Secondhand Lions Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Secondhand Lions" presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality. Viewers will immediately notice the overuse of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), which is aggressive enough to make the picture quality echo early Blu-ray issues that were met with disappointment. The 1080p/VC-1 encode is plagued by a variety of problems including macroblocking, crushed blacks, smearing, and a noticeable lack of texture on faces and fabrics. Edge halos and print damage further detract from the viewing experience, with some scenes of the Texas skies marred by vertical lines and contrast issues. Despite these significant flaws, interior shots fare somewhat better than their outdoor counterparts. Though still affected by noise reduction, these scenes manage to offer slightly sharper details, more resolved blacks, and reduced visual anomalies. The color reproduction here is a highlight, with vibrant tones and lifelike skin colors that surpass the movie's standard definition presentation.

Notwithstanding its shortcomings, the Blu-ray edition does mark an improvement over the 2004 DVD release from New Line, particularly in the stability and vibrancy of its colors. However, it's hard to overlook the significant issues that stem from what appears to be a direct transfer of the film's DVD master onto a "roomy" Blu-ray disc. Such an approach has led to the undesirable removal of grain and introduction of a smoothed-over appearance that robs the film of its cinematic texture. While "Secondhand Lions" might not be at the forefront of high-definition releases, it’s clear that this beloved title deserved a more meticulous restoration effort. Fans and newcomers alike may find themselves distracted by technical imperfections that detract from the overall experience, despite some areas of noticeable improvement in visual quality.

The audio presentation of "Secondhand Lions" on Blu Ray boasts an engaging sonic experience, primarily courtesy of its Dolby TrueHD 6.1 surround sound track. Warner Bros has managed to construct a soundfield that, despite its limitations, presents a fair level of immersion. The utilization of rear speakers adds depth to the film's musical score and enhances environmental ambiance, further enriching Walter’s adventurous fantasy sequences. These elements collectively create an auditory landscape that, while aggressive in its intention to envelop the viewer, could benefit from improved directionality and subtlety in sound design. The front and rear speakers often duplicate sounds, leading to a somewhat flat, two-dimensional soundscape where pans and directional cues lack distinctiveness.

In terms of dialogue, clarity and prioritization are commendably handled, ensuring that conversations are easily intelligible. However, the presentation is not without its flaws. Voices occasionally suffer from hollow and tinny characteristics, detracting from the authenticity and emotional resonance of the performances. This is particularly disappointing given the film’s relatively recent release, making such audio imperfections less excusable. The low-frequency effects (LFE) channel, on the other hand, delivers robust and gratifying output, contributing to the overall acoustic richness of the presentation.

While dynamics display competence, they can sometimes dip into excess, lacking the finesse one might expect from a modern audio track. The result is a soundtrack that, despite its clear effort to deliver a potent auditory experience through its 6.1 setup, ends up feeling underwhelming in its execution. It prioritizes volume and impact over the delicate balance of nuance and sophistication that could have elevated the viewing experience. In essence, the Dolby TrueHD track serves as a passable feature of this Blu Ray release, managing to be both decent in ambition yet blunt in its actual performance.

The Blu-ray release of "Secondhand Lions" presents an ample collection of extras, mirroring its previous DVD edition’s offerings. Among these, the audio commentary by writer/director Tim McCanlies stands out for its vibrant delivery, offering a behind-the-scenes look filled with insights and anecdotes that will engage fans of the film. Other highlights include a detailed exploration of the film's development in "One Screenplay's Wild Ride in Hollywood," despite its overly theatrical narration, and the intimate production documentary "On the Set with Secondhand Lions." Additionally, "Haley Joel Osment: An Actor Comes of Age" provides a reflective look at Osment’s career impact and involvement in the film. The collection is rounded out with an assortment of deleted scenes, a concise but enlightening visual effects comparison, and promotional materials, making for a comprehensive supplemental package that, while not groundbreaking, adds substantial value for aficionados of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Writer/director Tim McCanlies shares insights and anecdotes.
• One Screenplay's Wild Ride in Hollywood: Documentary on the film's development stages.
• On the Set with Secondhand Lions: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
• Haley Joel Osment: An Actor Comes of Age: Featurette on Osment's career and role.
• Additional/Alternate Scenes: Includes deleted sequences and an alternate ending, with optional director's commentary.
• Visual Effects Comparisons: Before-and-after visuals for two scenes.
• Trailers & TV Spots: Promotional material for the film.

Secondhand Lions," with its unexpectedly delightful blend of charm, humor, and heart, stands as a uniquely engaging offering in the family film genre, despite being marred by a problematic Blu-ray presentation. On the surface, this cinematic piece might seem like yet another saccharine tale aimed at plucking the heartstrings with its coming-of-age narrative and life lessons. However, its appeal transcends the superficial, thanks to robust performances by seasoned veterans Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, its engaging period setting, and an affectionately crafted sense of humor that distinctively sets it apart from the typical genre fare. It resonates on a deeper level with those who share the experience of being raised by elderly relatives or absent parents, while also broadly appealing to those nostalgic for their childhood's adventurous summers and classic tales of heroism.

The core strength of "Secondhand Lions" notably rests on the shoulders of Duvall and Caine, whose portrayals of Hub and Garth McCann infuse the film with gravitas and authenticity. Their characters, two grizzled World War I veterans rumored to have a hidden fortune, are brought to life with such sincerity and complexity that they anchor the narrative even when it veers into less coherent territories. The dynamic between the duo and Haley Joel Osment’s character, Walter, is both moving and insightful, providing not just laughs but also poignant moments that celebrate the stubborn resolve and nuanced morale of men who have surpassed their prime. Even as the narrative occasionally falters with its supporting cast and fantasy sequences, Duvall and Caine's performances render these missteps minor, maintaining the film's charm and engagement.

Unfortunately, the film struggles with maintaining a consistent tone outside the captivating moments focused on Hub and Garth. Attempts at humor with the McCann's extended family often feel misplaced within the story’s thematic undercurrents, while Walter's fantasy sequences and the metaphor of the literal secondhand lion fall short of their intended impact. Despite these criticisms, "Secondhand Lions" remains a commendable watch, predominantly due to its lead actors’ endearing chemistry and ability to convey a broad spectrum of emotions, from whimsy to tragedy. While it may not fulfill all of its ambitious thematic intentions, particularly in how it positions Walter rather than his intriguing uncles at the narrative’s heart, the film ultimately serves as a refreshing respite from cynicism – inviting audiences to immerse in a tale that champions the virtues of storytelling, family bonds, and self-discovery.

Secondhand Lions, through its story, doesn't aim to pioneer new grounds in storytelling or craft a narrative rich in nuanced details. Rather, it secures its charm through the vivid performances delivered by its seasoned lead actors, standing tall as a wholesome family adventure. The Blu-ray edition brought forward by Warner Bros unfortunately does not match the heartwarming essence of the film itself, presenting viewers with a video transfer that leaves much to be desired. Nonetheless, it compensates partially with its audio execution, featuring a respectable Dolby TrueHD 6.1 surround sound track that ensures an immersive auditory experience.

The special features offered alongside this release do provide some redemption, showcasing a variety of extras that fans will find appreciably engaging. However, these elements barely elevate the overall presentation of the Blu-ray, making it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend for immediate purchase at full price. The quality of the video transfer notably undermines the otherwise enchanting narrative and sterling performances, suggesting that potential buyers might find more value in either renting the film or postponing acquisition until a sale arises. This blend of underwhelming and satisfactory qualities paints a mixed picture for this particular home video release.

In conclusion, while Secondhand Lions on Blu-ray encapsulates the magic of its narrative and the prowess of its leading actors through a commendable audio track and a decent compilation of special features, the subpar video quality notably dampens the viewing experience. It positions itself as a hesitant recommendation for prospective buyers, advising a strategic approach towards rental or purchase. The essence of this release is encumbered by its visual presentation shortfall, necessitating a recalibration of expectations for fans eager to relive the adventure in high definition.