Jojo Rabbit Blu-ray Review

"Jojo Rabbit" arrives on Blu-ray with a top-tier 1080p transfer that thoroughly impresses with its meticulous details and vibrant color grading. Shot on Arri Alexa cameras at a 2K master, the film leverages varied locations that range from the lively outdoor scenes of Berlin and Jojo's camp to the more subdued interiors. The exteriors are a visual feast with lavish colors—bright reds, lush greens, and calming blues set against an earthy, dusty backdrop. Indoors, the palette shifts to prominent earth tones and browns, albeit sometimes leading to subtle black crush and softer details in areas like Elsa's hideout, contributing to its slightly surreal atmosphere.

The AVC encoded transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio presents an appealing sharpness throughout, effectively capturing the intricate production design. There is a deliberate softness in some scenes, yet mid- and close-range shots reveal fine details in faces and clothing. Color grading is notably nuanced; indoor scenes exude a warm peach-toned ambiance with buttery yellows and hints of pink, while traditional Nazi elements like armbands and flags take on a crimson to plum tone. Despite excellent overall black levels bringing deep, inky visuals, certain scenes—especially those dominated by brown or dark tones—exhibit somewhat lackluster shadow detail. For those not yet transitioned to 4K UHD, this Blu-ray transfer stands as an exceptional presentation.

The audio presentation of Jojo Rabbit’s Blu-ray edition employs a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that parallels its 4K UHD counterpart. The sound mix is immersive and dynamic, accommodating the film's outdoor scenes brimming with explosions, gunfire, and vehicle roars, which effectively utilize the surround channels and enhance the low-end frequencies. Despite these action-packed moments, the quieter, more introspective interactions between Jojo and Elsa are equally well-rendered, maintaining a balanced soundscape. The dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, with no issues of level imbalance or compressed dynamics.

The film derives considerable energy from its anachronistic music, infusing various sequences with a cheeky vibrancy. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix notably excels in delivering immersive effects, whether in open-air combat scenes or more confined spaces like the echo-y ambience of a poolhouse training session. While the surround effects in the theatrical release were subtle, this home presentation captures the essence without losing clarity or precision. The track’s object spacing ensures that every sound effect, musical note, and dialogue piece is meticulously placed within the sonic frame, though it’s primarily front/center-oriented with occasional side/rear activity. The final war sequence particularly opens up the surround range, offering a noteworthy audio climax.

Overall, Jojo Rabbit’s audio mix presents a coherent and engaging soundstage that leverages its DTS-HD capabilities to excellent effect. While Atmos might not significantly enhance the experience, the existing mix delivers clear dialogue, vibrant musical interludes, and a comprehensive but controlled use of surround elements. This results in an audio track that is both entertaining and technically proficient.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jojo Rabbit" offer a solid selection, albeit slightly light in volume. The highlight is Taika Waititi's engaging audio commentary, full of energy and behind-the-scenes insights. The "Inside Jojo Rabbit" featurette, which runs almost 30 minutes, provides a compelling look at the film's production through interesting interviews and an artistic presentation style. Deleted scenes and outtakes give additional glimpses into the creative process, though the former reveals why they were ultimately left out. The inclusion of both teaser and theatrical trailers rounds out the offering for fans and aficionados of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Additional content that didn't make the final cut.
• Outtakes: Humorous and candid moments from filming.
• Inside Jojo Rabbit: Insightful featurette with interviews and production details.
• Audio Commentary by Taika Waititi: Director’s energetic and informative discussion.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional content for the film.
• Teaser Trailer: Initial promotional glimpse of the film.

"Jojo Rabbit," directed and penned by Taika Waititi, stands as a boldly unique exploration of humor and tragedy set during the Nazi era. Waititi intertwines slapstick and droll humor, transforming Adolf Hitler into an imaginary friend of ten-year-old Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), an effeminate Nazi youth recruit. Waititi's adeptness at blending comedic elements with the grim backdrop of WWII facilitates a highly engaging narrative that evolves from guffaws and chuckles to more profound, emotional undertones. Scarlett Johansson and Thomasin McKenzie astound, while actors like Sam Rockwell and Rebel Wilson exceed expectations.

The story hinges on Jojo's moral dilemma upon discovering his mother Rosie (Johansson) is hiding Elsa (McKenzie), a Jewish girl, in their house. This discovery throws Jojo into a conflict between his indoctrinated beliefs and growing empathy. The film crafts a delicate balance between its whimsical tone and the inherent seriousness of its subject matter, drawing comparisons with historical satirical shots at tyrannical regimes but carving its own niche with an undeniably menacing undertone that fortifies its critical commentary on blind nationalism. From a Hitler Youth camp run by a cynical Captain Klenzendorf (Rockwell) to stark portrayals of propaganda's impact, the film doesn't shy away from darkness lurking behind its humor.

"Jojo Rabbit" personifies the convergence of surreal comedy and stark realism, reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s stylized storytelling with scabrous humor akin to Quentin Tarantino. The juxtaposition of historical footage alongside whimsical montages amplifies the film’s off-kilter postmodernism, rendering a provocative take on Nazi indoctrination through the innocent yet ludicrous viewpoint of a child.

(Note: Equipment-specific details from original reviews have been omitted for cohesiveness and relevance.)

"Jojo Rabbit," directed by Taika Waititi, is an audacious and heartfelt film that seamlessly melds satire, comedy, and a poignant coming-of-age story against the backdrop of World War II. The film brilliantly captures a spectrum of emotions, navigating from absurd, cartoonish humor to deep, resonant emotional beats. Waititi's unique vision offers a fresh perspective on a dark chapter in history through an accessible and engaging lens, making it both thought-provoking and immensely entertaining. The performances, notably by Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, and Scarlett Johansson, contribute significantly to the film's captivating narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Jojo Rabbit" by 20th Century Fox / Disney is impressive. The video quality is remarkable, with a pristine 1.85:1 AVC transfer that faithfully reproduces the film's visual style. This is complemented by an equally stellar audio presentation, featuring an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that immerses viewers in the film's soundscape. Subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish are available, enhancing accessibility for a broader audience. Though the Blu-ray extras are somewhat underwhelming, the core content’s exceptional quality more than compensates for this, ensuring a strong viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Jojo Rabbit" transcends expectations with its balanced blend of humor and heartfelt moments. It deftly critiques blind nationalism while delivering a profound message wrapped in wit and charm. The Blu-ray disc is superbly produced, affirming its place as a must-have addition for both fans of Taika Waititi and those who appreciate exceptional filmmaking. Highly recommended for its arresting narrative and outstanding technical execution.

Recommendation: Great watch

Technical Specifications: Starring: Taika Waititi, Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen, Stephen Merchant
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Written by: Taika Waititi, Christine Leunens (Novel)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 AVC
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1, Spanish DD 5.1, French DD 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 108 Minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: February 18th, 2020