Pete's Dragon Blu-ray Review

Pete's Dragon" graces the home video market with a commendable 1080p Blu-ray presentation that, much like the movie itself, opts for a more understated yet effective delivery rather than relying on flashy visuals. The image, presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, adheres closely to a palette dominated by earthy tones - a symphony of deep greens, browns, and blues that beautifully complement the film's woodland settings and the dragon's iconic green fur. Despite the predominance of darker scenes, especially under the dense forest canopy where visibility becomes slightly compromised, the video transfer maintains a decent level of clarity. Details in bright, well-lit scenes impress with their vividness, revealing intricate textures on clothing, vehicles, and natural surroundings. Each strand of Elliot's green hair is rendered with remarkable precision, standing out majestically against the softer background.

Though the digital source occasionally imparts a somewhat flat appearance to the image, this rarely detracts from the overall visual clarity and the depth of detail captured, from facial features to the nuanced environments of the forest. However, it's worth noting that a mild haze occasionally envelops the screen, presumably as an artistic choice to emphasize the film's fantastical elements, though it can sometimes obscure finer details. Issues such as aliasing, banding, and sporadic video noise do appear but are fleeting and minimally invasive, ensuring that they do little to mar an otherwise sterling video quality. Black levels exhibit commendable depth and richness, contributing to a visual experience that’s as deep and inky as it is natural and lifelike in its portrayal of skin tones.

In conclusion, Disney's Blu-ray release of "Pete's Dragon" offers a very good video presentation that faithfully conveys the film’s aesthetic intentions without succumbing to common pitfalls of digital transfers. The balanced handling of both dark and light scenes, alongside meticulous attention to color and detail, makes for a visually pleasing experience that complements this endearing tale’s cinematic quality. Despite minor issues, the overall integrity and immersive quality of the visual narrative remain intact, making this release a noteworthy addition for enthusiasts seeking to experience the movie's full visual splendor.

Pete's Dragon" lands on Blu-ray boasting an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack, which offers a robust audio experience albeit with a minor caveat in volume dynamics at reference levels. This soundtrack thrives on a balanced mix, where the music stretches across the front space, enveloped naturally with a solid low-end foundation. The significant action sequences, including crashing trees, Elliot's thunderous strides, and intense vehicular turmoil, benefit from a pronounced and detailed bass. Ambient details specific to woodlands and occasional environmental sounds from the town or logging camp are intricately woven into the mix, creating an immersive auditory landscape. Despite the occasional low volume of dialogue and music, their clarity remains uncompromised, with dialogues enjoying a sharp focus through the front-center channel.

The sonic environment of the forest, rich with the sounds of nature and the rustling of trees, is vividly captured, enhancing the atmosphere. Directional sound effects are meticulously placed, adding depth to scenes where Elliot dashes through the forest, breaking branches in his wake. The soundstage shines in its directionality and layering, ensuring that action sounds and ambient noises maintain their distinct places without overshadowing each other. The film's score complements the emotional landscape perfectly, adding to the movie's ambiance without overwhelming other audio elements. The bass is consistently powerful across scenes featuring Elliot’s roars and other significant action elements, anchoring the soundtrack's depth. Dialogue remains crisp and forefront, devoid of any audio imperfections, further solidifying this Blu-ray’s superior audio presentation.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Pete's Dragon" include a harmonious blend of technical insights, behind-the-scenes magic, and playful content that captures the essence of the film's production. The commentary track charms with candid humor and technical discussions, offering an engaging listen for fans of all ages. Featurettes like "Notes to Self: A Director's Diary" and "Making Magic" offer an intimate glimpse into the creation process, from scripting to the digital realization of the iconic dragon. Fans of film production will appreciate "Disappearing Moments," which showcases a series of deleted and extended scenes introduced by Director David Lowery, enriching the viewing experience with what might have been. Light-hearted bloopers bring a touch of humor, while music videos for "Nobody Knows" by The Lumineers and "Something Wild" by Lindsey Stirling add a musical dimension to the extras. "Welcome to New Zealand" briefly transports viewers to the stunning filming locations, rounding out a well-curated collection of special features that complement the main feature perfectly.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track with Director David Lowery, Co-Writer Toby Halbrooks, and actors Oakes Fegley and Oona Laurence.
• Notes To Self: A Director's Diary: David Lowery shares his filmmaking journey through short segments and on-set footage.
• Making Magic: A glimpse into the creation of Elliot using practical and CG effects.
• Disappearing Moments: Collection of deleted, alternate, and extended scenes introduced by David Lowery.
• Bloopers: A montage of humorous outtakes from filming.
• Music Video - Nobody Knows: Performed by The Lumineers.
• Music Video - Something Wild: Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
• Welcome to New Zealand: Exploring the film's breathtaking locations.

Disney's reimagining of its classics continues to captivate audiences, and "Pete's Dragon" is no exception. Directed by indie filmmaker David Lowery, the film is a sterling example of how simplicity and emotional depth can elevate a story beyond its fantastical elements. Unlike the grand spectacles of falling skyscrapers that dominate modern cinema, "Pete's Dragon" offers a refreshingly grounded narrative. It presents the story of young Pete and his protector, Elliot the dragon, with an intimacy that feels both personal and universal. Despite a relatively brief runtime of 80 minutes, the movie wastes no time, focusing intently on the development of Pete and Elliot’s bond, akin to the heartfelt dynamics seen in classics like "E.T."

The film distinguishes itself with its understated approach, allowing the emotional resonance and purity of the story to shine through. While some may find the lack of character development beyond Pete and Elliot a drawback, this simplicity helps maintain the film's focus on their relationship. The cast, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, Wes Bentley, and Robert Redford, bring their characters to life with performances that, while brief, add to the film’s overall charm. The special effects that bring Elliot to the screen are seamlessly integrated, enhancing rather than detracting from the story’s emotional core.

"Pete's Dragon" excels in its commitment to its narrative and emotional honesty, with every shot and scene purposefully crafted to forward the story. The movie's visual and musical composition work in tandem to underscore its themes of friendship, loss, and belonging. This approach not only sets it apart from other contemporary films but also signals promising directions for future Disney live-action remakes under Lowery’s direction.

Pete's Dragon," the remake embraced by both the young and the old, stands out as an exemplary model of contemporary cinema, infused with a nostalgic essence that appeals widely. The movie, characterized by its heartfelt simplicity and emotional depth, showcases a level of craftsmanship that prioritizes storytelling's essence over superficial spectacle. Its musical score, enhanced by popular music, adds a layer of emotional resonance that complements the film's touching narrative. The performances are commendable, striking a balance between genuine emotion and necessary drama, bolstered by visually impactful effects that serve the story rather than overshadow it. Disney's Blu-ray release does justice to the visual and auditory experience, preserving the film's quality with high-definition video and audio, alongside a modest but appreciated collection of supplementary content.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pete's Dragon" receives high marks for its technical merits. Both the video and audio quality are prominently praised, ensuring that viewers receive an immersive home entertainment experience. The additional content, though noted for its brevity, provides an adequate enhancement to the overall package, allowing fans an inside look into the filmmaking process. This combination of high-quality movie presentation and engaging extras solidifies the release as a must-have for aficionados of heartfelt storytelling and cinematic excellence.

In conclusion, "Pete's Dragon" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for its enriching cinematic journey that appeals across generations. Featuring impeccable video and audio presentations paired with a respectable array of extras, this release exemplifies how technical proficiency can complement a deeply moving narrative. It’s a testament to the film's enduring charm and Disney's commitment to preserving its magic for home viewers, making it an essential addition to any collection.