Chicken Little Blu-ray Review

The 3D Blu-ray release of "Chicken Little" offers a surprisingly mixed visual experience with a variable implementation of its MVC-encoded 1080p 3D transfer. Although not natively produced in 3D, the film was rendered from original 3D models which results in strong dimensionality and a good sense of volume for characters and objects. Backgrounds occasionally display effective depth, but overall the 3D immersion tends to fall short due to inconsistent framing. While positive parallax is handled well with objects subtly emerging from the screen, viewers may find issues with ghosting or crosstalk, particularly on certain display setups, which significantly detracts from the viewing experience. Scenes that do showcase the film's 3D potential are few, leading to an often compromised sense of depth and dimensionality.

In terms of color reproduction, "Chicken Little" offers rich and vibrant primary shades that are crisp and well-defined. Day scenes exhibit bold colors and impressive textures, especially on elements like Chicken Little’s feathers, contributing to a visually appealing presentation in those moments. However, darker and low-lit scenes lack the same clarity and can appear dull if display settings aren't adjusted to compensate for the tint of 3D glasses. Aliasing and banding occur sporadically but are far less frequent compared to the more disruptive ghosting issues. Technically, there are no major digital compression problems or edge enhancement artifacts noted.

Overall, while the "Chicken Little" 3D Blu-ray transfer has commendable points such as expressive colors and decent texture detail, its significant ghosting issues and inconsistent 3D effects make it one of Disney’s more problematic releases in the format. Despite some standout moments of effective 3D pop and depth, the overall presentation struggles to deliver a consistently immersive experience.

The audio presentation of "Chicken Little" on Blu-ray offers a solid, though not entirely flawless, experience. Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, the surround track is lively and engaging, utilizing all channels effectively. From the early chaotic scenes with ringing alarm bells to the Indiana Jones parody, discrete effects are pronounced and create an immersive sound field. Dialogue is clear, precise, and very natural-sounding, although its directionality is somewhat limited. However, bass levels are found to be lacking in depth and force, failing to fully engage in pivotal moments that could benefit from more impactful low frequencies.

Disney's latest audio mix includes both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the 3D disc and an uncompressed LPCM 5.1 surround track on the 2D disc, with both tracks offering virtually identical sonic experiences. Despite some dynamic range and accurate imaging, bass levels remain underwhelming, particularly during crucial scenes such as the Indiana Jones sequence. Additionally, while the use of popular music like Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World As We Know It" comes through with excellent clarity and lifelike presence, John Debney's score occasionally overpowers other elements, which can be distracting.

In conclusion, "Chicken Little" demonstrates consistent activity across all speakers with great clarity and a natural sound design. Although the new DTS-HD track presents a good audio experience overall, it lacks the powerful punch and precision in bass that would make it truly exceptional. The dynamic range is notable, rendering dialogue effectively even within action-packed scenes, but the overemphasis on musical elements somewhat detracts from an otherwise commendable sound presentation.

The Blu-Ray release of "Chicken Little" delivers a comprehensive and engaging suite of extras that enrich the viewer’s understanding and enjoyment of the film. Director Mark Dindal, producer Randy Fullmer, and visual effects supervisor Steve Goldberg lead an informative audio commentary detailing the film's development and production phases. The supplement contains a substantive collection of deleted scenes, presented with optional filmmaker introductions and offering insight into the evolution of the final cut. "Hatching Chicken Little: The Making of the Movie” provides a detailed look into the creation process with contributions from voice cast and animators. Two interactive games, Easter Eggs, and music videos add further entertainment value. This supplementary content, despite some being in standard definition, is well-curated and will be appreciated by enthusiasts seeking an in-depth behind-the-scenes experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Detailed insights from Director Mark Dindal, producer Randy Fullmer, and visual effects supervisor Steve Goldberg on the film's entire creation process.

Filmmaker Q&A: Predetermined questions trigger video snippets from Dindal and Fullmer.

Deleted Scenes: A substantial collection of removed scenes with optional intros from the filmmakers.

Hatching Chicken Little: The Making of the Movie: Five-part behind-the-scenes featurette exploring various production phases.

Music Videos: Includes "Shake Your Tail Feather" by the Cheetah Girls and "One Little Slip" by the Barenaked Ladies, along with karaoke versions.

Alien Invasion: An interactive game reminiscent of "Space Invaders."

Easter Eggs: Hidden features listed in the special features menu.

"Chicken Little" marks Disney’s ambitious yet somewhat conservative foray into standalone CGI animation. This loose retelling of the ‘Sky is Falling’ fable centers on Chicken Little, whose premature warnings of sky debris render him an object of ridicule. Things take a pivotal turn when actual extraterrestrial elements intrude, compelling him to vindicate himself while proving his worth to a skeptical father and town. The narrative weaves through comedic escapades, heartwarming dramatic undertones, and fast-paced action, capturing a mixture of themes reminiscent of classics like “Bambi” and “Lilo & Stitch.” While lacking the intricate storytelling depth typically associated with Pixar, the film’s layered animation and voice performances stand out. Notably, Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, and Steve Zahn bring vibrant energy to their roles, paralleled by visually captivating spaceship designs that add a retro-futuristic flair.

The 3D Blu-ray presentation underscores the film's visual strengths, coupling a passable yet earnest 3D rendering with Disney's established 2D production values. The layers in the 3D imagery exhibit notable effects, despite being somewhat constrained by the overtly CG aesthetics typical of early Disney CGI ventures. The audio mix offers an enthusiastic though not overly taxing experience for sound systems, striking an adequate balance in maintaining engagement without overwhelming. While John Debney’s musical score fails to leave a lasting impact, it completes the audiovisual package without detracting significantly from the viewing experience.

In terms of supplemental materials and packaging, the Blu-ray 3D combo pack is a comprehensive offering. It includes both 2D and 3D versions, affordably future-proofing the purchase. Despite a basic extras selection and the inclusion of new pre-menu trailers, the presentation maintains high standards with BD50 discs (Region A/B/C), packaged under a lenticular slipcover. While not rivaling Disney’s top-tier classics, "Chicken Little" holds its charm as a lighthearted family entertainment package, marked by engaging visuals and a commendable voice cast.

Disney's "Chicken Little" on Blu-ray has its moments but comes across as a mixed bag. The 3D presentation is undermined by noticeable crosstalk that detracts from the immersive experience, likely due to inherent issues with the film's dimensional composition rather than the technical encoding itself. On the brighter side, the 2D version stands out with high-definition clarity and vibrant color reproduction. Both lossless audio tracks provide a consistently solid auditory experience, enlivening the quirky and humorous moments of the film. The supplemental package is comprehensive enough to keep fans engaged for a few hours, though it does not elevate the overall value drastically.

The film itself offers a delightful yet inconsistent narrative, with moments of sharp wit balanced by more predictable and less engaging scenes. The character design and vocal performances are charming, and while "Chicken Little" doesn't rank among Disney's finest animated efforts, it retains enough heart and humor for repeat viewings. This edition gains points for delivering a fresh twist on classic storytelling and having a generally engaging cast.

In conclusion, "Chicken Little" might not justify its premium 3-disc price tag, especially when compared to other superior 3D titles from Disney. For enthusiasts of 3D content, this isn't an essential addition; if you're budget-conscious, opting for the standard-issue 2D Blu-ray is a wiser choice. Overall, while not Disney's best, it remains a fun film that delivers decent entertainment.