Willow Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Willow" boasts a remarkably handsome and filmic image, staying true to its original 35mm format. Detail throughout is impressive, with exceptional fabric definition in attire and complex textures in faces and hair. Natural vegetation and terrain are depicted with precision. While a few shots may appear slightly filtered or softly focused, the overall image maintains a natural grain structure reminiscent of classic film stock. The colors are vibrant yet balanced, combining earthy tones with vivid greens, reds, and varied clothing hues. Contrast and saturation appear natural, avoiding any excessive digital manipulation.

Retaining the film’s original 2.39:1 theatrical aspect ratio, the 1080p AVC-encoded transfer excels in maintaining the original look and feel of the film. The black levels are consistently deep, providing good visibility in shadowy interiors and dark clothing. Skin tones remain accurate and appealing throughout. Although there are minor print blemishes and specks of dirt that appear sporadically, they do not detract from the overall quality. The transfer represents a noticeable improvement from previous DVD releases, aligning closely with the quality of Fox’s well-regarded release. Overall, this is a commendable effort from Disney, offering a clean and faithful rendition of the beloved classic.

Disney's Blu-ray presentation of "Willow" utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless configuration, reminiscent of the previous Fox disc. While the track may initially seem shallow at normal reference volumes, a slight volume adjustment reveals an audio experience that is both immersive and richly detailed. The festival sequence in chapter four epitomizes this, with its wide instrumental details and deep auditory elements springing to life. Notable scenes such as the horse and buggy chase in chapter 16 and the sled escape in chapter 22 further exemplify the track's ability to blend various sound effects seamlessly. The finale maintains this standard, harmoniously integrating diverse auditory components. Meanwhile, early scenes, rich with ambient sounds like flowing river water and wildlife, naturally position around the stage, drawing listeners deeper into the film's setting.

James Horner's score effortlessly flows, particularly away from the action-heavy scenes, demonstrating quality front-end stretch and instrumental definition while the rear channels provide modest support. Dialogue consistently remains clear and naturally positioned in the front-center channel, ensuring intelligibility throughout. The mix is lively and active, with dynamic stereo surrounds and a robust LFE presence that intensifies during action sequences. The track offers excellent positional audio with characters' movements effectively panned on and off-screen, contributing to a compelling auditory environment. However, it is worth noting that the original 2.0 stereo mix has not been included in this release.

Disney's Blu-ray release of "Willow" impressively aggregates and enhances the special features from previous editions, making it a must-have for enthusiasts. The highlight is a new-to-Blu-ray audio commentary by Warwick Davis, offering rich insights into the film's production, casting, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The collection includes vintage documentaries such as "The Making of an Adventure" and "From Morf to Morphing," adding depth with historical context. Ron Howard's contributions in deleted scenes and a personal video diary by Warwick Davis further enrich this compilation. The inclusion of TV spots and theatrical trailers rounds out the nostalgic experience. Overall, this release is both comprehensive and thoughtful in its curation of extras, catering to both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW! Audio Commentary: Warwick Davis shares deep insights on film production.
• Willow: Deleted Scenes with Ron Howard: Introduction and discussions on cut sequences.
• The Making of an Adventure with Ron Howard: Vintage behind-the-scenes featurette.
• From Morf to Morphing with Dennis Muren: Discusses revolutionary effects.
• Willow: An Unlikely Hero – Personal Video Diary of Warwick Davis: Personal reflections and home movies.
• Matte Paintings: Examination of matte paintings used in the film.
• NEW! W: Warwick Davis discusses the significance of the letter "W".
• NEW! TV Spots and Trailers: Assortment of promos including 15 Second TV Spots, 30 Second TV Spots, and Theatrical Trailers.
• NEW! The Making of Raziel's Transformation: Vintage piece on morphing effects by ILM’s Dennis Muren.

The release of Ron Howard's "Willow" on Blu-ray by Disney offers a delightful return to the magic-infused 1988 film. The narrative revolves around a prophecy predicting the fall of Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) triggered by a child with a distinctive birthmark. This prophecy sets off a dramatic chain of events leading to the newborn girl, Elora Danan (Kate and Ruth Greenfield), being discovered by Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis), an earnest Nelwyn farmer with aspirations of becoming a great sorcerer. As Willow embarks on a perilous journey to protect Elora, he is joined by the roguish swordsman Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), adding layers of adventure and camaraderie to this epic tale.

The film adeptly blends elements from various iconic narratives, ranging from biblical stories to much-admired cinematic classics. Critics have historically noted its similarities to "The Lord of the Rings," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," and "Star Wars," the latter of which had George Lucas as both Executive Producer and Story contributor. Despite these parallels, Howard's direction infuses "Willow" with a sense of joyous escapism, augmented significantly by James Horner's exhilarating score. Industrial Light & Magic’s special effects, though groundbreaking at the time, carry a nostalgic charm, with analog techniques like multiple-pass filmmaking contributing to its unique visual texture.

However, some visual effects, particularly scenes involving the Brownies, now appear dated and suffer from noticeable artifacts. The film's pioneering morphing shot of Fin Raziel (Patricia Hayes) transforming back to her human form remains a standout moment in visual effects history despite showing its age. Overall, "Willow" continues to resonate due to its captivating storytelling, vibrant performances, and enduring charm, making it as enchanting as it was during its original theatrical release.

Disney's Blu-ray release of "Willow" presents a satisfying revisitation to this cherished Fantasy/Adventure classic. Drawing inspiration from the Biblical Old Testament story of Moses and from Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the film remains engaging decades after its original release. The 1080p video transfer appears consistent with prior editions, maintaining the same level of clarity and detail. However, one must note the familiar issue with Disney's lower-than-preferred audio volume, necessitating a higher volume setting during playback. Despite this minor setback, the film’s heart, performances, pacing, and timeless storyline continue to captivate audiences.

In this unofficial 30th anniversary edition, Disney goes the extra mile by bundling all Fox supplements with additional new extras. While there is little difference video-wise if you already own the 2013 Blu-ray, the newly added supplements and digital copy code provide substantial allure for an upgrade. Offering an abundant set of bonus materials, this release ensures comprehensive enjoyment for both first-time viewers and dedicated fans.

Overall, Willow liberally borrows from indomitable sources like the Biblical Old Testament and Tolkien's literary works, creating a film that stands the test of time due to its compelling storytelling and dynamic performances. While some visual effects show their age, they do not detract significantly from the experience. Disney’s Blu-ray edition upholds the film’s legacy with its blend of nostalgic charm and modern enhancements. Thus, it is a recommended addition to any film enthusiast's collection, especially those who appreciate the adventure and fantasy genres.