexicano Dolby Digital EX, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience while maintaining high-quality audio fidelity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cars 2" are predominantly available on the 5-disc 3D combo pack, echoing a trend seen with other recent Blu-ray releases. Highlights include an engaging and thorough audio commentary by directors John Lasseter and Brad Lewis, providing a deep dive into the production's nuances. The animated shorts "Hawaiian Vacation" and "Air Mater" offer delightful diversions, showcasing beloved characters from the Toy Story and Cars universes, respectively. Lastly, the disc includes several Sneak Peeks of upcoming Pixar films and related media. Despite not all features being universally accessible, the included content is both informative and entertaining, making it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Directors elaborate on the film’s production and animation.
• Hawaiian Vacation: A Toy Story 3 short featuring Buzz, Woody, and others.
• Air Mater: Mater embarks on an aerial adventure.
• Sneak Peeks: Trailers for upcoming Pixar releases and related merchandise.

Pixar's "Cars 2" takes the beloved characters from Radiator Springs and propels them into a high-octane spy thriller that, while visually stunning, falters in storytelling depth. Mater, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, takes the lead role, leaving Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and other fan-favorites in supporting roles or the background. Mater's mistaken identity as a spy serves as the central narrative, providing a string of action-packed scenes and international locales that children will undoubtedly enjoy. However, this shift unwittingly relegates more nuanced character development to the sidelines, resulting in a plot that feels stretched and overly reliant on well-worn gags from Mater’s Tall Tales.

On the technical side, "Cars 2" excels. The animation is top-notch with intricate designs that capture the essence of car culture and design, making every scene visually impressive. British superspy Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and trainee Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer) add an exciting espionage layer to the film, reminiscent of classic Bond films, although their potential is underutilized. Despite fast-paced action sequences and high-stakes drama, the movie lacks the emotional depth and innovative storytelling typically associated with Pixar. The integration of a subplot revolving around alternative fuel and corporate conspiracy adds some intrigue but is not enough to elevate the overall narrative experience.

The film's clear homage to spy films succeeds in delivering visually creative and geographically coherent action pieces. However, the overreliance on Mater's slapstick humor can make it feel pedestrian compared to Pixar's more emotionally compelling works such as "Up" or "Monsters, Inc." Despite its shortcomings, "Cars 2" remains an entertaining ride for young audiences and car enthusiasts alike, benefiting from exceptional animation quality and a vibrant, albeit thinly developed, world. While it doesn't quite measure up to Pixar's gold-standard productions, it still offers a fun, if formulaic, cinematic experience.

Pixar's "Cars 2" indeed presents a captivating spy thriller/comedy that, while entertaining, falls short of the emotional resonance found in other iconic Pixar films. The film's success heavily relies on one's affinity towards the character Mater, as he plays a central role. For fans of Mater and the "Cars" universe, "Cars 2" offers a delightful viewing experience with lots of fun and action, although the storyline and pacing may not resonate as deeply with adults.

The Blu-ray release excels in its AV presentation, boasting an impressive video transfer and a stellar DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. This technical prowess enhances the viewing experience significantly, making it hard to overlook even for those less enthused by the film itself. However, the supplemental features of the 2D edition leave much to be desired. The 2D release includes only an audio commentary and two animated shorts, whereas the 5-disc 3D combo pack is more comprehensive with additional featurettes, deleted scenes, and high-definition extras.

In conclusion, "Cars 2" idles when it should barrel towards the checkered flag, marking a rare misstep for Pixar against its animation rivals. While it may lack the appeal for adult audiences, children will likely enjoy the film's vibrant action and humor. If you're considering a purchase and have an affinity for the "Cars" universe, the Blu-ray is a worthy addition to your collection. For those who cherish special features, the 5-disc 3D combo pack is recommended. Regardless of which version you choose, Pixar fans will find some solace in the top-tier AV presentation that accompanies this release.