Goosebumps Blu-ray Review

Goosebumps' Blu-ray video presentation offers an interesting dichotomy between its 2D and 3D transfers. The 1080p 2D version, presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, is an exemplary transfer that balances a film-like quality with modern digital clarity. Detail levels are impeccable, providing outstanding image clarity without delving into overly sharp "video" territory. The color palette predominantly skews towards warm, golden summer tones, giving the film a pleasant visual warmth. Primaries are vivid and fleshy tones appear natural and healthy. Black levels are consistently solid, contributing to impressive shadow detail and depth, creating an almost near-reference quality visual experience free from compression issues.

Contrastingly, the 3D presentation takes a more subdued approach. While it maintains the strengths of its 2D counterpart—such as excellent fine detail and robust black levels—the 3D effect doesn't fully capitalize on the movie's potential for immersive experiences. The transfer relies primarily on basic depth and offers few memorable pop-out moments, which can be slightly disappointing given the film's plethora of visually dynamic elements like monsters and animated objects. Colors are somewhat dimmer in 3D but still manage to deliver sufficient brightness in well-lit scenes. Despite minor disappointments in the extra-dimensional experience, the 3D transfer is free of ghosting or crosstalk, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Overall, while the 3D adds a layer of depth, it doesn't significantly elevate the visual engagement beyond what the already stellar 2D presentation offers.

The audio presentation of the "Goosebumps" Blu-ray is a mixed bag between the 2D and 3D versions. The 2D-only disc boasts a phenomenal Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtrack that offers an immersive and dynamic auditory experience. This track excels particularly well during the extensive monster mayhem scenes, providing a compelling mix of surround sound engagement, precise object placement, and deep LFE (Low-Frequency Effects). The dynamic range is impressive, with clear dialogue and robust action effects that truly come alive as the narrative unfolds. The swirling sounds of the monstrous escapes are especially breathtaking, making the audience feel enveloped by the chaos onscreen. The directional movement and accurate channel imaging further enhance this immersive experience.

Regrettably, the 3D version compromises by offering only a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which, while satisfactory, pales in comparison to the more advanced Atmos mix. This version sacrifices some spatial depth and sonic immersion for visual dimensionality, which might disappoint audiophiles looking for the most powerful sound experience. Differences between the 5.1 track and the 7.1 mix are not immediately glaring but become evident in high-energy scenes where nuanced sound placement is crucial; for example, the absent rear-middle surround channels slightly diminish the sense of space. However, it still delivers decent audio quality with clear dialogue, effective surround channel usage, and perfectly balanced levels. Effects are reasonably robust within its limitations, and action scenes hold up due to adequate LFE performance.

Ultimately, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on the 3D disc provides a competent audio experience, the Dolby Atmos track on the 2D disc sets a higher standard in creating an captivating environment rife with detailed soundscapes and dimensional audio cues. For those using state-of-the-art audio systems, the difference is significant and highly noticeable during key action-packed sequences, making the 2D version more desirable for dedicated sound enthusiasts.

The "Goosebumps" Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes, blending technical insights with delightful entertainment for fans of all ages. The special features include alternate openings, deleted scenes, and various featurettes that delve into character development, special effects, and the film's production process. Highlights include an in-depth piece on creating the infamous puppet character Slappy and actor test footage, adding layers to the viewing experience. The inclusion of bloopers and light-hearted guides further enriches the content, showing a balance between technical depth and accessible fun.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Opening: A different take on the film's start.
• Deleted Scenes: Multiple scenes that didn't make the final cut.
• Cast Blooper Reel: Outtakes from the cast's performances.
• All About Slappy: A deep dive into Slappy's design and role.
• Beginner's Guide to Surviving a Goosebumps Creature: Tips on handling creatures from the movie.
• Strange Things Are Happening... On-Set: Behind-the-scenes oddities from the shoot.
• Creaturefied!: Insights on makeup and effects with tips for fans.
• Cast Screen Test Gallery: Early rehearsal clips featuring main cast members.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.

"Goosebumps," directed by Rob Letterman, is an engaging blend of family-friendly horror and comedy that captures the essence of R.L. Stine's beloved book series. The storyline revolves around Zach (Dylan Minnette) who moves to Madison, Delaware with his mother, Gale (Amy Ryan). After a rocky start at his new school and an unfriendly encounter with his mysterious neighbor Mr. Shivers (Jack Black), Zach partners with his quirky friend Champ (Ryan Lee) and Mr. Shivers' daughter, Hannah (Odeya Rush). They inadvertently unleash a host of monsters from Stine’s original manuscripts, leading to chaos as they strive to return the creatures to their literary confines. Letterman skillfully crafts a whimsical world reminiscent of "Jumanji" and "Zathura," laden with imaginative humor and light chills.

The movie thrives on its energetic narrative and impressive monster sequences, albeit at the expense of character depth. While Jack Black shines as the eccentric R.L. Stine, delivering a delightful performance with a touch of subdued humor, the human characters are often overshadowed by the relentless onslaught of CGI and practical creature effects. Dylan Minnette and Odeya Rush share a palpable chemistry, with Rush's portrayal of Hannah standing out as a capable and strong counterpart to Zach. Ryan Lee steals several scenes as the comic relief sidekick, Champ. The film triumphs primarily through its visual diversity and over-the-top antics, providing a steady stream of thrills and laughs that compensate for any lack of narrative complexity.

Technically, "Goosebumps" showcases a commendable blend of CGI and practical effects. Notable highlights include the demented gnomes and Slappy the puppet, which embody strong practical craftsmanship. The film's CG elements, such as the abominable snowman and other larger-than-life creatures, generally integrate well within this fantastical realm, although occasionally they lack the tangible presence seen in practical effects. Despite these minor imperfections, "Goosebumps" is a nostalgic ride that successfully caters to both its young audience and adults who grew up with the series, ultimately delivering an entertaining cinematic experience abundant with light-hearted horror and spirited fun.

"Goosebumps" delivers an enthusiasm for its source material that ensures an entertaining, if not groundbreaking, cinematic experience. While the film is short on compelling characters and features serviceable but unremarkable visual effects, its spirited approach and commitment to narrative simplicity make it an enjoyable watch. Jack Black's engaging performance, alongside a well-selected supporting cast, bolsters the film's charm. As a family-friendly film, "Goosebumps" strikes the right balance between mild scares and humor, making it suitable for younger audiences.

From a technical standpoint, Sony's Blu-ray 3D release of "Goosebumps" is somewhat mixed. The 3D transfer is adequate but not essential for enjoying the film, with a generally bland three-dimensional visual experience. The audio track lacks the richness of an Atmos mix, which is available in the 2D version included in the set. While the supplemental material remains lightweight yet audience-friendly, it doesn't offer significant value to justify the higher price tag of the 3D version for most viewers.

In conclusion, while die-hard 3D enthusiasts might find some value in this Blu-ray release, the 2D version is a more economically sound choice without compromising on overall enjoyment. "Goosebumps" thrives on its energy and simplicity, ensuring that it entertains for its duration, making it a solid pick for family movie nights and casual viewing alike.