Bambi Blu-ray Review

The 2011 Blu-ray transfer of "Bambi" remains a remarkable presentation on the Signature Collection release. This 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, faithfully reproduces the original 1.37:1 theatrical aspect ratio and delivers an image virtually free of artifacts, ensuring an impeccable viewing experience. The elimination of film grain through digital noise reduction results in smooth, clean lines and vibrant colors, with stunning clarity and detail evident in every frame, from the lush earthen tones to the vivid primaries. Pastel backgrounds and the intricate hand-drawn animation are rendered with remarkable fidelity, exhibiting neither jaggies nor softness around the edges.

Visually, this edition continues to impress with its rich, vibrant color palette and detailed textures that highlight the artistic design of this classic hand-drawn animation. Greens of the forest are crisp and clear, maintaining the beauteous appeal of the original theatrical experience. The blacks are deep and well-defined without any crushing, contributing to strong outlining and enhanced depth in certain scenes despite the film’s inherent 2D nature. Whether it is the fiery oranges or the multitude of earth tones, every color stands out vividly, making "Bambi" look as fresh as ever. The transfer is methodically free from compression artifacts, with no signs of banding or color fluctuations, resulting in a visually hypnotic presentation.

Overall, the meticulous restoration work ensures that every detail—from tree bark to water droplets—is presented with impressive clarity. If you already own the Diamond Edition, there may be no urgent need to upgrade, but for those encountering "Bambi" for the first time on Blu-ray, this Signature Collection release is a stunning example of how high-definition transfers should be handled, demonstrating Disney’s commitment to preserving its animated masterpieces.

The audio presentation of "Bambi" on Blu-ray in the Signature Collection retains the same English DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 mix as the previous Diamond Edition. This mix accurately captures the film’s nuanced auditory elements, despite its minimal dialogue and action sequences. Primarily a front/center channel affair, it relies heavily on the orchestral score and dialogue, with sporadic, impactful moments provided by the rear and side speakers during more dramatic scenes, such as the forest fire climax. The subwoofer's light usage, reserved for deeper sections in the score and key sound effects like thunder during storms, offers an ominous atmosphere without overwhelming the listener.

Additionally, the disc features the original theatrical track in Dolby Digital 2.0 mono, which is notably louder and more forward compared to the rich finesse of the 7.1 mix. The DTS-HD HR track, flowing at a consistent 2.0 Mbps, ensures a beautifully detailed reproduction of the music and subtle echo effects both in front and rear channels, rendering a compelling audio experience. Dialogue remains impressively clear with negligible analog hissing, and devoid of age-related artifacts, enhancing the listener's immersion.

Overall, the surround sound presentation is executed with commendable restraint, concentrating on providing ambiance and enhancing musical undertones rather than overloading with unnecessary effects. The convincing placement of sound within the mix, including ambient noise and precise volume placement for directional sounds, showcases the integrity of the audio production, ensuring this classic animation remains engaging and enjoyable through its expertly designed audio landscape.

The Blu-ray release of Bambi in the Signature Collection offers an array of engaging extras, both new and classic. This set provides valuable insights into the film's production, historical context, and artistic impact, enhanced by archival interviews and high-definition presentations. New features such as "The Bambi Effect" and "Studio Stories: Bambi" delve into the film’s innovative animation techniques and provide a touching glimpse into Walt Disney's creative challenges. Deftly balanced with digital exclusives like "Celebrating Tyrus Wong," which honors one of the film’s key artistic influencers, this collection is a worthwhile exploration for fans and historians alike. Additionally, enhanced resolution in revisited deleted scenes underscores the technical care taken for this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Bambi Effect: Examines the impact of Bambi's innovations on future Disney animations.
• Studio Stories: Bambi: Archival recordings of Walt Disney discussing production challenges.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes “Bambi's Ice and Snow” and “The Grasshopper.”
• Bambi Fawn Facts: Trivia about the real animals depicted in Bambi.
• Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: Africa Before Dark: A vintage short featuring Oswald.
• Inside Walt’s Story Meetings: Extended Edition: An extended look into story discussions.
• The Making Of Bambi: A Prince Is Born: A detailed documentary on the film's creation.
• The Old Mill: Animated Short: An influential short film related to Bambi's production.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The classic trailer as originally seen.

"Bambi" stands as a hallmark of Disney's Golden Age, merging simplicity with profound beauty, creating an enduring, heartwarming classic. The film tells the tale of Bambi, a young deer prince, from his naive first steps through the forest to his rise as its ruler. Unlike many fairy tales with complex plots and moral lessons, “Bambi” employs a minimalist narrative framework. It thrives on slice-of-life vignettes, following Bambi and his companions - Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk - as they experience life's joys and challenges, including its famous and heartbreaking depiction of loss. The story’s power lies in its quiet majesty, drawing viewers into an enchanting world through stunning animation and deep emotional engagement.

Technically, "Bambi" exemplifies the pinnacle of Disney's early technical prowess. Artists meticulously studied real animals to ensure the lifelike animation that adds authenticity to the characters’ movements. This realism, complemented by the breathtaking naturalistic backgrounds painted in soft pastels and watercolor, contributes to the film's immersive feel. The film contains less than a thousand words of dialogue, relying instead on visual storytelling and Edward Plumb’s evocative score to convey emotion. Sequences such as Bambi’s first encounter with ice or the dramatic forest fire underscore Disney's innovative use of animation to tell nuanced stories without heavy reliance on spoken words.

Moreover, "Bambi" is notable for its utilization of music. Unlike typical musicals, the songs in "Bambi" are not performed by the characters but serve as narrative tools enhancing the atmosphere. Tracks like "Little April Shower" seamlessly integrate into the film’s progression, further accentuating the mood of each scene. The voice casting, primarily using children for young characters, adds another layer of charm and authenticity, making dialogues feel particularly poignant and genuine. “Bambi” remains an iconic film not only because of its technical achievements but due to its timeless tale that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

"Bambi" remains an essential classic in Disney's storied history, and the latest Signature Collection Blu-ray release provides an outstanding viewing experience while adding noteworthy supplements. This re-release showcases the same excellent video transfer, maintaining the film's 1.37:1 aspect ratio, and offering a high-quality DTS-HD HR 7.1 audio track. While the audio hasn’t been upgraded to DTS-HD MA, it still delivers a robust auditory experience complemented by English DD 2.0 and French and Spanish DD 5.1 options. The film’s brilliant animation—meticulously preserved—coupled with the emotional storytelling, solidifies its status as a must-own.

In terms of bonus content, the Signature Collection brings some compelling new features to the table, though it does sacrifice several extras from the previous Diamond Edition. For avid collectors or newcomers, this edition introduces additional behind-the-scenes material and interviews that enrich the overall package. However, for those who already own the Diamond Edition, the value proposition lies primarily in these new features and whether they merit an additional purchase. The efficient menu interface and supplemental layout also add to the user-friendly experience, making it a consideration for completionists.

"Bambi" on Blu-ray is a definitive release for first-time buyers, offering a winning combination of pristine video quality and engaging audio, enhanced by thoughtful additional content. For existing Diamond Edition owners, the decision to upgrade will rely on the appeal of the new supplements. This release maintains Disney's high standards and ensures that one of their greatest films continues to be accessible, cementing its place in any serious collection.