Arthur Christmas Blu-ray Review

The high-definition presentation of "Arthur Christmas" on Blu-ray is simply stunning, showcasing beautifully crafted animation with vivid and slightly oversaturated hues. Reds, in particular, stand out with visible gradational stages that bring out subtle degrees of separation. Each character has distinctive physical traits that are easily discernible, and the video quality is immaculate with pristine resolution and detailed minutiae. From the varied range of emotions displayed by the characters to the balance between contrast and black levels, the attention to detail is meticulous. Whites are bright and punchy while blacks are rich with excellent dynamic range, contributing to a polished and reference-quality presentation.

For the 3D version, while it offers good general depth and enhances the sense of space in several scenes, it doesn't have many eye-popping moments that “wow” the viewer. The depth works well, particularly in shots featuring crowds of elves, where the sense of space and tangible shapes is clear. However, these moments are few, as most of the 3D visuals focus on adding scale and scope rather than providing extra-screen material. The film's 3D features a notable sharpness and vibrancy that match the 2D release, maintaining excellent color consistency and detail. While not a groundbreaking experience, the 3D presentation benefits from an accurate MPEG-4 MVC encode framed in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, ensuring both formats are visually impressive.

Despite these strengths, "Arthur Christmas" falls short of achieving Pixar or DreamWorks levels of detail and texture. The visuals are fantastic and true to the theatrical release, but they miss the final touch of dazzle that might elevate them to perfection. Even so, both the 2D and 3D presentations offer rich visuals and an immersive experience that should satisfy most viewers.

The audio presentation of "Arthur Christmas" on Blu-ray features a well-crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. This mix is thoughtfully engineered, effectively utilizing the surround platform to deliver rich sonic clarity, crystalline dialogue, and a robust bass response. It excels in balancing discrete directional cues with rear channel ambience, creating a seamless listening experience where the front and rear sound fields work in unison for precise imaging and acoustic placement. Dynamics are notable and align well with the source material, providing an immersive soundscape that supports the film’s visual richness.

The track’s strength lies in its ability to craft a realistic atmosphere, delivering environmental sounds with precision across diverse settings—from the cavernous space of the S-1 craft to the subtle morning effects of small-town England. Sound effects and ambient noises are intricately layered, offering accuracy and an impressive sense of space. Harry Gregson-Williams' melodious score stands out, enhancing the emotional and narrative arc through scenes of action and adventure. While the mix is occasionally weighted toward front-channel moments, it includes numerous instances of surround sound immersion, enriched by well-integrated off-screen dialogues and background murmurs that add to the overall auditory depth.

In summary, the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack of "Arthur Christmas" delivers a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. It balances clarity and immersion, effectively complementing the film’s vivid visuals and enhancing the viewing journey. Despite minor variances in dynamic impact, the soundtrack remains a robust and meticulously engineered audio presentation that should satisfy listeners across different age groups.

The extras included with the "Arthur Christmas" Blu-ray offer insightful yet brief content. Available on both the 2D and 3D Blu-rays, these features provide a behind-the-scenes look into the film's creation. Despite the relatively short runtime, they encompass various aspects from cast and crew interviews to animation progression. The highlight is the "Unwrapping Arthur Christmas" featurette, which combines interviews and clips from the movie to explore character development, voice acting, and digital animation processes. Additionally, the humorous "Elf Recruitment Video" offers a light-hearted twist, while the "Progression Reels" detail the evolution of certain scenes from their initial stages to the final CGI renderings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Unwrapping Arthur Christmas: Overview with cast and crew interviews intercut with film clips.
• Progression Reels: Insight into scene development with segments including Arthur’s office, Grandsanta, Trelew, and more.
• Elf Recruitment Video: Humorous commercial for Christmas elf work.

"Arthur Christmas" serves as a contemporary reimagining of the Santa Claus legend, blending innovative technical themes with timeless holiday spirit. The film explores how Claus is no longer a single individual but part of a longstanding family tradition. The current Santa, nearing retirement and portrayed by Jim Broadbent, has seen Christmas evolve into a high-tech operation overseen by his son Steve (voiced by Hugh Laurie). Steve's state-of-the-art S-1 sleigh and militaristic precision in handling deliveries stand in stark contrast to the holiday's traditional warmth. The plot revolves around the youngest son, Arthur (voiced by James McAvoy), who embarks on a mission to deliver a missed present using an antiquated sleigh, driven by a spirit of genuine concern for ensuring every child's dreams are fulfilled.

The magic of "Arthur Christmas" lies not only in its captivating storyline but in the exceptional animation quality and voice acting that breathe life into its characters. The film is visually stunning, with intricate details from the icy North Pole to the technologically advanced S-1 vessel. Animation enthusiasts will appreciate the film's razor-sharp visuals and carefully crafted elements, right down to the smallest details on Arthur's sweater. This meticulous design is complemented by a stellar voice cast, notably McAvoy's endearing portrayal of Arthur and strong performances from Broadbent, Nighy, and Laurie.

In addition to visual splendor, "Arthur Christmas" benefits from Harry Gregson-Williams' evocative musical score that perfectly captures the adventurous and festive spirit of the story. The film seamlessly interweaves humor with heartfelt moments, making it a multi-dimensional experience. While it may not achieve Pixar's level of visual flair, its intelligent script and emotional depth make it a standout entry in the holiday movie genre. With themes emphasizing the importance of personal touch and the true spirit of Christmas, "Arthur Christmas" stands as a modern holiday classic that will resonate for years to come.

"Arthur Christmas" cleverly addresses the myriad of Santa Claus myths with resounding joy and visual splendor. A rare gem among holiday films, it is celebrated for its high-quality animation and stellar voice performances. Only "The Polar Express" competes in terms of animation and emotional depth, yet "Arthur Christmas" brings a unique honesty and simplistic joy that epitomize holiday cheer.

The Blu-ray 3D version offers solid, though not outstanding, 3D visuals paired with a fine lossless soundtrack. The visual fidelity is comparable to the 2D version, maintaining brightness and vibrancy, which may influence those budget-conscious consumers. While the immersive quality of the 3D isn't groundbreaking, fans of the format will still find it enjoyable. However, the Special Features are lacking in both quantity and depth, making it a slight disappointment for those seeking extensive behind-the-scenes content.

Overall, "Arthur Christmas - 3D" stands out as an imaginative, witty, and heartwarming addition to any holiday film collection. While there are minor shortcomings in the 3D presentation and supplemental features, the film's infectious charm and festive spirit make it an essential watch. If 3D isn't crucial, opting for the 2D version could be a prudent choice without missing out on the core experience.