Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time" marks a modest yet notable improvement over its predecessors in the trilogy, with a 1080p/VC-1 transfer that brings the Turtles' time-traveling escapades to life with vibrant colors and enhanced detail, particularly in the daylight scenes of feudal Japan. The palette displays a broader range of vibrancy, contrasting starkly with the somewhat muted tones of the earlier films. Blacks are deeper, providing a stronger foundation for contrast which, coupled with more consistent detail offers a slightly more engaging viewing experience. Notably, the rendition manages to tone down the aggressive edge enhancement observed in the first two films, resulting in a presentation that, while still making use of this technique, appears somewhat less intrusive.

Despite the advancements, the third installment is not without its technical shortcomings. Similar to its predecessors, "Turtles in Time" exhibits minor artifacting and faint banding, alongside occasional aliasing which slightly mars the overall clarity of the image. Although grain is present, it's subdued, hinting at possible digital manipulation. The softness in some scenes, potentially attributing to source material limits or transfer choices, prevents the video quality from reaching its full potential. However, these issues are relatively minor and don't significantly detract from what is arguably the best-looking entry in the live-action trilogy on Blu-ray.

Given the historical context and fan expectations surrounding this franchise, it is perhaps unsurprising that while this transfer represents the pinnacle of the trilogy’s home video presentation thus far, it leaves certain desires unfulfilled for those seeking pristine quality. The inherent limitations of the original prints and production values are evident, yet Warner's efforts have yielded a version of "Turtles in Time" that fiercely competes with its forerunners for viewer favoritism, likely making it a satisfactory addition to fans' collections despite areas left room for improvement.

The audio presentation across the three live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, while varied in terms of their original production qualities, consistently delivers through their Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks. Each film, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time," offers a sufficiently immersive soundfield that navigates the technical landscape of dialogue clarity, rear speaker use, and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) with commendable precision. Vocal performances are distinct, though slightly detached, with the LFE channel providing a robust underpinning to the characters' voices. Sound effects maintain their potency without overpowering the mix, complemented by smooth pan transitions and adequate directionality. However, the films' soundtracks can occasionally dominate, dampening the finer details of the soundscape which could detract from the overall audio experience.

In contrast, "TMNT," the animated leap of the franchise, showcases an exceptional Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track that truly excels in audio quality. The dynamic range is impressive, with every aspect of the soundscape, from the vigorous action sequences to the meticulously crafted environments, being vividly brought to life. Dialogue is exceptionally clear, ensuring that every word is heard with absolute clarity amidst the bustling action, while the LFE channel delivers impactful depth that enhances the cinematic experience. The audio mix takes full advantage of the surround sound capabilities, creating an engrossing atmosphere that draws the listener into the heart of the action. Ambient sounds and subtle audio cues are beautifully integrated, providing a rich and detailed backdrop that supports rather than competes with the primary auditory elements.

Overall, while the live-action films exhibit a solid audio foundation that respects their original source material, it's "TMNT" that sets a benchmark for auditory excellence within the franchise. The transition from live-action to animation allows for a more expansive and aggressive use of the surround sound landscape, demonstrating the potential for these iconic characters to thrive in a sonically immersive environment. The auditory discrepancies among the films highlight the iterative improvements made in audio design and mixing techniques, culminating in an audio presentation for "TMNT" that is as visually striking as it is audibly impressive.

The extra presentation of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" Blu-ray in the collection leaves much to be desired, presenting a sparse array of special features that fails to meet fan expectations, especially given its price. The collection includes only standard definition theatrical trailers and carries over uninspired special features from its original release such as a lackluster director's commentary, brief segments of deleted and alternate scenes, and superficial behind-the-scenes featurettes. The packaging, resembling a pizza box, although creative, suffers from practicality issues with its ease of opening and disc storage inconsistencies. Despite these shortcomings, the collection attempts to add value through unique collectibles including character cards, a Kevin Eastman sketch, a graphic novel, and a Ninja Turtles logo beanie, though these too have been subject to production inconsistencies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailers: Original trailers for the films.
• Director's Commentary: Commentary on the film's production.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: A short compilation of unused footage.
• Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes: Quick glimpses behind the cameras during the film's production.

Revisiting the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" franchise as it makes its high-definition leap, the enduring appeal of these sewer-dwelling heroes is more evident than ever. From its humble beginnings as an independent comic to a colossal multimedia empire, the series has captivated audiences with its unique blend of humor, action, and brotherhood, culminating in a set of films that have varied wildly in quality and reception. While the original film delivers a surprisingly dark and nuanced tale that has aged remarkably well, its successors navigate a tumultuous trajectory of diminishing returns, with each installment straying further from the martial arts mastery and character depth that initially defined the franchise.

The sequels, "The Secret of the Ooze" and "Turtles in Time," progressively diluted the essence of the titular heroes through campy showdowns and convoluted plots. "The Secret of the Ooze" revels in its campiness, introducing less menacing villains and suffering from awkward cast changes. It remains a nostalgic trip, albeit one that struggles under modern scrutiny. "Turtles in Time" marks a low point, with its time-traveling gimmick and reduced production values failing to compensate for a forgettable villain and squandered characters. These sequels abandoned the darker tones of their predecessor for a lighter approach that didn’t resonate as effectively, highlighted by lower ratings that reflect their declining appeal.

Contrastingly, "TMNT," the CGI reboot, reinvigorates the franchise with its dynamic animation, updated character designs, and a return to the action-packed roots that once endeared these characters to fans. It enriches the lore by placing emphasis on internal conflicts among the brothers and providing adversaries that challenge them both physically and ethically. Despite its crowded narrative and unconventional villains, repeated viewings unveil the depth and excitement woven into this animated revival. This chapter stands out for successfully blending nostalgia with fresh elements, showcasing the potential for evolution in the series while respecting its core values.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III Blu-ray presentation leaves a mixed bag of emotions amongst fans and collectors alike. While the unwavering enthusiasm of hardcore Turtle devotees will likely overlook any flaws, discerning Blu-ray collectors might pause at the collection's pricing and the technical misgivings of its live-action adaptations. Particularly, the video transfers of these iconic films present noticeable issues that could detract from the overall viewing experience. Furthermore, the attempt at augmenting the set with additional content falls markedly short, rendering the supplemental package lackluster at best. Despite these shortcomings, the distinctive packaging, reminiscent of a pizza box, adds a unique, if not controversial, charm to the collection.

On a more positive note, for those with a penchant for customization and a bit of DIY spirit, the availability of impressive custom covers online offers a creative avenue to elevate the collection's aesthetic appeal. This gesture acknowledges and engages the fan community’s passion and dedication to the franchise. However, it is also indicative of a potentially missed opportunity by the creators to fully capitalize on the rich legacy and affection for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the physical presentation of this Blu-ray collection.

In conclusion, while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III Blu-ray set stirs excitement and nostalgia amongst its fanbase, it is met with tangible drawbacks in video quality and supplemental content that could give potential buyers pause. The unique packaging attempt somewhat mitigates these issues, offering an exclusive appeal to collectors and fans willing to look beyond technical imperfections. Regardless, this collection embodies a certain charm and nostalgia that might just be enough to warrant consideration from those devoted to the heroes in a half-shell. Weighing its pros and cons, it emerges as a release that, while not without its faults, still holds value for the truly dedicated fans and collectors within the TMNT community.