Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection," released by Shout! Studios, offers a unique remastered viewing experience that is simultaneously intriguing and somewhat flawed. Each short is presented in its original aspect ratio: the charming "A Grand Day Out" in 1.33:1 full frame, "The Wrong Trousers" sharing this format, the engaging "A Close Shave" in 1.66:1 widescreen, and the more recent "A Matter of Loaf and Death" in 1.78:1 widescreen. The collection does not include HDR, which limits the dynamic range of colors compared to what is typically expected from modern 4K presentations. Despite this, the resolution provides an enhanced display of the beloved Claymation artistry.

The remasters feature some enhanced clarity and richness in colors compared to previous Blu-ray editions. However, there are noticeable inconsistencies in the visual quality, reportedly due to AI integration in the upscaling process. This results in some images appearing overly smooth and artificial, where artifacts are occasionally apparent. "A Grand Day Out," as the oldest piece, shows some decent improvements in detail and remains the standout transfer, while "A Matter of Loaf and Death" offers a satisfyingly crisp presentation reflective of its modern sensibilities. Conversely, "The Wrong Trousers" and "A Close Shave" exhibit increased digital noise reduction that occasionally detracts from viewing pleasure.

These remastered versions do offer improvements over past releases, particularly in color vibrancy and detail fidelity. However, the absence of HDR coupled with minor technical quirks dampens the overall impact of the 4K presentation. Enhancements are subtle and vary across the shorts, suggesting that this collection should be approached with tempered expectations for an experience that is more evolutionary than revolutionary. While some scenes shine through with impressive detail, others may leave viewers longing for a bit more finesse in execution.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection" primarily utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track. This audio mix is carried over from previous releases, maintaining clear, crisp, and engaging sound quality, albeit not without its faults. While the track doesn’t boast the most impressive bass or LFE output, and the surround channels lack the immersive depth typically seen in full-length theatrical releases, the dialogue remains clear and well-articulated—crucial for animated storytelling.

In this release, some previous audio imperfections from earlier versions, such as pitch issues caused by frame rate conversions from 25 fps PAL to Western standards, have been improved but not entirely resolved. The notorious pitch anomalies and reverb slightly taint the otherwise pleasant audio experience. While this may not be immediately noticeable to the average viewer, audiophiles might still pick up on these subtleties.

Overall, the remastered audio provides a commendable experience for these classic shorts, albeit lacking the depth and dynamic range expected from high-end audio remastering. While not groundbreaking, it fulfills the expectations of long-time fans enjoying these beloved characters in an updated format. Most listeners will find the quality adequate and enjoyable, although audiophiles might yearn for further enhancements.

The Extras section of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection" offers an impressive array of special features that greatly enhance the viewing experience. The restoration of the films in 4K along with improved audio is a standout technical enhancement that aficionados will appreciate. The presence of audio commentaries provides insightful perspectives on the creation process, while the bonus content on the special features disc is rich with interviews and detailed making-of documentaries. Fans will find much to admire with historical context provided in the featurettes, offering a deep dive into the celebrated world of Wallace & Gromit. The inclusion of visual components such as the picture gallery and invention blueprints further immerses viewers into their whimsical universe.

Extras included in this disc:

• Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit
• Peter Lord & Nick Park Interview: An engaging talk with the creators.
• The Amazing World Of Wallace & Gromit: Exploration of its creation.
• Inside The Wrong Trousers: Behind-the-scenes details.
• A Close Shave – How They Did It: Making-of insight.
• The Making Of A Matter Of Loaf And Death – How They Donut: Production details.
• When Wallace Met Harvey: Short clip.
• Picture Gallery: Collection of images.
• Invention Blueprints: Display of inventive sketches.
• 28-Page Booklet: Additional reading material.
• Stickers: Character-themed decals.

"Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection" on 4K UHD Blu-ray amalgamates Aardman Animations' quintessential charm with modern audiovisual enhancements, albeit with mixed outcomes. This collection embodies the legacy of the beloved Claymation duo across four major shorts—"A Grand Day Out," "The Wrong Trousers," "A Close Shave," and "A Matter of Loaf and Death." Each short reflects distinct phases in Nick Park's visionary journey, with narratives ranging from whimsical space ventures to intricate crime capers infused with endearing humor and inventive storytelling.

The 4K remastering, collaboratively undertaken by BBC, Aardman Animations, and Shout! Studios, showcases enhancements that are both an asset and a contentious point. While colors are notably richer, offering vivid portrayal of the famed clay textures characteristic of Aardman's style, potential AI involvement introduces a sporadic softness along with gamma shifts. These artifacts, subtle but apparent, might prompt a discerning viewer's second glance. The audio maintains a serviceable 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix, although persistent remnants from past mixes occasionally disturb purists seeking auditory precision.

Supplementing the core film content, the set offers comprehensive special features including commentaries and insightful behind-the-scenes content housed across three discs. This supplemental material enriches the set and presents an engaging retrospect into Wallace & Gromit's creation process. Packaging remains lavish, enticing die-hard fans and collectors, yet enthusiasts may weigh its purchase against the backdrop of uneven upgrade benefits and its premium pricing. Despite minor technical grievances, the collection’s inherent appeal lies in its nostalgic embrace and continued allure for hand-crafted animation, embodying the ever-pertinent joy that Wallace & Gromit bring to audiences.

"Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection" is a highly anticipated set that brings the beloved claymation duo's adventures to 4K UHD Blu-ray. It features all four major shorts remastered, though there have been mixed reviews regarding the quality of these remasters. The video encoding on the 4K discs has unfortunately faced some criticism for not meeting expectations, particularly when contrasted with prior releases. However, the set does offer charming extras, including the original short snippets and Universal’s 2019 film, which seem directly ported without additional remastering.

Released by Shout! Studios, this collection maintains the original visual aspect ratios of 1.85:1, 1.66:1, and 1.33:1, with audio offerings in English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0. "Cracking Contraptions" is exclusively available in DTS-HD MA 2.0. Despite its perceived shortcomings in video quality, the assortment of bonus features and heartfelt packaging add value to the set, making it a remarkable addition for fans of all ages who cherish Wallace and Gromit's whimsical tales.

In conclusion, "Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection" is a solid, if imperfect, compilation that celebrates one of the greatest animated film series. While some advancements in quality may be subtle and the price point warrants consideration, the nostalgia and charm of these classics make the collection well worth owning for dedicated enthusiasts. Final Score: A commendable collection with notable features but some technical caveats.