Snow White and the Huntsman Blu-ray Review

"Snow White and the Huntsman" stands out as a breathtaking visual treat on Blu-ray, encapsulating the magic of its dark fairy tale aesthetic. The 1080p/AVC encoded transfer in its original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio showcases exceptional clarity and fine object detail. Whether depicting wide shots or close-ups, the video presentation maintains immaculate sharpness, free from edge enhancement, noise, or unnecessary DNR application. From the texture on costumes to the intricate set designs, every element is rendered with stunning detail and depth. The contrast levels are meticulously calibrated, elegantly navigating between deep blacks and vibrant colors without any overblown whites or crushed blacks. The dynamic color palette extends from lush forest greens to the chilling charcoals and rich earth tones, offering viewers an immersive visual experience.

The nuanced use of muted colors and controlled lighting enhances the film's fantasy world, lending a sense of intentional mystique to each scene. While certain instances exhibit a slight softness, these moments align with the film’s artistic choices rather than being flaws in the encoding itself. This stylized aesthetic results in fleshtones that may appear somewhat flat but this decision aptly supports the film's overall mood. Notably, scenes in the lush fairy forest shine with an array of earth tones that look spectacular in high definition. Furthermore, the interplay of light and shadow is remarkably handled, with deep blacks and revealing details in dim setups providing excellent depth and gradational highlights throughout the darker sequences.

Overall, the impeccable video quality extends vigorously from start to finish, marking this Blu-ray as near demo-worthy material. Rendered colors are majestic, navigating through bewitching reds and bronzes to ominous blacks, ensuring that every aspect is vividly and faithfully portrayed. Issues like artifacting, banding, or aliasing are virtually nonexistent, reinforcing this Blu-ray's status as an exemplary visual experience that earns high praise for its near-flawless execution.

Snow White and the Huntsman's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack stands as a stellar example of top-tier surround sound design. The film's audio presentation is dynamically charged, ensuring a rich and room-filling experience. Every element, from the seamless panning of arrows whizzing past to the shattering of Ravenna's glass soldiers, contributes to an engaging and immersive soundscape. Each landscape within the film crafts its own specific aural environment, effectively transporting listeners to diverse settings such as the bustling Dark Forest or the serene sanctuaries. The rears are particularly impressive, with subtle atmospherics maintaining a consistent, 360° soundfield that keeps the audience fully enveloped in the cinematic world.

Bass response, though not overly heavy, provides palpably rich extension that energizes the room, especially noticeable during intense sequences like the short battle with the troll. Directionality is precise, with smooth pans and a convincing sense of space that immerses listeners in every scene. The LFE output is powerful yet balanced, lending suitable weight to every crash, roar, and clash without overwhelming the more delicate effects. Hallmarks of superb audio engineering—such as fluttering pixies, shattering glass, and the nuanced sounds of grand gowns on stone floors—all come through with remarkable clarity and texture.

Dialogue reproduction is impeccable; it remains clear and perfectly balanced within the center channel, making sure that viewers catch every word amidst the chaos of battle or the quiet of magical moments. James Newton Howard's score benefits greatly from this clarity and richness, as each instrument can be distinctly heard, often wrapping around into the rears to enhance the ambient experience. Overall, "Snow White and the Huntsman" provides a reference-quality audio experience that complements its visual splendor, making it a standout in home theater presentations.

The Blu-ray extras for "Snow White and the Huntsman" provide a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes of the film. The disc includes two versions of the film: the theatrical cut and an extended edition. Feature commentary by director Rupert Sanders, visual effects supervisor Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, and co-editor Neil Smith dives into various aspects of the production, from visual effects to character design. The U-Control Picture-in-Picture track provides additional behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, enhancing the viewing experience. The 360-degree set tour offers a detailed exploration of the film’s impressive Pinewood Studios sets. Featurettes such as "A New Legend is Born" and "Reinventing the Fairy Tale" explore the film’s unique take on the classic story. Additionally, character-focused segments in "Citizens of the Kingdom" and the effects breakdown in "The Magic of Snow White and the Huntsman" provide further insight into the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary: Discussion by director Rupert Sanders, visual effects supervisor Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, and co-editor Neil Smith.
• U-Control Picture-in-Picture Track: Behind-the-scenes mini-featurettes.
• 360° Set Tour: Interactive panoramic tour of Pinewood Studios sets.
• A New Legend is Born: 21-minute featurette on production and story.
• Reinventing the Fairy Tale: 6-minute featurette on adapting the classic tale.
• Citizens of the Kingdom: Four character featurettes covering Snow White, Queen Ravenna, The Huntsman, and The Dwarves.
• The Magic of Snow White and the Huntsman: 13-minute featurette on visual effects.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" presents a visually sumptuous and ambitious reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, designed to appeal to both fans of gothic fantasies and those seeking a more modern heroine. Directed by Rupert Sanders, this dark, revisionist take features standout performances from Charlize Theron as the malevolent Queen Ravenna and Chris Hemsworth as the rugged Huntsman. Theron’s portrayal is frighteningly captivating, delivering a nuanced villain who steals every scene with a complex blend of beauty and cruelty. Meanwhile, Hemsworth brings much-needed charisma and charm to a film that occasionally struggles with its narrative coherence and pacing.

The film’s biggest casting misstep, however, is Kristen Stewart as Snow White. While Stewart attempts to break away from her "Twilight" persona, her performance lacks the emotional depth and presence required for such an iconic role. Her flat delivery and unconvincing British accent often detract from the otherwise stellar supporting cast, including a delightful ensemble of British actors who portray the dwarves with enthusiasm and sincerity. The screenplay, credited to Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, and Hossein Amini, unfortunately suffers from episodic disjointedness and inconsistent tonal shifts, likely a result of multiple rewrites.

Visually, "Snow White and the Huntsman" excels with mesmerizing cinematography by Greig Fraser and rich production design that immerses viewers into its darkly fantastical world. The film’s visual effects, particularly the digital transformation of the actors into dwarves, are marvelously executed, adding to the overall enchantment. Despite its narrative imperfections and uneven performances, Sanders’ directorial debut remains an engaging watch, bolstered by its lush visuals and intriguing reinterpretation of a beloved tale. With Sanders' keen eye for startling imagery and moments of genuine cinematic magic, this ambitious fantasy succeeds in leaving a memorable impression, even if it doesn't always hit the mark.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" is a compelling reinterpretation of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, delivered with visual panache and an intriguing darkness by director Rupert Sanders. The film stars Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth, each bringing a unique depth to their roles. Despite some narrative inconsistencies and tonal fluctuations, the movie remains engaging, primarily due to Sanders' exceptionally crafted visuals and immersive storytelling. The film’s ability to draw viewers into its rich, gothic atmosphere is a testament to Sanders’ capability, marking an impressive feature-length debut.

The Blu-ray release of "Snow White and the Huntsman" solidly complements the film's aesthetic strengths with a technically superb presentation. It offers a breathtaking video transfer that captures every visual nuance, from the hauntingly beautiful landscapes to the intricate costume details. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track is a powerhouse, delivering an enveloping auditory experience that heightens the impact of pivotal scenes. Furthermore, the release boasts an extensive supplemental package, including exclusive content that enriches the viewing experience and provides deeper insights into the filmmaking process.

In conclusion, "Snow White and the Huntsman" on Blu-ray is a must-own for fans of visually driven cinema. While the film itself may have its narrative flaws, they are outweighed by the striking visuals and stellar audio quality. The Blu-ray package is further enhanced by the thoughtful inclusion of supplementary material, making it a valuable addition to any high-definition collection. Highly recommended for both casual viewers and home theater enthusiasts.