Storks Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Storks" showcases the film's digital animation in high definition with remarkable clarity and vibrant colors. Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray delivers a visually stunning experience, characterized by impressively saturated hues that bring the fantastical world of the film to life. Close-up shots of characters exhibit razor-sharp clarity, while long shots maintain excellent detail. Black levels are deep and solid, and whites demonstrate both brilliance and subtle shading. Tulip's distinct red hair is a unique visual highlight. Importantly, the transfer is free from banding, aliasing, and other artifacts, benefiting from a competent encoding at an average bitrate of 24.59 Mbps. However, it is worth noting that over 20 GB of disc space remains unused, suggesting missed potential for even higher bitrate use.

The film eschews the typically hyper-saturated palettes seen in many CG animated movies, opting instead for a more naturalistic approach. This is evident in the soft natural lighting during sunsets and sunrises, which contrast against the dimness of caves and old factory settings. The encode manages to retain this lighting nuance effectively, though it occasionally results in characters blending into darker environments—a likely artistic choice linked to the film's lighting style rather than an encoding flaw. When colors do pop, such as the baby's pink hair and glimpses of the baby-making facility, they appear wonderfully vibrant and add a striking visual element to the overall presentation.

Overall, "Storks" meets the high standards expected for CG animation on Blu-ray, combining a capable encoding process with impressive visual design and color management. The use of naturalistic lighting is handled with finesse, and moments where bold colors are intended to stand out do so with vivid brilliance.

The audio presentation of "Storks" on Blu-ray offers an ambitious 7.1 sound mix, encoded in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, that truly showcases the dynamic possibilities of animation soundscapes. The bustling machinery of Cornerstone.com, the energetic aerial maneuvers of Tulip’s hovercraft, and the lively crowds at Stork Con are all augmented by a robust and lively sound design. Each vocal performance is impeccably localized and prioritized, ensuring clear and consistent dialogue delivery. The light-hearted score by Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna complements the film's tone perfectly, while a soundtrack featuring both contemporary hits like Jason Derulo’s "Kiss the Sky" and classics like Talking Heads’ "And She Was" adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the listener’s experience.

Despite how busy many of the scenes are, the mixing could have offered more dynamism. The overall sound seems slightly front-loaded, engaging the rear speakers sparingly with only a few standout moments, such as the exhilarating waterfall chase. However, the sound remains clear and well-defined throughout, even in quieter segments like the silent penguin fight, which demands a balance of subtle audio cues to deliver its comedic impact effectively. The track excels at managing both the clamor and the quiet, ensuring an engrossing auditory experience that matches the vibrant visual style of "Storks."

The extras on the "Storks" Blu-ray offer a mix of amusement and insight, although their kid-friendly focus may leave some wanting more behind-the-scenes content. The commentary by Writer/Co-Director Nicholas Stoller, Co-Director Doug Sweetland, and others includes character development insights but overlooks story and mythology discussions, with noticeable gaps. Highlight features include the "Storks: Guide to Your New Baby," which humorously portrays baby care gone awry with Pigeon Toady, and "The Master: A LEGO Ninjago Short," featuring Jackie Chan's voice. The "Storks Kiss the Sky Music Video," sung by Jason Derulo, effectively condenses the film into a brief musical clip. A collection of deleted scenes with optional commentary presents unpolished but intriguing additional content, and the outtakes capture brief yet entertaining behind-the-scenes moments.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Writer/Co-Director Nicholas Stoller, Co-Director Doug Sweetland, Editor John Venzon, and Story Editor Matt Flynn: Technical commentary with notable gaps.
• Storks: Guide to Your New Baby: Humorous baby care sketch led by Pigeon Toady.
• The Master: A LEGO Ninjago Short: Martial arts-themed short voiced by Jackie Chan.
• Storks Kiss the Sky Music Video: Film recap set to Jason Derulo's song.
• Deleted Scenes (with Optional Commentary): A compilation of storyboarded deleted scenes.
• Outtakes: Quick and amusing animated outtake reel.

"Storks" unfolds an imaginative, albeit perplexing, premise: human babies were traditionally produced by a massive avian enterprise until a corporate transition led the storks to pivot towards a parcel delivery service. The narrative, crafted by Nicholas Stoller, aims to channel the chaotic energy of classic animation like Looney Tunes but often falls into a frenzied and disjointed array of gags that dilute its storytelling coherence. Key characters include Junior, an ambitious stork voiced by Andy Samberg, and Tulip, a human who missed her delivery years ago. Their dynamic is spurred by the accidental creation of a baby, leading to a madcap journey reminiscent of a mismatched buddy comedy.

The film's strength resides in its intricate details and humor, transcending its otherwise shaky foundation. Moments such as confrontations with an inventive wolf pack and silent showdowns with penguins display an artistry in slapstick, combined with more refined comedic touches. The humor reaches peaks with characters like Pigeon Toady and the alpha wolves (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele) whose absurd antics pivot the film towards genuine comedic gold. These scenes provide a platform for Junior and Tulip’s evolving relationship—parodying stereotypical parenting debates devoid of biological references, maintaining emotional resonance despite the film's fantastical setup.

Despite its inherent absurdity, "Storks" conveys heartfelt themes particularly in the growing bond between Junior and Tulip, echoing real parenting challenges albeit in an exaggerated comedic lens. However, some plot elements falter, notably the underdeveloped subplot involving Nate Gardner and his high-flying wish for sibling companionship. Consequently, Jennifer Aniston's character remains substantially underserved. Yet, Stoller’s ability to infuse nuanced emotional beats within a child-friendly narrative offers a refreshing depth. Ultimately, "Storks" delivers bursts of creativity and emotional insight within a zany world, though its inconsistency may leave some viewers yearning for a more streamlined story.

"Storks" is an engaging animated feature that, despite a somewhat convoluted plot, offers a visually vibrant and aurally dynamic experience. The Blu-ray presentation accentuates the film’s lively and colorful animation, delivering a crisp and sharp image quality that stands out in high definition. Fans of loud special effects and action-packed scenes will find this Blu-ray particularly appealing, as the sound design effectively utilizes the surround sound to create an immersive viewing experience. It is perfectly tailored for younger audiences due to its kinetic energy and vivid imagery but also comprises clever inside jokes that will entertain adult viewers.

Nicholas Stoller manages to uplift the film from its basic premise with inventive storytelling and well-timed humor. The movie contains multiple layers of comedy and narrative depth that can be appreciated upon repeated viewings, making it a valuable addition to any family movie collection. The voice cast delivers commendable performances which add depth to the characters, making the story more engaging and relatable for a broad audience.

In conclusion, "Storks" may not be perfect, but its energetic charm, combined with a high-quality Blu-ray output, guarantees an enjoyable experience for both children and adults. The technical prowess of the Blu-ray in presenting bright visuals and robust audio ensures that the film's charms are fully realized in a home viewing environment. If approached with an open mind, "Storks" provides sufficient entertainment value, making it worth watching for families looking for a lively and colorful adventure.