Jetsons: The Movie Blu-ray Review

"Jetsons: The Movie" on Blu-ray, brought to you by Kino Lorber, delivers a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition video in its original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. While the joy of witnessing this animated classic on Blu-ray is palpable, the overall presentation fails to impress. The transfer is derived from an older master, severely lacking in fine detail, and marred by considerable wear and tear, including dirt and damage that occasionally distracts. The inherent film grain does offer a good level of detail showcasing the animation, but the damage retains a notable presence.

The visual quality remains inconsistent throughout the film. From the onset, numerous specks, dirt, and substantial noise combined with heavy grain diminish the viewing experience. The mismatch between hand-drawn animation and CGI elements also strikes an odd balance, making some transitions appear disjointed. Furthermore, low contrast levels cause darker scenes to appear muddy and poorly defined. While primary colors maintain their traditional vibrancy, the intensity of colors fluctuates from scene to scene, resulting in some segments appearing less vibrant than others.

Ultimately, this Blu-ray release presents a serviceable yet imperfect viewing experience. Although it may satisfy casual viewers eager to revisit "Jetsons: The Movie," those seeking a pristine and polished visual presentation might find it lacking. The presence of grain and occasional print damage could be considered an homage to the original material by some, while others may see it as a detriment to modern enjoyment.

The Blu-ray release of "Jetsons: The Movie" offers two audio configurations: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track reflects a modest enhancement over its 2.0 counterpart but still showcases some age-related limitations. The fidelity is average, lacking the pristine clarity and dynamism that mark top-tier presentations in this format. While dialogue is generally clear and intelligible, the overall experience does not fully utilize the capabilities afforded by DTS-HD technology.

The implementation of the DTS 5.1 track reveals some significant drawbacks. The film's audio mix prioritizes dialogue, marginally engaging the front and rear channels during musical interludes, predominantly characterized by exuberant 80s tunes. However, the dialogue often competes with other audio elements, such as effects and music tracks, for auditory supremacy. This competition results in sporadic fluctuations in audio staging, where dialogue volume can unexpectedly shift mid-sentence, thus prompting frequent adjustments with the remote control. Overall, it can be asserted that a more extensive restoration effort could have elevated the auditory fidelity and immersive potential of this Blu-ray release.

Optional English subtitles are provided, an essential feature given the aforementioned issues with dialogue clarity. While the audio performance on this Blu-ray isn't particularly sophisticated or immersive, it does manage to deliver a serviceable listening experience for "Jetsons: The Movie," retaining the charm of this nostalgic piece of animation history.

The Blu-ray edition of "Jetsons: The Movie" offers a thoughtfully curated set of extras that will captivate both enthusiasts and animation scholars alike. The features kick off with an insightful audio commentary by film historian Lee Gambin, delivering a wealth of fascinating details about the film's production and its place in the Hanna-Barbera lineage. Complementing this is a comprehensive audio interview with Jeff Bergman, the voice behind key characters like George Jetson and Mr. Spacely, providing an engaging deep dive into his experiences on the project. The inclusion of several trailers, including the original theatrical teaser and additional promo material from Kino Lorber's catalog, rounds out the extras with nostalgic and contextual value.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary by Author/Film Historian Lee Gambin: Scholarly insights brimming with interesting information.

Audio Interview with Voice Actor Jeff Bergman: Engaging discussion on animation and voice acting.

Jetsons: The Movie Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.

Thunderbirds Are Go Trailer: Promo trailer.

Thunderbird 6 Trailer: Additional promo trailer.

The Blu-ray release of "Jetsons: The Movie" offers a nostalgic return to the beloved animated series created by Joseph Barbera and William Hanna. The film features the original characters, voiced by classic cast members such as George O'Hanlon and Penny Singleton, delivering performances that recapture the charm of the series. This film explores George Jetson's new promotion to a vice president position that entails significant challenges, including the environmental impact on local creatures called Grungees. The plot is engaging and sprinkled with humor and action-adventures that are fitting for family entertainment. While the central story is well-executed, younger audiences might find some references and dialogues stretched out, as they are rooted in the show's 60s origins adorned with late 80s/early 90s elements, notably evident in the stretched references like Rick Dees’ traffic reports.

The animation quality in "Jetsons: The Movie" is commendable, blending traditional hand-drawn techniques with early CGI that was innovative for its time. The production quality reflects the classic "Jetsons" style while attempting to modernize its appearance through these CGI elements. The film’s soundtrack, composed by John Debney, complements the visual flair with an exciting and charming score, although some sequences featuring 80s synth-pop—particularly those performed by Tiffany—might feel out of place for die-hard fans of the original series. These musical elements aim to advance the plot, but they occasionally interrupt the flow, especially during segments that feel like full music videos.

Despite some dated references and awkward incorporations of contemporary elements from the 80s and 90s, "Jetsons: The Movie" holds up as a tribute to its original series. It manages to blend humor, environmental themes, and family dynamics into a package that's both entertaining and nostalgic. Long-time fans will appreciate the return of their favorite space-age family while new viewers may enjoy diving into this animated classic.

Jetsons: The Movie, released by Kino Lorber on Blu-ray, brings the iconic family of the future back into our homes in a feature-length adventure that retains much of the original charm. While the movie, overseen by original creators Joseph Barbera and William Hanna, does a commendable job of rekindling the essence of the beloved cartoon, it stumbles in its attempt to adapt to the sensibilities of the late 80s/early 90s. The film's musical elements feel disjointed and may struggle to resonate with today’s younger audiences, though the classic Jetsons humor and characters keep older fans entertained.

The Blu-ray transfer is decent, though not groundbreaking. The video presentation, while clear, shows its age with some dated visuals that might not meet contemporary expectations. The audio performance fares similarly, offering a satisfactory but unremarkable experience. A selection of supplemental features provides additional context but is relatively slim in its offerings, failing to deeply enrich the viewing experience.

It's nice to go back... to the future. The Jetsons remain iconic and their feature-film adaptation is a blast from start to finish. There is something great about George Jetson and his lovable family (including Astro, the dog). With original creators Joseph Barbera and William Hanna at the helm, Jetsons: The Movie is a must-see gem that rekindles the magic of the original. The Blu-ray features a decent (if also dated) video-audio presentation and a selection of supplemental features. Recommended.