Treasure Planet Blu-ray Review

Disney's "Treasure Planet" receives a stellar video presentation on Blu-ray, showcasing the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, breathing new life into this underrated gem. The 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer exudes a pristine quality that arguably presents "Treasure Planet" in its best light since its debut in theaters. Rich and vibrant colors leap off the screen, with deep blacks, subtle but potent primary hues, and an impressive level of contrast that maintains consistency throughout. Detail is extraordinary, capturing the finesse of the animators' handiwork in drawing lines and blending traditional animation with computer-generated elements effortlessly. The Deep Canvas-painted CG sets, intended to provide a mesmerizing depth, fulfill their purpose, making every scene from the expanse of space to the intricacies of the pirate ships a visual treat.

Despite some minor instances of artifacting and banding—attributed to the original source rather than the Blu-ray transfer—it is a minor flaw in an otherwise impeccable presentation. Highlights include the marvelously dark scenes that are as deep as space itself and the vibrancy seen in the explosive colors of space encounters and Etherium clouds that start the movie with a spectacle. The film traverses through a spectrum of colors, from dark, mysterious blacks to bright, lively hues, embodying the essence of an adventurous trek across the universe.

Technical prowess aside, the emotional impact of "Treasure Planet's" visual narrative is preserved and even enhanced on this Blu-ray edition. Scenes are rendered so vividly they resemble falling into a dynamic painting that straddles the line between fantastical imagination and palpable reality. Attention to detail is especially noticeable in the design of space whales and pirate ships, which stand out with remarkable clarity. Ultimately, despite its not-quite-perfect score due to minimal technical imperfections, Disney's Blu-ray release of "Treasure Planet" elevates the viewing experience substantially over previous editions, bringing this cinematic treasure closer than ever to perfection.

'Treasure Planet's voyage across the "deadly Etherium seas" showcases an adventurous DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that excels in immersing the audience into its cosmic journey, offering a mixed experience of awe-inspiring spaciousness and moments of anticipated grandeur that may fall slightly short. The auditory landscape of this presentation reveals an array of dynamic scenes: from the thrill of dodging fiery supernova debris, the intense pull of black holes, to the serene glide of space whales – each moment is underscored by a robust LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) that lends depth and realism to the expansive universe. Despite this, there's an evident contrast between the captivating use of directional audio and spatial positioning of sounds, where certain elements, though ingeniously designed, sometimes appear less precise or as intricately layered as contemporary audio tracks.

Dialogue remains crisp and distinct, cutting through the high-octane scenes without loss of clarity, ensuring that character interactions remain front and center, untouched by the film's more tempestuous sequences. However, the review hints at a nuanced underperformance in delivering a fully enveloping surround sound experience, particularly pointing out areas where the use of surrounds and LFE could have been more impactful or detailed. This is contrasted with sequences that undeniably benefit from an expressive LFE channel, enhancing explosive climaxes yet not consistently maintaining this intensity across all action-packed segments. The musical score by James Newton Howard, while engaging, is noted for not fully seizing the opportunity to challenge or exploit the dynamic range available within a home theater environment.

In summary, while 'Treasure Planet' on Blu-ray presents an audio experience that is sure to delight with its spirited and immersive sonic adventure through space, it somewhat reveals its age when stacked against the evolving standards of today's audio presentations. Its strengths lie in creating a lively and atmospheric soundstage, rich in detail and ambiance. Yet, it simultaneously nudges at the possibility of what could have been achieved with a more refined touch or an updated remix to elevate its audio performance to rival that of current reference-quality tracks.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Treasure Planet" meticulously compiles the rich catalog of special features originally presented in the 2003 DVD release. Delving into everything from insightful audio commentary with key production figures like producer Roy Conli and co-directors John Musker and Ron Clements to in-depth featurettes covering the animation process, character design, and the innovative blend of CG and hand-drawn animation. Though it might disappoint some that new high-definition content or additional extras haven’t been included, the preservation of these features in standard definition ensures that fans and new viewers alike can still explore the comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Treasure Planet." Laurie Metcalf’s introductions provide a personal touch to the journey through this treasure trove of creativity and technical detail, ensuring a structured pathway through the extensive content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Laurie Metcalf: Actress Laurie Metcalf introduces the supplemental package.
• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary with producer Roy Conli, co-directors John Musker and Ron Clements, and key animators.
• Production Featurettes: A collection of short featurettes covering various aspects of production from story to release.
• Disney's Animation Magic: A behind-the-scenes look at the combination of CG and hand-drawn animation hosted by Roy Disney.
• Deleted Scenes: Unfinished scenes with introductions by the directors.
• R.L.S. Legacy: Virtual 3D Tour: Technical and Nautical Tours around an early CG model of the RLS Legacy ship.
• DisneyPedia: The Life of a Pirate Revealed: A child-friendly exploration of pirate life across six segments.
• Story: Including Laurie Metcalf's introduction and a music video.
• Art Design: Discussions on design principles with Laurie Metcalf’s introduction.
• The Characters: Introductions and tests related to key characters.
• Animation: In-depth looks at animation processes for several characters.
• Dimensional Staging: Featurettes on various staging aspects like Effects Animation and Lighting.
• Release: Trailers for the film.

In the celestial seas of animation, "Treasure Planet" navigates through the cosmic reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale, "Treasure Island," jettisoning the story into the infinite space with an audacious blend of 2D and 3D animation. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this Disney feature stands as the studio's 43rd, embarking on an ambitious voyage with Jim Hawkins, a young boy propelled by dreams and a holographic map, into a universe brimming with possibilities and peril. Despite facing a roiling storm of criticisms and a distressing box office reception, akin to Disney’s post-Renaissance struggles, it crafts a heartfelt narrative underscored by James Newton Howard’s stirring score, capturing both the breadth of adventure and the depth of relationships, particularly between Jim and the enigmatic cyborg pirate, John Silver.

The film's portrayal of Jim and Silver’s relationship offers a nuanced exploration of themes such as fatherhood and betrayal, setting a compelling emotional core amidst the swashbuckling space escapades. Brian Murray lends a disarming warmth to Silver, juxtaposed against Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Jim, encapsulating an every-teen's quest for purpose. Yet, outside this dynamic, the film occasionally falters under uneven pacing and less memorable supporting characters. The ambition to marry traditional animation with CG elements results in a visual spectacle that's sometimes uneven but undeniably pioneering, highlighting characters like Silver with impressively integrated techniques that presage future animation trends.

However, "Treasure Planet" demands a suspension of disbelief, asking viewers to navigate its universe with an acceptance of its fantastical physics and steampunk aesthetics—a leap some found too vast amidst the era’s preference for pure CG storytelling. This rich visual and thematic amalgam makes the movie an engaging watch, offering glimpses of brilliance that argue for its reconsideration among Disney aficionados. Deploying space-faring galleons and interstellar adventures, it invites audiences onto an odyssey that, despite its shortcomings, radiates with the passion invested into its creation, marking it as a curious artifact of Disney’s animation legacy that warrants appreciation on Blu-ray for its crisp presentation and preservation of this unique cinematic treasure.

Walt Disney’s “Treasure Planet” emerges as a unique yet underappreciated gem within the pantheon of Disney animated features, distinguished by its blend of classic storytelling and avant-garde animation. Despite a less-than-stellar box office performance and mixed critical reception, this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale of adventure on the high seas, reimagined in a fantastical space setting, has its unique charm. Its Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into the film, showcasing an impressive video transfer that significantly outshines its DVD predecessor in resolution and vibrancy of color. Accompanied by an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio track and a treasure trove of extras—most ported from the DVD but still offering considerable insight into the film’s creation—the package is a compelling pickup for Disney aficionados and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray edition does, however, come with its quirks. Notably, the user interface presents some navigational challenges, lacking straightforward menu access during playback and exhibiting odd behavior when language selections are made. Nevertheless, these minor inconveniences hardly detract from the overall quality of the release. Fans will appreciate the meticulous care taken in preserving the film’s auditory and visual experience, while those just discovering “Treasure Planet” will likely be captivated by its unique blend of heart, humor, and high-seas (or sky) adventure.

In conclusion, “Treasure Planet” on Blu-ray represents an enticing proposition for a wide array of audiences—from die-hard Disney collectors to families seeking engaging entertainment. Its stellar presentation compensates for any initial oversight this film may have suffered upon release, offering both a visual and auditory feast worthy of exploration. With “Treasure Planet,” Disney sails into uncharted territories of animation, and this Blu-ray serves as a fitting vessel to experience the voyage anew. Whether revisiting or voyaging for the first time, this release is recommended for anyone who cherishes the magic of storytelling intertwined with the thrill of adventure.