Muppets Most Wanted Blu-ray Review

"Muppets Most Wanted" delivers an exemplary 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that sparkles throughout its runtime. The exceptional clarity and fine detail ensure every Muppet fabric and texture—whether it’s the fuzzy felt of Fozzie’s fur or the spongy consistency of Gonzo’s nose—is immaculately rendered. Colors, although often restrained, explode with vibrancy when needed; Kermit's iconic green, Miss Piggy's flamboyant pink, and Sam Eagle's stark blue stand out vividly. Contrast and black levels are consistently remarkable, aiding in the precision of shadows and depth without any noticeable crushing or masking. Macroblocking, banding, and ringing are practically non-existent, with only a minor hint of aliasing that is barely noticeable.

The Blu-ray's technical specifications underscore its superior quality. Encoded in MPEG-4 AVC at a 1080p resolution and framed in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the sharpness and definition are exceptional. Every scene mirrors the quality of a high-definition demo reel. The excellent depth is showcased prominently in scenes like the audience watching the stage show, offering a palpable feel of a three-dimensional playhouse. Black levels are inky and pristine, avoiding any unnecessary masking and maintaining object delineation impressively. Moreover, there is no evidence of noise or artifacts, allowing the film to maintain a polished and clean presentation that does justice to both the colorful world of the Muppets and the real-life actors uniformly.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Muppets Most Wanted" offers an interesting mix of strengths and slight setbacks. The DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 channel track demonstrates excellent dynamic range and clarity, enabling the detection of subtle background sounds and well-positioned effects within the acoustic environment. Dialogue is firmly centered and rendered with precision, although there are occasional instances where other sound elements slightly overpower the Muppets' voices. Despite the use of a lossy soundtrack, the overall balance remains commendable, presenting clean, intelligible dialogue and an assertive low-frequency extension that effectively supports the primary soundstage.

However, it’s important to note a few minor downgrades when compared to its predecessor, "The Muppets," which utilized a superior 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. This release falls short in delivering the same consistently powerful audio experience. Some users might observe reduced punchiness and slightly more reserved rear channel activity. Despite these nuances, the 7.1 surround track still creates an immersive sound field with action and effects enveloping the listener, particularly during musical numbers and varied environments like crowded theaters and bustling city streets.

In summary, while not reaching the demo-worthy standards of its predecessor, "Muppets Most Wanted" still manages to deliver a dynamic and engaging auditory experience. The soundtrack’s versatility across different volumes during musical sequences and regular scenes ensures that sounds are crisp and distinct without overpowering each other. Therefore, the Blu-ray audio remains a memorable part of the viewing experience, even if it doesn’t fully match the high bar set by earlier Muppet installments.

The extras on the Blu-ray of Muppets Most Wanted provide a delightful mix of additional content that both extends and complements the film. The standout is the Unnecessarily Extended Cut, which adds 12 minutes of extra material, offering extended sequences and additional jokes. This, along with the Statler and Waldorf Cut, provides humorous insights into the film's meta-narrative. The Longer Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History includes nearly ten minutes of goofs and shenanigans from the Muppets gang, though it can feel a bit lengthy. Rizzo’s Biggest Fan is a brief, amusing feature where Rizzo humorously complains about his lack of screen time. Also included is a music video by Bret McKenzie, adding a musical treat to the mix.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Unnecessarily Extended Edition: A 12-minute longer cut with additional material.
• The Statler and Waldorf Cut: A tongue-in-cheek shortened version of the film.
• The Longer Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History: Outtakes and bloopers featuring the Muppets.
• Rizzo’s Biggest Fan: Rizzo humorously complains about his absence in the film.
• “I’ll Get You What You Want” Music Video by Bret McKenzie: A music video with clips from the movie.

"Muppets Most Wanted" picks up seamlessly from its predecessor, thrusting the iconic characters into an international crime caper. With Kermit's doppelgänger Constantine framing him and taking his place, Kermit ends up in a Siberian gulag while Constantine and his partner Dominic (brilliantly played by Ricky Gervais) plot grand heists. The film boasts phenomenal human performances, with Tina Fey's Warden Nadya and Ty Burrell's Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon providing exceptional comedic contributions. Vibrant musical numbers, such as Nadia’s “The Big House” and Constantine’s ironically humorous performances, amplify the narrative's engaging progression, albeit with a few too many songs.

The human-Muppet dynamic shines, especially with Gervais' seamless interactions with the puppet cast. Constantine's character delivers uproarious moments of Kermit impersonations with a Russian accent, elevating the humor significantly. While the sequel may lack the heartfelt charm of "The Muppets," it compensates with energetic pacing and zany antics that pay homage to classic Muppet films like "The Great Muppet Caper." Cameo appearances from stars such as Lady Gaga and Christoph Waltz enhance the movie’s whimsical appeal, catering to both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

Bobin and Stoller’s script cleverly acknowledges "sequelitis," allowing "Muppets Most Wanted" to embrace its self-referential humor. The plot is intentionally straightforward — an artful choice that prioritizes character-driven comedy over narrative complexity. Despite some minor shortcomings, the film stands out through consistent laugh-out-loud moments and an infectious love for its characters, ensuring a delightful viewing experience for audiences of all ages. Overall, "Muppets Most Wanted" provides a highly entertaining journey filled with memorable antics and tuneful exuberance.

"Muppets Most Wanted" stands as an engaging, albeit slightly less stellar sequel to the 2011 hit "The Muppets." While it retains the quintessential Muppet charm through its zany humor, meta-parodies, and original songs, it falls short of fully capturing the nostalgic magic that made its predecessor so beloved. Despite occasional pacing issues and a middling joke density, the film remains entertaining, particularly for families and avid Muppet fans.

On the technical front, Disney's Blu-ray release undoubtedly shines. The video presentation is nothing short of superb, delivering vibrant and detailed visuals that bring the colorful world of the Muppets to vivid life. However, the audio track, while solid in DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1, doesn't quite reach the expected benchmark, leaving audiophiles wanting slightly more. Moreover, the supplemental package is disappointing, offering minimal extras that add little value beyond the core film experience.

In conclusion, "Muppets Most Wanted" may not surpass its predecessor, but it remains a worthy addition to any Muppet collection. The impeccable video quality alone makes it a fine acquisition, and while the audio and extras leave room for improvement, the film’s inherent replay value ensures it will delight kids and collectors alike. This Blu-ray edition comes recommended for those who cherish the Muppets’ unique brand of humor and spectacle.