The Great Mouse Detective Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Great Mouse Detective" takes a respectful, if not luxurious, approach to its video quality, preferring authenticity over excessive digital restoration. This 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer exhibits a faithful adherence to the film's original characteristics, welcoming purists with its preservation of filmic texture. Despite a softness and graininess that might not cater to all tastes, the visual fidelity retains the essence of the animation, complete with its inherent imperfections. Scratches and occasional line blemishes pepper the image, with contrast inconsistencies evident, yet they detract little from the overall viewing experience. The conservative approach to remastering may not dazzle those accustomed to Disney's more aggressive Diamond Edition restorations, but it certainly upholds the artistic integrity of the source material.

Colors in this transfer remain true to their original palette, showcasing deep blacks and preserved fine details without resorting to digital manipulation like edge enhancement. The animator’s line work is presented with respect, including the purposeful roughness that characterizes this era of animation. Nevertheless, viewers might notice minor cel-to-cel color fill fluctuations, causing brief flickers that are more a testament to the animation process of the time than a flaw in the transfer itself. These variances alongside a faithful color representation add to the nostalgic charm of the release.

Technical issues often found in lesser transfers such as banding, macroblocking, aliasing, or noise are notably absent here, indicating a clean encode free from distracting digital artifacts. While further scrutiny by aficionados might be warranted to determine the absolute fidelity of this transfer, initial observations suggest a commendable effort by Disney. This presentation doesn't seek to rewrite the visual history of "The Great Mouse Detective" but rather to offer it in a form that respects its original aesthetic, blemishes included, making for a solid, if not ground-breaking, Blu-ray video presentation.

Disney's recent release of "The Great Mouse Detective" on Blu Ray, equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, offers a robust yet not overwhelming audio experience. The track's utilization of rear speakers is modest, prioritizing thoughtful effectiveness over sheer volume. This careful approach ensures that ambient sounds and subtle auditory cues contribute to an immersive atmosphere without overshadowing the main action. The LFE channel, while assertive, falls slightly short of delivering the full impact one might expect from the iconic scenes set within the cavernous gears of Big Ben, suggesting a missed opportunity to truly showcase the depth and power of the film's more dynamic moments. Nonetheless, the dialogue maintains clarity, emerging clean and precise from the mix, albeit occasionally subdued against the backdrop of the film’s vividly rendered settings from snug mouse holes to the shadowy underbelly of Victorian England. Efforts to minimize hiss and other auditory imperfections are evident, achieving a balance that preserves the original fidelity without detracting from the overall quality.

The sonic landscape of "The Great Mouse Detective" is rendered with attention to detail, ensuring that dynamics, pans, and other sound elements are more than competent, contributing to a well-rounded auditory experience. This presentation may not be astonishing or groundbreaking in its audio delivery, yet it stands as a commendable attempt to translate a 1986 animation's sound design into a format that meets modern expectations. The audio track supports the narrative and visual elements effectively, creating an engaging listening experience that respects the source material while making it accessible to contemporary audiences with advanced home theater systems. In sum, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track delivers a satisfactory auditory experience that, despite its shortcomings in fully utilizing low-frequency effects, provides a solid backbone for the classic animated tale.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Great Mouse Detective" might leave enthusiasts craving more, yet it manages to provide a succinct yet intriguing peek behind the curtain of this beloved classic. The supplemental offerings, albeit limited, include a concise glimpse into the movie's creation, a nod to historical crime-solving, and a playful sing-along opportunity. These features, although brief, are engaging for fans looking to delve slightly deeper into the film's lore and production nuances without overloading on content.

Extras included in this disc:

Making of The Great Mouse Detective: A quick exploration into the creation and animation of the film.

So You Think You Can Sleuth?: A historical look at crimes and how they were solved through the ages.

World's Greatest Criminal Mind Sing-along: A fun sing-along video for fans of the film's music.

The Great Mouse Detective" emerges on Blu-ray amidst a resurgence of Sherlock Holmes in popular culture, positioning itself as Disney's animated homage to the master detective within its rich canon. This film doesn’t claim the top spot in Disney's illustrious history, particularly when compared to the transformative works of the late '80s, such as "The Little Mermaid." However, it stands out for its engaging plot and dynamic pacing, making it a journey worth embarking on for viewers across all age groups. It rides the wave of sleuthing adventures filled with daring escapades and a heartfelt narrative centered around the eponymous character, Basil—a mouse with the wit to match Holmes himself and the bravery to confront his arch-nemesis, Professor Ratigan, in a high-stakes game to save England.

Adapted from Eve Titus' "Basil of Baker Street" book series, the movie captures the essence of a detective thriller through the lens of its miniature protagonists. Directors Burny Mattinson, David Michener, Ron Clements, and John Musker bring a commendable sense of rhythm and visual storytelling to the film. Their efforts are particularly notable as Clements and Musker later contributed significantly to Disney’s Renaissance period. The narrative unfolds with a blend of action and mystery, taking viewers from one thrilling sequence to another—from ingenious traps to climactic confrontations atop London's iconic Big Ben. This brisk pacing ensures that there’s never a dull moment, though it sacrifices some depth in character development and mystery-solving in favor of spectacle and adventure.

Despite its merits, "The Great Mouse Detective" remains somewhat in the shadow of the larger Holmes lore, offering an adventure that’s both entertaining and visually engaging but lacking the deeper connective tissue of Disney’s most memorable classics. The characters scurry from one plot point to the next, leaving little room for introspection or complex deduction, defaulting instead to action-driven solutions. This approach may resonate well with younger audiences, eager for excitement and less concerned with narrative intricacies. However, adults and fans of more intricate storytelling might find the film to be a charming yet less substantive addition to their Disney collection, placing it in a middle tier rather than among their top favorites.

The Great Mouse Detective" Blu-ray release finds itself comfortably nestled within the domain of nostalgic Disney offerings, providing a delightful experience predominantly aimed at the younger audience, yet possessing enough substance and charm to captivate adults, especially those with fond memories of Disney's 26th animated feature. The film, while not recognized universally as a classic, marks a charming prelude to the Disney Renaissance, brimming with adventure and an enchanting storyline that resonates across age groups. A key highlight is its technical execution; although the Blu-ray debut of Basil of Baker Street and Dr. Dawson doesn’t dazzle with a groundbreaking video transfer or an immersive audio presentation, it achieves a commendable level of quality. The video is presented in a faithful transfer that respects the source material, while the DTS-HD Master Audio track provides clear and proficient sound encoding.

The Blu-ray format has successfully preserved the film’s original essence, but it hasn't reached its full potential in terms of supplementary content. Fans and collectors alike may find the extras included in the Mystery in the Mist Edition somewhat lacking, missing the opportunity to delve deeper into the making and legacy of this unique Disney venture. Further behind-the-scenes insight or expanded bonus features could have elevated this edition to true "special" status, aligning more closely with enthusiasts' expectations and desires.

In conclusion, "The Great Mouse Detective" Blu-ray offers a solid viewing experience that remains true to its roots, catering to both younger audiences discovering its magic for the first time and older aficionados seeking a trip down memory lane. While the presentation quality is commendable, the scarcity of additional content leaves a bit more to be desired. Nevertheless, for those harboring any affection for this engaging detective tale, adding it to their collection remains a straightforward decision.