Where the Wild Things Are Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Where the Wild Things Are" delivers a visually compelling 2.40:1 transfer that ensures a faithful and filmic experience. The high-definition resolution beautifully complements the film's fantasy-centric theme. Images are stable and relatively sharp, with excellent visible texture and nuanced detail, especially during close-ups. This is achieved through well-balanced white and black levels that enhance dynamic range and reveal gradational highlights within objects and backgrounds. Notably, shadow delineation is exemplary, adding depth and dimension to scenes like Max’s arrival on the island and his subsequent climb up the embankment, where the textures and surfaces are vividly noticeable.

Cinematographer Lance Acord's vision, characterized by rough-hewn browns, winter-cast yellows, and muted oranges, lends a unique visual aesthetic that accentuates the narrative's darker tones. This presentation isn’t characterized by lush greens or vibrant primaries but instead thrives in its portrayal of sepia tones, stages of gray, and whites. These choices imbue the island and its inhabitants with an appropriately distinct visual feel. While some nighttime sequences exhibit slight softness due to Jonze and Acord’s handheld photography style, they retain striking dimensionality against the pitch-dark backdrops. Grain is present but subtle, providing texture without overshadowing the film's atmospheric elements.

Overall, Warner's high-definition effort exhibits commendable depth, stability in contrast, lifelike skin tones, and nicely rendered details such as the creatures’ fur. Despite some minor issues like fleeting banding and occasional crush during late-night scenes, the lack of notable artifacting, aliasing, or edge enhancement ensures an immersive visual experience. Ultimately, this Blu-ray presentation deftly captures the dark, mature ambiance of Jonze's adaptation of a beloved children's classic, offering a visually engrossing journey that respects the original cinematic intent.

The audio presentation of "Where the Wild Things Are" on Blu-ray finds itself at the zenith of technical achievement, courtesy of its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. This lossless format delivers a striking auditory landscape characterized by definitive front channel separation and opulent clarity. Depth and imaging across the front channels—left, right, and center—are executed with precision, granting meticulous detail and near-field placement that enhances directional sounds and dialogues. The sonic refinement is especially apparent in the film’s eclectic music, providing a rich and immersive experience. Noticeably, the surround channels adeptly augment the primary sound field, facilitating seamless directional panning sequences. This depth is particularly evident during the dirt clod war sequence, which showcases robust low-frequency effects that resonate with authority throughout the room.

Equally impressive is the mix’s ability to modulate between dynamic action sequences and more subdued moments of silence, balancing the chaotic energy of Max's wild adventures with moments of introspective stillness. The LFE channel extends deep into the low frequencies, lending explosions and environmental effects palpable weight. Ambient effects and discrete sounds through the rear speakers bolster the immersion, enveloping the listener in the story's world with detailed nuances like crashing waves, rustling leaves, and dissonant chords in the soundtrack by Carter Burwell and Karen Orzolek. Dialogue delivery is consistently crisp and intelligible, with impeccable prioritization that ensures clarity regardless of emotional context. The result is a breathtaking and nuanced auditory experience, making Max’s imaginary world startlingly real, albeit with minor drawbacks such as occasional mismanaged panning.

The collection of extras on the Blu-ray edition of "Where the Wild Things Are" is a compact but impactful package. Despite its modest selection, the features provide a deep emotional insight into the production, capturing the familial atmosphere and genuine emotions on set. The content spans from engaging interviews with key contributors to delightful behind-the-scenes moments, delivering an experience that feels intimate and heartfelt. Although the inclusion of a commentary or a detailed look at special effects would have enhanced the offering, the current features are compelling enough to satisfy even discerning viewers. The high involvement of iconic voices like Meryl Streep and Forest Whitaker in the short film further augments the appeal of this supplemental package.

Extras included in this disc:

Higglety Pigglety Pop!: An all-new short featuring Meryl Streep and Forest Whitaker’s voices.

HBO First Look: A candid 13-minute featurette about the adaptation and production.

Maurice and Spike: A 3-minute discussion on Jonze's approach to Sendak’s tale.

Max and Spike: A 7-minute featurette on Jonze and Max Records' bond.

The Records Family: A 7-minute segment on the selection of Max Records.

Carter Burwell: A 5-minute dive into co-composer Burwell's score creation.

The Absurd Difficulty of Filming a Dog: A humorous 6-minute featurette on filming challenges.

The Big Prank: A 3-minute look at a memorable on-set prank.

The Kids Take Over the Picture: A 5-minute feature on children’s involvement on set.

Vampire Attack: A 1-minute short showing Jonze in a playful, yet terrifying vampire role.

Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic "Where the Wild Things Are" is a visually arresting and emotionally charged film that delves into the complex world of childhood emotions. The story follows nine-year-old Max, played by Max Records in a deeply affecting performance, who embarks on an adventure to a land inhabited by giant, fuzzy monsters. As King of the Wild Things, Max soon learns that ruling over this mythical realm is fraught with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. The movie is both a children's film tailored for adults and a mature drama that tackles issues such as childhood anxiety, parental divorce, and emotional turmoil, offering a poignant insight into the young protagonist's psyche.

The narrative beautifully intertwines the imaginative world of the Wild Things with Max's internal struggles, depicting each monster as an embodiment of his fears, doubts, and emotional conflicts. Voices provided by an impressive cast, including James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, and Forest Whitaker, bring these creatures to life with remarkable depth and nuance. Jonze masterfully balances moments of whimsical play with darker, more introspective scenes, reflecting the tumultuous nature of childhood emotions. The CGI-enhanced practical effects create an immersive experience where Max clings to real fur and trembles at the sight of real claws, making his interactions with the monsters feel authentic and heartfelt.

The film excels in its technical aspects as well. Lance Acord's cinematography captures the raw beauty of the island's landscapes, while the score by Carter Burwell and Karen O introduces an emotional resonance that enriches the viewing experience. Jonze and co-writer Dave Eggers successfully expand Sendak's concise 338-word book into a complex, captivating tale that retains the heart and soul of the original while adding new layers of meaning. While "Where the Wild Things Are" may not be universally appreciated—parents should consider screening it before watching with young children—it stands as a powerful cinematic exploration of childhood that resonates on multiple levels.

Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" teems with emotional resonance, skillfully balancing simplicity and complexity to create a captivating cinematic experience. The Blu-ray edition from Warner Bros. excels in bringing this intricate vision to home theaters, featuring a meticulous video transfer that preserves the film’s striking visuals and a robust DTS-HD Master Audio track that enhances its immersive audioscape. This release ensures that every nuanced element, from the dark yet enchanting narrative to the rich production design, is faithfully represented, making it a feast for both the eyes and ears.

The Blu-ray also includes a selection of understated yet compelling special features. These provide insightful glimpses into the creative process behind the film, further enriching the viewing experience. While the bonus content may seem modest at first glance, its addition significantly contributes to a deeper understanding of Jonze's artistic choices and the collaborative efforts that brought this intricate world to life. This blend of high-quality technical execution and thoughtful supplementary material underscores Warner's commitment to delivering a comprehensive package that honors the source material.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Where the Wild Things Are" stands out as a benchmark in translating cinematic artistry to home media. Its technical precision, from the impeccable video transfer to the dynamic audio quality, coupled with engaging special features, makes it an essential acquisition for both enthusiasts of the film and collectors of high-quality releases. Such attention to detail cements its status as not merely a viewing experience but a cherished addition to any collection.