The Lorax Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Lorax" on Blu-ray is nothing short of reference quality, featuring vivacious and richly saturated colors that add substantial depth to the viewing experience. Detail is exceptional, giving the film a definitive three-dimensional quality with crisp textures and superb fine articulation. The strong and well-balanced contrast ensures that whites are crisp, colors pop vividly without distortion, and blacks are deep, complemented by dynamic and enriching gradational highlights. This pristine digital transfer appears stunning on both HD and 4K UHD displays.

The film arrives with an almost flawless 1080p/AVC-encoded presentation that sets a high bar for CG-animated features. The occasional hint of banding is so minor that it scarcely detracts from an otherwise perfect video score. Vibrant colors, from lush primaries to stunning summery hues in the Truffula Valley, bristle with energy. Even scenes set in the desolate Truffula wasteland maintain a vivid palette that defies the darkness. Edges remain crisp and clean without any aliasing or ringing, and the image is flawlessly preserved without any noticeable artifacting, noise, or other anomalies, making this a top-tier visual delight.

The film's 1.85:1 frame bursts with dynamic contrast and natural three-dimensionality, making the animation come alive in ways that don’t necessitate 3D glasses. Primaries appear luxurious and richly saturated, while black levels provide an inky intensity with sharp grayscale gradation. The overall definition and clarity bring each meticulous detail to life—from the fur coats of bear-like creatures to individual threads on human characters' clothing. The animation's standout elements, like the remarkably realistic, fluffy treetops and individually articulated whiskers of the Lorax's mustache, are perfectly showcased in this digital-to-digital transfer, underscoring the film's surprising visual prowess from beginning to end.

The DTS-HD Master Audio encoding of "The Lorax" delivers an exceptional auditory experience, leveraging the full capability of the surround platform to provide rich sonic clarity and crisp dialogue reproduction. While the mix isn’t overly aggressive, it effectively merges directional cues and rear channel ambience, creating an immersive listening environment. John Powell’s enchanting score is the centerpiece, seamlessly integrated across the front and rear sound fields to offer precise imaging and acoustic presence. The LFE channel is consistently active, delivering punchy and clean bass responses that elevate the overall audio experience.

Universal’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is vibrant and engaging from start to finish, with clear and well-prioritized voices. Dynamic scenes such as chase sequences and falling trees are rendered with impressive believability and controlled bombast. The mix makes brilliant use of the rear speakers, providing convincing pans and directional effects that enhance the immersive experience. LFE output is balanced, providing substantial heft without overwhelming the other elements, ensuring that every dramatic thoom and boom is felt without detracting from the overall audio fidelity.

This near-reference quality DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack excels particularly in the front soundstage, generating a consistently attractive and energetic wall of sound. The subtle yet detailed mid-range frequencies allow for precise object panning and instrument differentiation, most notably during musical sequences where the score and songs shine. Despite minor preferences for more immersive rear activity, the discrete effects add fun enhancements without feeling gimmicky. Throughout, dialogue and vocals maintain clarity without being overpowered by other elements, resulting in a superbly musical soundtrack that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Lorax" offer a comprehensive and entertaining suite of features perfect for both kids and adults. The audio commentary by directors Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda delves deeply into the film's adaptation process, touching on themes, character design, and nuances of animation with great detail. The suite includes several mini-movies, though primarily targeted towards children, adding more to the story's universe. Interactive features like Truffula Run and Once-ler’s Wagon provide engaging content for younger audiences. Seuss to Screen and the single deleted scene offer brief but insightful looks into the adaptation process. Additional bonuses include sing-alongs, commercial interruptions, and character explorations. However, supplementary technical features like BD-Live and pocket BLU cater to a more tech-savvy audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth film adaptation analysis.
• Mini Movies: Three short films expanding the story.
• Making the Mini Movies: Behind-the-scenes look at shorts.
• Deleted Scene: Single extended scene with animation.
• Seuss to Screen: Adapting Dr. Seuss for the big screen.
• Truffula Run: Interactive challenge game.
• Once-ler’s Wagon: Interactive game with woodland creatures.
• Get out of town: Interactive challenge.
• O’Hare TV: Watch The Lorax with commercial breaks.
• Expedition to Truffula Valley: Interactive exploration of characters.
• Let it grow Karaoke Sing-Along: Sing along feature.
• My scenes bookmark feature
• D-Box Motion Code enabled
• BD-Live
• pocket BLU
• Bonus DVD of The Lorax
• Digital Copy
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy

Illumination Entertainment's adaptation of "The Lorax" visually brings Dr. Seuss's wondrous world to life with dazzling and vibrant CG-animated creativity, but its narrative expansion comes with mixed results. The film, directed by Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda, supplements the succinct storytelling of the original 45-page book with extensive new material aimed at lengthening the cinematic experience. This embellishment includes a new protagonist, Ted Wiggins, a 12-year-old boy who ventures beyond the walled city of Thneed-Ville to find a real Truffula tree to impress his crush, Audrey. Utilizing star-studded voice talents such as Danny DeVito as the Lorax, Ed Helms as the Once-ler, and Zac Efron as Ted, the film boasts strong performances that appeal to young audiences.

However, the additional plotlines and character insertions sometimes detract rather than enhance the original environmental message. The expanded narrative introduces many elements, including Ted's subplot and numerous musical numbers, that although provide humor and entertainment, somewhat overshadow and complicate the poignant cautionary tale of corporate greed versus nature. While engaging for children, these narrative choices may seem heavy-handed and superfluous to discerning adults who cherish the original tale's simplicity.

Despite these issues, "The Lorax" successfully maintains visual excellence and humor that resonate strongly with its target audience. The eye-catching animation developed by the team behind "Despicable Me" and the engaging comedy keeps younger viewers captivated. Importantly, the filmmakers ensure Seuss's underlying environmental message persists amidst the chaos, serving as a valuable conversation starter about conservationism for families. Overall, while it may not fully capture the heart and nuance of Seuss’s original work, this adaptation offers an amusing yet thought-provoking experience for children, wrapped in an irresistibly colorful package.

"Dr. Seuss's The Lorax" on Blu-ray makes for charming family entertainment, but it does fall short in terms of adaptation fidelity and depth. While the animated visuals are stunning, and the voice cast, including Danny DeVito and Zac Efron, deliver commendable performances, the narrative's environmental message comes off as heavy-handed and somewhat contradictory to its own themes. Nonetheless, Universal's Blu-ray edition shines with reference-quality video and a robust DTS-HD Master Audio track. The vibrant animation and meticulous sound design make for an immersive viewing experience.

In terms of additional content, the package is somewhat lacking. Though Renaud and Balda's audio commentary adds valuable insight, the overall supplementary offerings are minimal. The inclusion of interactive games can keep children entertained, but it does little to enhance the film's engagement or educational value. Despite this, the Blu-ray's technical presentation is impressive, providing a delightful auditory and visual experience that families will appreciate.

In conclusion, "The Lorax" may not fully capture the essence of Dr. Seuss's original work, but it succeeds as a visually captivating and entertaining family film. The Blu-ray edition amplifies its appeal through exceptional AV quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any home theater collection. However, for those seeking a more profound or faithful adaptation of the classic tale, the film might leave them wanting more amidst its dazzling graphics and star-studded voice cast.