The Bob's Burgers Movie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Bob's Burgers Movie" is a visually engaging experience presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, courtesy of 20th Century Studios and Disney/Buena Vista. This presentation invites viewers to appreciate the charming minimalism inherent in the animation style, a hallmark of both the series and the film. While it does not cater to those seeking CGI intricacies, it offers secure line detail with a noticeable palette suffusion that captures the whimsy and fun of the narrative. The fine detail, as traditionally understood, takes a backseat here, yet elements such as printed matter are resolved with precision, free from compression artifacts.

This transfer makes the movie feel bigger and more cinematic compared to the television series, which is framed at 1.78:1. The larger production budget is evident in the enhanced three-dimensional backgrounds and framing, providing a visually expanded universe that maintains the aesthetic of the series while offering a more grandiose visual experience. The animation lines and details are pristine, making full use of big, bold colors with rich primary saturation. The dynamic lighting and shadows contribute significantly to the cinematic feel, reinforcing the film's enhanced budget. Overall, this is a well-executed transfer that upholds the playful essence of the original series while introducing a more sophisticated visual depth appropriate for the large screen format.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track of "The Bob's Burgers Movie" offers an exemplary audio presentation with remarkable clarity and detail across the board. Dialogue, sound effects, bass, and music are meticulously balanced, resulting in a dynamically robust and immersively enveloping surround sound experience. The mix provides punchy bass and room-filling sound, delivering a sonically satisfying outcome. The soundtrack excites from the outset with a large, engaging soundscape befitting an animated musical rendering.

The soundtrack is notably directional, capturing the boisterous events of the film such as the eruption of water or atmospheric scenes at Wonder Wharf. The robust and full-bodied music complements scenes effectively while ensuring all dialogue remains crystalline and comprehensible. Automated sound effects like the echo in an empty restaurant or a distant hose noise are picked up with precision, enhancing the auditory experience. Scoring is executed flawlessly, with audio levels perfectly adjusted to eliminate any need for constant monitoring, maintaining active channel movement for an engaging audio journey.

Overall, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in delivering an outstanding audio presentation that enhances the film's cinematic appeal. Optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles further accommodate diverse audiences. Despite the offered 6.2 Mono track in the menu being non-functional, the main audio provides an invigorating and immersive auditory experience that fans of the show will appreciate on a larger screen format.

The extras on "The Bob's Burgers Movie" Blu-ray stand out due to their depth and entertainment value. They provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film's creative process. The audio commentary is extensive, featuring numerous cast and crew members including Loren Bouchard, H. Jon Benjamin, and Kristen Schaal, bringing a lively dynamic albeit slightly unfocused due to the crowded lineup. Other features include a "Making of the Movie" featurette that offers insightful details about adapting the TV series to film, along with the challenges faced due to the pandemic. The deleted scenes give glimpses of the humorous content that couldn't make it into the final cut, and animatics provide a detailed view of the animation process, showcasing early drafts and development stages. Altogether, these elements contribute to an enriching experience for fans and animation enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging with cast and filmmakers.
• Making of the Movie: Insights from creator Loren Bouchard.
• My Butt Has a Fever - Theatrical Version: Belcher children’s talent show.
• My Butt Has a Fever - Animatic Version: Behind-the-scenes animatic.
• Deleted Scenes: Unfinished animations with optional commentary.
• Animation Extras - Animatics: Early storyboards and rough animations.
• Animation Extras - Animating the Scene: Detailed progression analysis with director commentary.

"The Bob's Burgers Movie" remains faithful to the spirit of the long-running series, brilliantly capturing the essence of the Belcher family's dynamics while presenting a bigger, yet familiar, cinematic experience. The film begins with Bob and Linda Belcher facing the threat of losing their beloved burger joint due to an impending bank loan repayment. To add to their troubles, a massive sinkhole appears right in front of their restaurant, derailing their business prospects. This plot point serves as a backdrop for the narrative, which seamlessly intertwines humor, drama, and intrigue through a mystery involving a skeleton discovered by Louise Belcher.

Exhibiting an engaging blend of whimsy, wit, and music, the movie preserves the charm of the beloved animated series. The animation style retains its characteristic lo-fi hand-drawn look while integrating some 3-D enhancements, creating a visually appealing cinematic adaptation. The plot may resemble an extended two-part episode rather than a traditional movie structure, but this only amplifies the series' signature feel. The story relies heavily on musical interludes, reminiscent of classic Hollywood musicals, complete with catchy tunes and animated dance numbers.

The voice cast excels with standout performances from H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, and Kristen Schaal, among others. Their dynamic portrayals invigorate the narrative and contribute to its comedic depth. While the film’s pacing could benefit from minor tightening at certain points, it maintains the heart of the show—unwavering hope despite adversity. Fans will delight in familiar references and callbacks, yet newcomers can appreciate the film without prior knowledge of the series. "The Bob's Burgers Movie" presents an entertaining journey that balances elements of comedy, suspense, and familial warmth in an animated package that is sure to please both dedicated fans and first-time viewers alike.

"The Bob's Burgers Movie" Blu-ray release stands as a well-executed and enjoyable experience that beautifully captures the essence of the beloved animated series. Fans of Bob, Linda, and the rest of the Belcher family will find the cinematic rendition to be both familiar and fresh. Despite its bigger scale and polished appearance, the film retains the quirky charm and heartfelt humor that has endeared the show to audiences. The plot may stretch a bit thin over its runtime, but prolific humor, catchy songs, and the series' distinctive warmth make for an engaging watch for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Technically, the Blu-ray does not disappoint. The 1080p transfer is impressive, showcasing bright and engaging visuals that maintain the signature style of the show while benefiting from a more expansive canvas. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track enhances the experience with a robust soundstage that captures both the lively dialogue and musical elements effectively. The disc is complemented by a wealth of supplementary content that delves into the film’s themes of optimism and resilience, offering entertaining insight for viewers.

In conclusion, "The Bob's Burgers Movie" Blu-ray is a worthwhile addition to any home collection. Both technically proficient and innately charming, it delivers a heartwarming and humorous escape that meets the high expectations of its original TV series base while inviting those unfamiliar with the Belchers to explore their delightful world. For its exceptional entertainment value and technical excellence, this release is highly recommended.