DragonHeart Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "DragonHeart" employs a 1080p, VC-1 encode with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, seemingly akin to its HD DVD predecessor. The image quality is marked by its inconsistency, with several technical shortcomings. Black levels are generally good but exhibit noticeable digitization and occasional crushing. Contrast and brightness levels maintain accuracy across the visual spectrum, and the primary colors stand out as particularly vivid and warm. Unfortunately, the image tends to run overly warm and sunburned, affecting color accuracy and making daylight sequences appear more enjoyable while lending an unappealing haziness to other scenes.

The level of detail in the picture is uneven and at times disappointing. Close-up shots and specific elements such as dragon scales and stone architecture in bright scenes capture intricate textures effectively, presenting a crisp and vivid image. However, medium and long shots suffer significantly from filtered detail, resulting in blurry and indistinct renderings of figures, landscapes, and structures. Darker scenes fare better in terms of depth, shadow play, and dimensionality, yet the pervasive digital noise reduction (DNR) results in waxy textures that lack natural grain.

Overall, while certain scenes of "DragonHeart" showcase a rich, lively palette with robust contrast ratios, the overall video quality falls short of modern Blu-ray standards. The inconsistency in texture detail and color balance, coupled with DNR issues and subdued clarity, underscores the need for a comprehensive remaster to meet contemporary expectations. Despite some moments of visual appeal, this presentation lacks the refinement demanded by discerning home theater enthusiasts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the "DragonHeart" Blu-ray significantly enhances the film’s classic and robust soundtrack. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized, ensuring sharp intelligibility throughout. The score, lush and dynamic, showcases Randy Edelman's orchestral sweep with warm resonance. The front soundstage is impressively wide, offering considerable depth. Surround activity, though sometimes overt, frequently engages with keen directionality and detailed channel steerage. Specific scenes like Draco's movements and the accompanying exchange with Bowen are meticulously crafted, allowing Sean Connery's voice to traverse multiple channels, enhancing the immersive experience. However, some transitions feel slightly artificial and less refined compared to modern standards.

Low-frequency effects are notably powerful, providing deep, room-penetrating bass that intensifies scenes involving Draco's stomps and wing flaps. Despite this depth, there can be occasional distortion and excessive boominess. While dynamics maintain a clean and crisp profile, the mix lacks finer subtleties in the higher frequencies, sometimes rendering action sequences flat. However, directional effects such as arrows zipping and swords clashing are handled adeptly, adding realism to combat scenes. The immersive soundfield during pivotal moments, especially Draco's flight and battles, manages to pull the listener into the story with its considerable weight and enthusiasm.

Overall, there is a keen effort to balance exciting surround support and impactful sub activity with solid dialogue presentation and a rich musical experience. While some elements of the mix may come off as primitive or gimmicky compared to contemporary offerings, the track delivers a satisfying auditory engagement for fans of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "DragonHeart" are a collection of recycled features from previous home video releases, with significant highlights and commendable depth. The cornerstone of the supplement package is the Director's Audio Commentary by Rob Cohen. He provides insightful details on logistics, shooting locations in Slovakia, and CGI advancements by ILM. The Making Of featurette offers a 44-minute comprehensive overview with interviews from key cast and crew, including extensive behind-the-scenes footage. The Outtakes section, though minimal, provides deeper character insights with two never-before-seen scenes. Additionally, two nostalgic theatrical trailers and D-Box Motion Code compatibility are included, enhancing the historical and technical perspective.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Rob Cohen: A detailed commentary touching on logistics, CGI, and thematic elements.
• The Making of DragonHeart: A 44-minute featurette with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Outtakes: Two deleted scenes providing additional character context.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two original trailers with mixed movie cues.
• D-Box Motion Code: Provides synchronized motion effects.
• pocketBLU, My Scenes, BD-Live: Standard Blu-ray interactive features.

"DragonHeart," directed by Rob Cohen and released in 1996, offers a picturesque yet ultimately simplistic fairy tale that pirouettes on the dynamic between a beleaguered knight and a uniquely realized CG dragon. The fantasy narrative, while considerably bright and inviting—eschewing the gloomy designs typical of the genre—is often undermined by its identity crisis, oscillating awkwardly between family-friendly comedy and attempted grandeur. Dennis Quaid delivers a performance brimming with charm, portraying Bowen, a knight grappling with disillusionment, while Sean Connery injects charisma through his voice work as Draco, the last dragon. However, the script’s hodgepodge of Arthurian legend and Celtic mythology feels disjointed, offering a narrative that can feel contrived and artificial.

Technically, "DragonHeart" marks an important milestone in CG animation with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) crafting Draco as a fully realized digital character. Despite criticisms of dated effects, Draco's visual representation remains enchanting, showcasing ILM's trailblazing efforts during the era. The film’s soundtrack serves as a highlight, often utilized as demo material for showcasing 5.1 audio systems. Randy Edelman's score soars, imbuing scenes with emotional resonance even when the plot falters. Yet, the Blu-ray release doesn't fully capitalize on technological advancements. The video transfer is notably substandard, bogged down by an over-filtered image that lacks clarity and depth. This shortfall detracts from the otherwise vigorous visual appeal of the sunlit landscapes and dynamic action sequences.

While "DragonHeart" struggles with tonal inconsistencies and script shortcomings, it holds a nostalgic charm for those who value 90s fantasy adventures. Strengthening its appeal are committed performances from Quaid and Connery and a stunning orchestral score. However, prospective viewers should temper expectations regarding story coherence and visually modern standards.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "DragonHeart" offers an interesting yet mixed bag for fans of the 1996 fantasy adventure. While the film remains cherished for Dennis Quaid's performance and Sean Connery's unforgettable voice work as Draco, the high-definition transfer falls somewhat short of expectations. The video quality, while adequate for casual viewing, clearly displays the need for a remaster. CGI effects, a major draw at the time of its release, appear dated by today’s standards and further marred by the Blu-ray's less-than-stellar image clarity.

Audio, however, stands out as the focal point of this release. The soundtracks, particularly Draco’s resonant voice and the lush orchestral score, are rendered with impressive clarity and depth. Despite the visual shortcomings, the auditory experience remains compelling, allowing fans to immerse themselves once again in the film’s world. The supplemental material retains all the features from previous DVD editions, offering no new incentives but providing a sense of completeness for die-hard enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "DragonHeart" has devoted fans, who already know what they think of the film and will be untroubled by my issues with the narrative. Of greater concern to them should be Universal's less-than-optimal treatment of the film on Blu-ray. If you're persuaded by the claims that the image on the HD DVD is superior, and you've retained the capacity to play that format, you may want to try hunting down a copy. Otherwise, this Blu-ray disc is your likeliest option, and it comes with due warnings.