Pinocchio Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of “Pinocchio” presents a significant leap in video quality, showcasing a meticulously cleaned-up and restored 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, framed at the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Viewers are treated to a vibrantly reinvigorated color palette, where blues are notably striking, and the blacks display a profound depth, enhancing dark scenes with excellent contrast. However, this cleaning process, while eliminating print damage and noise, introducing an unanticipated clarity, has also sparked discussions on the film's atmospheric authenticity. Some purists argue that the digital cleanup has led to a loss of texture and warmth in scenes, particularly those involving wooden elements, suggesting that the restoration may have slightly deviated from the film’s original aesthetic intentions.

One commendable aspect of this release is Disney's effort to preserve the integrity of the original animation. The restoration boasts an impressive attention to detail; hand-painted backgrounds and character nuances are more apparent than ever, lending the visuals a crispness and depth formerly unseen. The introduction of Disney-view options for the pillarboxed video adds a modern twist to the viewing experience without detracting from the film’s nostalgic charm. Despite some minor instances of video noise and debates over color saturation levels, the overall visual fidelity is commendable, allowing for both a celebration of technical advancement and a nod towards the film’s historical significance.

Critically, Disney has approached this Blu-ray release with a deliberate sensitivity towards balancing restoration with reverence for “Pinocchio’s” original artistry. The film’s iconic multi-plane camera effects are preserved, enhancing the 3D illusion inherent to its 1940 production without leaning into overt digital modernization. The clean, stable picture free from artifacting and the thoughtful adjustment of hues—despite reducing some of the film’s original ‘warmth’—serve to spotlight “Pinocchio's” enduring magic. This concerted effort in remastering not only elevates the film’s visual presentation but also ensures its legacy continues to enchant future generations with unmatched vibrancy and detail.

The audio presentation of "Pinocchio" on Blu-ray offers both a nod to modern audio expectations and a respectful bow to historical authenticity, featuring two distinct tracks: a state-of-the-art DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel surround mix and a meticulously restored original Dolby Digital Mono track. The 7.1 mix, despite its advanced capabilities, primarily enhances the front soundstage, delivering clear dialogue and well-separated musical scores from the front and center speakers. However, it appears that the surround channels, while present, add little to the immersive experience, with noticeable effects largely confined to certain sequences such as the dramatic events involving Monstro the whale. The subwoofer engagement is present yet subtle, providing a modern polish without overwhelming the film's original sonic character.

On the flip side, the restored mono track appeals directly to purists and those wishing to experience the film as it was originally presented in 1940. Despite the inherent limitations of a mono presentation, this track is surprisingly well-balanced, with dialogues and sound effects maintaining clarity and depth. This balance is critical in preserving the film’s auditory nostalgia while ensuring that none of the elements feel compressed or dynamically flattened—a testament to the restoration's quality. Both audio options are reportedly free of significant hiss or crackles, implying a clean-up process attentive enough to retain the original's essence while eradicating age-related auditory degradation.

Critics and enthusiasts might find the 7.1 surround sound mix slightly underutilized, given the expectations of a multi-channel experience. Yet, this decision seems deliberate, aimed at preserving the film's original spirit without introducing anachronistic audio elements. The subwoofer and rear channels' understated use does not fully exploit the breadth of a home theatre system but ensures that enhancements do not detract from the vintage charm of "Pinocchio." Consequently, Disney's dual-track approach on this Blu-ray release provides an impressive audio package that caters to both contemporary audiences seeking clarity and depth and to purists desiring an authentic auditory experience reflective of the film's initial release era.

The "Pinocchio" Blu-ray release expertly marries traditional content with advanced technologies, serving as a comprehensive homage to the animation classic and a case study in the evolution of home video extras. It spans three discs, offering everything from high-definition documentaries and interactive features to standard-definition basics for broader accessibility. Viewers can dive deep into the film's history with the "No Strings Attached" documentary, while the Cine-Explore feature and BD-Live functionalities push the boundaries of traditional movie watching. The addition of both audio and video commentaries, alongside numerous games and trivia challenges, reflects Disney's commitment to enriching the viewing experience. The meticulous restoration work and behind-the-scenes insights provided make this collection a quintessential piece for fans, historians, and newcomers alike. This set doesn't just celebrate the film; it demonstrates the persistent relevance and adaptability of its lessons and artistry in the digital age.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative insights with Leonard Maltin, Eric Goldberg, and J.B. Kaufman.
• Cine-Explore: Picture-In-Picture video commentary, blending archival footage, interviews, and film commentary.
• Disney View: Themed sidebars for widescreen viewing.
• Music Video: Meaghan Jette Martin performs “When You Wish Upon A Star.”
• Disney Song Selection: Karaoke-style movie song presentation.
• Pinocchio's Matter of Facts: Pop-up trivia offering insights into the film.
• Trivia Challenge: A game to test your Pinocchio knowledge.
• Pinocchio's Puzzles: Interactive puzzles hosted by Jiminy Cricket.
• Pleasure Island Carnival Games: Themed games for an interactive experience.
• Featurette: “No Strings Attached: The Making of Pinocchio”: A detailed documentary.
• Deleted Scenes: Including an alternate ending storyboard.
• The Sweatbox: Provides a glimpse into Disney's creative process.
• Live Action Reference Footage: Early use of 'rotoscoping' technique explained.
• Pinocchio Art Galleries: Extensive collection of production art.
• Publicity: Original and re-release film trailers.
• Deleted Song: The unreleased “Honest John.”
• Geppettos - Then and Now: Examining the craft of toy making over time.

Disney's restoration of "Pinocchio" for its Blu Ray edition is nothing short of miraculous, elevating the 70th-anniversary celebration of this timeless classic into a stunning visual and auditory experience. The film has been meticulously cleaned up, now presented in a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer that showcases the original intended colors and details like never before, all while maintaining the classic 1.33:1 ratio. Accompanying this is a remixed DTS-HD MA 7.1 surround sound that immerses viewers in the enchanting world of Geppetto and his wooden boy, though purists will appreciate the inclusion of a restored mono soundtrack as well. This enhancement of sound and visuals breathes new life into the richly detailed animation, award-winning music, and the heartwarming adventure-filled story, allowing it to shine brilliantly.

"Pinocchio" plunges viewers into a mesmerizing coming-of-age story that is both a visual marvel and a complex narrative, far surpassing the expectations for animated family entertainment. Wrestled away from banality by its arresting visual artistry and unsettling thematic depth, the journey of Pinocchio from a marionette to a real boy under the guiding light of Jiminy Cricket is rendered with an emotional depth and narrative complexity that is unparalleled. The sinister challenges and moral dilemmas Pinocchio faces—be it through the treacherous paths laid by con men or the hedonistic traps of Pleasure Island—serve as a grim reflection of the trials of growing up, making this film resonate with viewers on multiple levels. Each scene is crafted with careful attention to background, color, and texture, making "Pinocchio" not just a feast for the eyes but a significant artifact of cinematic art.

The landmark restoration and revitalization of this film underscore its enduring appeal and relevance. Foraging through the darker and grimier aspects of childhood tales and emerging with invaluable life lessons, "Pinocchio" distinguishes itself as a masterful exploration of honesty, bravery, and selflessness. Its spellbinding animation, coupled with meticulous character development, elevates it beyond its presumed audience to strike a chord with people across all ages. This Blu-ray release ensures that "Pinocchio" remains an eternal fixture in cinematic history, promising to enchant generations with its blend of fantastical storytelling and moral teachings. For anyone who has wished upon a star or cherished the dreamy innocence of Disney's golden era, this release is an essential addition to their collection, promising more than just a trip down memory lane but a fully immersive experience into a world where dreams and reality converge beautifully.

The Blu-ray release of Disney's "Pinocchio" stands as an exemplar of multimedia home entertainment, meticulously marrying classic storytelling with cutting-edge technological presentation. Tested across a broad spectrum of high-end audiovisual equipment, including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and a suite of players such as the Oppo 970HD and Sony Playstation 3, "Pinocchio's" restoration impresses with its vivid clarity and pristine audio quality. The 3-disc set shines on every tested device, showcasing the painstaking effort put into its video transfer and DTS HD 7.1 Master Audio track. Furthermore, the release is bolstered by an extensive array of supplemental material, ranging from behind-the-scenes exclusives to in-depth historical analyses, catering to both casual viewers and cinephiles.

The hardware utilized underscores the Blu-ray’s ability to deliver an immersive viewing experience. The synergy between high-caliber components like the Denon AVR 5308CI Preamp/Video Processor and B&K Reference 200.7 Series amplifier, paired with Canton Ergo Series and Axiom Audio QS8 speakers, foregrounds the audiovisual craftsmanship of this release. Coupled with top-tier cabling from Wireworld and Audioquest, and protective gear like the APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner, the setup ensures that "Pinocchio’s" presentation is as flawless as technologically possible. This meticulous attention to technical detail not only enhances the enchantment of the film but elevates the overall home theater experience.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Pinocchio" represents a pinnacle in home entertainment offerings. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Disney’s storytelling prowess, augmented through unparalleled restoration work and a comprehensive suite of extras. The technical proficiency displayed in both the restoration process and the ensuing playback quality is unmatched, making it a must-have for enthusiasts aiming to experience one of Disney's most heartfelt creations in the best possible light. With its blend of emotional depth and technical excellence, this edition of "Pinocchio" is indeed an essential acquisition for connoisseurs of classic cinema and high fidelity presentation alike.