The Simpsons Movie Blu-ray Review
Score: 60
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Simpsons Movie delights fans but lacks the show's daring humor; great for collectors, merits rental for others.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 72
The Simpsons Movie" Blu-ray dazzles with its 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video, flaunting vivid colors, deep blacks, and impeccable detail, outshining its TV and SD versions in a wider 2.35:1 format.
Audio: 49
The DTS-HD 5.1 audio mix is expansive and crisp, enhancing 'The Simpsons Movie' with clear dialogue and selective ambience, though not consistently enveloping.
Extra: 57
The Simpsons Movie extras disappoint with minimal effort, though innovative commentary and a few highlights like Patty and Selma's deleted scene and 1080p upgrade on Blu-ray offer some redemption.
Movie: 63
The Simpsons Movie delivers laughs and fan nostalgia but falls short of the series' original brilliance, despite its blockbuster success and the joy of seeing favorite characters in a grand cinematic adventure.
Video: 72
The Blu-ray presentation of "The Simpsons Movie" showcases a significant enhancement in video quality from its standard definition counterpart. With the film presented in an ultra-wide 2.35:1 aspect ratio and a 1080p resolution using the MPEG-4 codec, the expansion from the traditional 1.33:1 ratio allows a broader canvas for Springfield's colorful antics. This wider scale not only enriches the visual experience by letting animators populate scenes with an abundance of details but also accentuates the depth and dynamism in sequences such as Bart's skateboarding escapade through town. The color fidelity is exceptional, presenting vivid hues and smooth gradients that surpass anything observed in the series, from the signature yellow skin tones to the strikingly saturated skies, achieving a level of vibrancy and contrast that is consistently crisp.
Despite its flat, 2-D presentation heralded humorously within the movie itself, the upgraded resolution and careful attention to detail deliver a pseudo-3D effect that enhances both movement and texture, providing a visually engaging experience without resorting to genuine 3D technology. Blacks are profoundly deep, enriching dark scenes without sacrificing detail, while brighter scenes are delineated with precision, ensuring that no part of the visual spectrum is neglected. Such meticulous treatment results in an image quality devoid of common flaws like banding, smearing, or pixelation, presenting a clean, grain-free canvas that maximizes the animated format's potential.
Critically comparing this Blu-ray presentation to other high-definition animated works, while it may not represent a quantum leap in the evolution of animated feature formats—like those seen in CGI masterpieces—it stands as a testament to how well-suited this iconic series is to the enhancements offered by modern video technology. The absence of any significant video imperfections, such as posterization or macroblocking, coupled with the solid black levels and expertly modulated contrast, ensures that "The Simpsons Movie" shines as a virtually flawless transfer from its original source material. This Blu-ray not only meets but arguably exceeds expectations, reiterating its status as a pinnacle representation of the animated form in high definition.
Audio: 49
The audio presentation of "The Simpsons Movie" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, exhibits a well-considered upgrade from the standard television experience. The mix, recorded at 48kHz/24-bit resolution, offers an expansive and clear auditory stage, particularly dominated by the front channels where dialogue maintains exceptional clarity. High and mid-tones are especially commendable for their precision, with the score and thematic music, ranging from the classic Simpsons theme to Green Day's cinematic performance, being delivered with an invigorating punch. While the LFE channel is sparingly employed, it effectively punctuates key moments with a satisfactory depth without veering into overpowering territories.
Surround sound usage is selective yet effective, enhancing the cinematic scope with ambient sounds such as car chases, helicopter operations, and natural wilderness, that are meticulously steered to avoid overwhelming the listener. The track provides an assertive presence that is notably more aggressive than what fans might expect from regular broadcasts, yet some may find its forwardness initially jarring. Despite a slightly bottom-heavy mixing choice that can appear unnatural, the presentation remains lively and engaging. Discrete effects are used to good effect, creating moments of immersive soundscapes, though the overall use of atmospheric sounds could have been more consistent to achieve a truly enveloping experience.
Technical fidelity notwithstanding, the audio doesn't strive for or achieve groundbreaking immersion, presenting a sound design that is competently executed but lacks creative ambition. Dynamics across the frequency range are well-balanced, ensuring dialogue, effects, and music coexist harmoniously within the mix. While the audio presentation won't astonish with its inventiveness or depth, it serves the source material with aptitude, offering fans a bright and enjoyable listening experience that stands firmly above the common television mix.
Extras: 57
The Blu-ray extras for "The Simpsons Movie" present a mixed bag that, while generally underwhelming in scope, offer a couple of highlights primarily aimed at die-hard fans of the series. The standout features include two audio commentaries: one engaging track by series creators and cast members, notable for its innovative pause-play approach to delve deeper into scene specifics, and a second, more technical track by the animation directors. Both provide interesting behind-the-scenes insights but may cater more to those with a vested interest in animation and production rather than the average viewer. Deleted scenes, comprising both an alternate ending and other cuts introduced by Al Jean, prove to be of mild entertainment value, with certain fan-favorite characters making brief appearances. Additional content such as Homer's cameos on familiar TV shows and a nostalgic nod to drive-in movie intermissions feel like filler rather than substantial, must-see material. The inclusion of Easter eggs offers a slight reprieve with their cleverly hidden, enjoyable tidbits. However, these features collectively come off as a somewhat hurried attempt to pad the disc, leaving one to wish for more thoughtful or comprehensive additions that could have elevated the overall package.
Extras included in this disc:
- Two Audio Commentaries: Featuring series creators, producers, director, and cast members discussing the film's development and production.
- Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes introduced by Al Jean, including an alternate ending.
- Special Stuff: Brief excerpts from TV appearances and a parody short.
- A Lot of Trailers: Includes four theatrical trailers plus one teaser.
- Easter Eggs: Hidden bonuses accessible through specific navigation inputs in the disc menus.
Movie: 63
"The Simpsons Movie" transitioning to Blu-ray presents an intriguing case study in the adaptation of long-standing television humor to the wide screen. Spanning nearly two decades of prime-time success, the film ventures into a familiar yet amplified rendition of Springfield and its quirky inhabitants. The technical presentation is noteworthy; the audio and picture quality on Blu-ray enhance the viewing experience without altering the iconic visual aesthetic of the series. Despite the high expectations set by its television counterpart, particularly from seasons 4 through 12, the movie encapsulates the essence of what has made the show a cultural staple, albeit without reaching the pinnacle of its early years.
The plot is both global in scope and intimately connected to the series' core themes—Homer Simpson’s careless action prompts an environmental disaster, thrusting Springfield under a dome and spotlighting the family's dynamic against a backdrop of crisis and governmental intervention. While this narrative offers a fresh canvas, featuring a mix of satire, pop culture references, and slapstick humor, it somewhat mirrors an extended TV episode rather than breaking new cinematic ground. The story navigates through environmental concerns, familial bonds, and societal folly with a familiar rhythm, maintaining the show's legacy but invoking a sense of missed opportunity for deeper exploration or innovation.
Despite its pitfalls, "The Simpsons Movie" on Blu-ray is an essential addition for fans and collectors, providing a visually and auditorily superior experience. The movie’s performance at the box office and the warm reception by the fanbase underscore the enduring appeal of Springfield's denizens. While critiques may linger about its ambition and novelty, there's no denying the film showcases the perennial charm of The Simpsons, leveraging itself as both a reflection and celebration of its indelible impact on pop culture. However, its transition to the big screen, as shown in this Blu-ray presentation, is more an homage to its roots than a groundbreaking departure, appealing directly to fans’ nostalgia and love for the show’s signature wit and humor.
Total: 60
The Blu-ray release of "The Simpsons Movie" presents an interesting case for both die-hard fans and casual viewers of the franchise. Technically, the Blu-ray delivers with superior sound quality and visually stunning colors that enhance the movie's animation, making it a must-have for collectors aiming for completeness in their Simpson's array. While the movie itself provided enough entertainment to justify its runtime, it seems to waddle in the shadow of its television counterpart, not quite embracing the freedom from FCC regulations to push boundaries as one might expect. This adherence to safety rather than innovation leaves a slightly underwhelmed feeling, despite the laughs it undeniably provides.
From a content standpoint, the film's humor occasionally brushes with edginess but predominantly stays within the confines of its established realm, missing opportunities to truly surprise its audience. The added features on the Blu-ray do not add significant value, described as a "cobbled together supplements package," implying a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the creation and impact of the film. This aspect might slightly disappoint enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive insights into the film's production and legacy.
In conclusion, while "The Simpsons Movie" Blu-ray offers a technically refined viewing experience with clear visual and auditory improvements over standard definition, it falls short of being an essential upgrade for those seeking more than just the film. For collectors and ardent fans of "The Simpsons," this release is undoubtedly a valuable addition, yet, for others, it may only warrant a rental. The film entertains but doesn’t quite capture the groundbreaking spirit of its television episodes, leaving room for future projects to perhaps more boldly venture where this movie cautiously treaded.
avforums review by AVForumsRead review here
Video: 90
By it's very nature the film is flat, after all even in the trailers Moe was advertising proudly that this was in 2-D. Some naturally coloured CGI assistance is on offer, Bart skateboarding through town,...
Audio: 70
Still in saying that the audio, like the video before it, is a welcome step up from the television series....
Extras: 60
The commentary discusses other scenes which alas never even made it this far and some of those actually sounded better than what was eventually turned out....
Movie: 70
Let's be honest, the series in recent years hasn't come up to the extremely high standards set by some episodes from series 4 though to 12, it's impossible to continue such a high standard of consistent...
Total: 80
This has to be recommended to any Simpson fan, those collectors who are buying up all these boxed sets will want to have it in their collections for completeness, for everyone else I feel that a rental...
Blu-ray.com review by Greg MaltzRead review here
Video: 90
As always, where the DVD version has 480i resolution, the Blu-ray features 1080p--and that may be all the reason needed to make your selection, given that both versions were released the same day....
Audio: 80
Still, one can't help but wonder whether producing the DTS-HD with a sampling rate of 96 or 192 kHz would make the audio more lifelike and relaxed within the soundstage....
Extras: 80
Two more vignettes can be selected from the subsequent two options from the main menu, "audio setup" and "special features"....
Movie: 70
Of course, idiot-proof is not the same as Homer-proof, and Mr. Simpson manages to break through the barriers to dump an enormous canister of dung into the lake....
Total: 80
Sure, there was the requisite bashing and demonization of the government, but that has almost become a prerequisite for any Hollywood production....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
However, the creative team behind the 'The Simpsons Movie' clearly put a lot of effort into upgrading the show's visuals for the big screen, and the results are often downright eye-popping....
Audio: 60
Dynamics don't overpower, but this mix certainly sounds clean across the entire frequency range, and there is even a little bit of oomph to the low end....
Extras: 40
It's all quite interesting during the first track (and the good-natured ribbing between the participants is very entertaining), but by the time I got to the more serious second track (which covers a good...
Movie: 60
For a show that's long prided itself on skewering everyone and everything (including itself), you'd hope for a more self-aware, post-modern vibrancy -- it's almost as if the makers were so exhausted by...
Total: 60
Although the spectacle of the experience loses a bit of its luster when viewed again outside of an actual movie theater, there are certainly enough belly laughs here to satisfy any Simpsons fan....
Director: David Silverman
Actors: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
PlotIn the small town of Springfield, the community faces an environmental catastrophe that stems from the pollution of the local lake. Despite clear warnings to keep the waterway clean, Homer Simpson, the bumbling patriarch of the Simpson family, dumps a silo filled with pig waste into the already toxic lake, pushing it over the edge. This act of environmental negligence results in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) taking drastic measures. The EPA, led by its head, Russ Cargill, decides to contain the disaster by placing a giant dome over Springfield, effectively quarantining the town and its residents from the outside world.
Trapped under the dome, the town's society begins to unravel, and the Simpson family finds themselves at the center of the town's anger once Homer's actions come to light. Facing ostracism from their community and the breakdown of social norms within the dome, the Simpsons escape the confines of Springfield to start a new life in Alaska. However, the guilt of his actions and the fate of the town weigh heavily on Homer, leading him to question his responsibilities towards his family and fellow townspeople. The family is then faced with a tough decision: whether to live a new life away from Springfield or to go back and save the town from the disaster that Homer inadvertently caused.
Writers: James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean
Release Date: 27 Jul 2007
Runtime: 87 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, South Korea, Germany, North Korea
Language: English