FernGully: The Last Rainforest Blu-ray Review

The "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" Blu-ray release showcases a significant upgrade with a new 4K scan and restoration of the original film elements, courtesy of Shout Factory. This restoration introduces a more vibrant color palette that enriches the magical elements of the rainforest setting with strikingly warm and bright hues, especially the greens and oranges. The video exhibits a fine, organic layer of film grain, contributing to a classic cinematic texture. Despite the improvements, the source material still shows signs of wear, including print damage and debris, speckles, and occasional softness in certain scenes.

Character details are slightly sharper, enhancing the animation techniques and making elements like the digital work in the Batty Rap sequence more apparent. There's a noticeable increase in delineation, allowing environments and animation nuances to become more discernible. However, some mild scratches and speckling persist, indicating limitations from the original film elements. As such, while this release represents an advance over past versions, it remains anchored by the inherent flaws of its aged source.

Overall, this new 4K-sourced transfer, reduced to an AVC-encoded 1080p file for Blu-ray, significantly surpasses the previous 2012 Fox release. Although cel dirt remains untouched, adding authenticity to the viewing experience, the overall vibrancy and clarity provide a captivating visual treat. Yet, it's important to note that this release may not entirely fulfill modern standards due to the unavoidable limitations intrinsic to the aged animation.

The audio presentation of "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" on Blu-ray utilizes a 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix, ensuring an agile yet forward-focused experience, particularly emphasizing the front three channels. While primarily using this front-heavy approach, the mix occasionally engages surround channels, especially during more dynamic sequences such as the chase scenes on Batty’s back and Hexxus's roar, which delivers substantial low-end impact. The surround channel activations and LFE might feel modest considering its origins in a Dolby Stereo SR matrixed mix from the 1990s, but remain effective within these brief moments.

Despite its age, the audio mix effectively maintains clarity and purpose, with dialogue exchanges primarily taking center stage amidst a wide front soundstage. The orchestral score, penned by Alan Silvestri, fills the surround speakers, though certain songs like Elton John's "Some Other World" in the closing credits fall flat compared to the rest of the audio texture. While some mechanical sound elements might overwhelm dialogue in certain instances, sound effects are generally well-detailed and immersive, providing a vivid sonic palette that highlights both the film's magical and industrial elements.

Furthermore, Shout! Factory has included an alternative 2.0 DTS-HD MA track for authenticity enthusiasts. However, it remains uncertain if this is an original stereo mix or a downmix from the 5.1 track. Overall, for a low-budget early '90s children's film, the audio mix impresses by delivering an engaging listening experience mixed with both subtlety and strength where necessary, continuing to affirm its nostalgic value while remaining technically sound.

The Blu-ray extras for "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" are abundant and insightful. Among standout features is a new introduction by director Bill Kroyer, who shares sketches and test animations, highlighting the production's environmental messaging and technical blend of traditional and CGI animation. An audio commentary by Kroyer, along with art directors Ralph Eggleston and Susan Kroyer, offers a detailed account of the film's challenging production. Technical insights include script-to-screen comparisons and multi-angle scene studies, notably Tim Curry's performance in “Toxic Love.” While the original featurette and music videos maintain their engaging quality, some features suffer from interlacing issues due to upscaling. The inclusion of vintage promotional materials like trailers and TV spots enrich this disc, offering both historical context and additional perspectives on film production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Discussion with director Bill Kroyer on the restoration and creative process.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from the director and art directors on film production.
• Seed of the Story: Analysis of script development into animation.
• From Paper to Tree: A making-of featurette exploring production efforts.
• Toxic Love: Multi-angle presentation of a villain's musical number.
• Original Featurette: An EPK view on film basics.
• Music Video: Tone Loc's animated performance.
• Trailers and TV Spots: Collection of vintage promotional clips.

"FernGully: The Last Rainforest" is a nostalgic relic from the early '90s, often remembered fondly by those who grew up with it. Set in the lush Australian rainforest, the story revolves around fairies led by Magi Lune, played with grace by Grace Zabriskie. The narrative centers on her apprentice, Crysta, and their encounter with the sinister Hexxus, voiced compellingly by Tim Curry. The film's environmental narrative is both a blessing and a burden—while the message of deforestation and ecological awareness is critical, its delivery can feel heavy-handed through modern lenses. While youthful audiences might have missed it, seasoned viewers will find an allegory that at times feels more like a moral lesson than an entertaining venture.

The animation of "FernGully" mirrors its independent origins, offering a vibrant yet somewhat uneven visual journey. Compared to contemporaries from studios like Disney or Amblin, it may lack the polish of mainstream peers but undeniably compensates with creativity and charm. Key voice talents, including Robin Williams as the eccentric Batty Coda, inject a sense of whimsy and energy, making the film memorable despite its didactic overtones. Composer Alan Silvestri and musicians like Elton John and Thomas Dolby contribute to a lively soundtrack that underscores the film's fantastical setting.

Over the years, "FernGully" has secured a place in pop culture, maintaining relevance through home video releases and cultivating a cult following. While its environmental advocacy resonated significantly in its time, today's audiences might perceive it as more of a homage to '90s activism. Nevertheless, its magical narrative and engaging performances ensure that "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" continues to enchant viewers new and old, serving as a testament to its enduring message of environmental stewardship.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest, a landmark in animation first released three decades ago, continues to engage audiences with its mélange of hand-drawn and pioneering CGI animation. Shout Factory's Blu-ray release, while not flawless, offers a tangible upgrade from past editions, presenting the film in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio. The visuals, despite showing signs of aging and minor debris issues, benefit from the new master, which enhances the nostalgic allure for longtime fans. The audio presentation, available in both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 formats, supports an immersive soundtrack that strengthens the film's enchanting atmosphere. Celebrated voice performances by the likes of Tim Curry and Robin Williams add depth to this environmentally charged narrative.

The film deftly balances simplicity and engagement by condensing its environmental themes into a palatable 76-minute runtime. Bill Kroyer's direction ensures that the storyline remains focused on adventure, eschewing sermonizing in favor of cultivating a sense of wonder. This approach is effective at communicating the message of environmental preservation, remaining approachable for children while retaining enough nuance to captivate adults. The 30th-anniversary edition includes all previous special features along with a new introduction by the director, making it a comprehensive package for film enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while FernGully may not offer intricate plot complexities, its earnest approach and technical innovation during its time of release were groundbreaking. This Blu-ray edition serves both as a testament to the film’s historical significance and as a nostalgic journey through its vibrant rainforest world. True to its core theme, the film remains a heartfelt plea for environmental awareness, encouraging both remembrance for past fans and discovery for new audiences. A recommended nostalgic rental indeed.