Rango 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Paramount's "Rango" strides into the UHD format with a 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation. The video clarity is marked by fine enhancements, although an immediate, striking difference from its Blu-ray predecessor isn't stark. The high-resolution 2160p transfer ensures every subtle detail—be it individual hairs, scales, or wood grain—is more discernible and sharper. Close-up and medium shots of the characters exhibit marginally better texture, but the overall leap from Blu-ray’s already impressive image is fairly modest. Minor aliasing is noticeable in some wide shots, though it doesn't considerably detract from the otherwise crisp visuals.

Dolby Vision HDR grading introduces a subtle yet noticeable improvement in the color palette and contrast. Earthy tones gain a smidgen of vibrancy and accuracy, with blue skies and Rango’s red Hawaiian shirt receiving a mild boost in depth and punch. The blacks are significantly deeper, adding a richer dimension to the low-light scenes, while highlights are crisper, enhancing visibility and cinematic quality. Although the HDR presentation does not transform the film into a more dynamic visual experience due to its artistic choices, it still achieves a beautiful and arresting display with enhanced saturation and detail. Despite being a pedestrian upgrade overall, its intricate details and refined color grading make it an essential pick for new buyers and a considerate option for avid fans when on sale.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Rango" is engineered with a demo-worthy DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that showcases a breadth of activity across the entire soundstage. This front-heavy design imbues the visuals with warmth and a sweeping sense of spatial presence. The dynamics are piercingly clear, with high and mid frequencies differentiated excellently, preserving detail even amid sudden transitions from loud action to serene quietness. Notably, in scenes like Rango’s aerial dress-wearing escapade, the shift from tumultuous noise to whispered calm is managed impeccably, reflecting the track’s skillful balance. The low-end performance is robust and full-bodied, delivering powerful extensions that enhance the viewing experience without overpowering the other elements.

Moreover, dialogue is meticulously preserved, remaining intelligible and precise throughout the cacophony, so that viewers capture every humorous line. Rear activity receives substantial attention with several discrete effects, contributing to an utterly immersive and enveloping soundfield. Various atmospheric noises fluidly traverse the room, adding to the immersive quality of the experience. The lossless mix of this audio track is remarkably satisfying, amplifying fans' enjoyment through its comprehensive and nuanced audio delivery.

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This 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rango" includes a robust selection of legacy extras housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, identical to the 2011 release. The extras provide an in-depth look into the making of this unique animation, offering valuable insights from the creative team. The audio commentary, engaging featurettes, and supplementary materials enhance the overall understanding of the film’s production and creative process. With high-definition format for most features, the supplemental content is both visually and informatively enriching, making it a must-have for fans and aficionados of animation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Perspectives from Director Gore Verbinski, Story Co-Writer & Producer, and key production team members.
• Breaking the Rules: Making Animation History: An extensive look at the innovative techniques used in creating "Rango".
• Real Creatures of Dirt: Exploration of the real-life inspirations for the film's characters.
• A Field Trip to Dirt: Behind-the-scenes journey into the film's world.
• Storyboard Reel Picture-in-Picture: Interactive feature comparing storyboards with final scenes.
• Deleted Scenes: Cut scenes that did not make it into the final film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material for the film’s release.

Gore Verbinski's 2011 animated film, "Rango," now on 4K UHD Blu-ray, presents a uniquely entertaining experience that distinctly favors adult audiences over children. Despite being produced under the Nickelodeon brand, the dialogue and themes veer towards a more mature audience, replete with nuanced humor and nods to classic Westerns. Johnny Depp delivers an exceptional voice performance as Rango, a chameleon with a vivid imagination thrust into a small town called Dirt where he inadvertently becomes the hero. His portrayal strikes the ideal balance of farce and charisma, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward animated comedy.

"Rango" is a celebration of the Western genre, filled with references to Sergio Leone’s films, "High Noon," and various other classics. Verbinski's direction is both a homage and a playful nod to these beloved cinematic pieces. The narrative cleverly combines elements from "Chinatown" and "Once Upon a Time in the West," establishing an intricate yet highly engaging plotline revolving around themes of identity and heroism. The animation, executed by ILM for the first time in a feature-length film, is visually stunning. The UHD edition enhances this further with its 2160p/Dolby Vision video, showcasing the incredible detail and textures achieved through CGI.

While the UHD release lacks new bonus content, it compensates with immaculate production quality. Retaining the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from the original 2011 Blu-ray ensures that the auditory experience complements the visual finesse. Each character is brought to life with precision, from Isla Fisher’s determined Beans to Bill Nighy’s menacing Rattlesnake Jake, enhancing the film's narrative complexity and viewer immersion. Overall, "Rango" on 4K UHD stands out as an exemplary blend of avant-garde animation and storytelling, offering a richly entertaining experience primarily tailored for adult cinephiles and Western aficionados.

"Rango," directed by Gore Verbinski and featuring voice talents such as Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty, and Bill Nighy, is a standout animated Western comedy. ILM's inaugural foray into animation shines in this thoroughly enjoyable film that melds humor with stunning visuals. While it may appeal more to adults than children, its 2011 Blu-ray release has already set a high standard. The new 4K Ultra HD edition builds on that foundation with a 2160p/Dolby Vision HDR presentation, offering superior clarity, textural accuracy, and enhanced color depth. Though the improvements may be subtle, they are discernible to the discerning viewer.

In addition to its visual uplift, this 4K release retains the film's original DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, ensuring the audio experience remains immersive and robust. Paramount hasn’t added any new extras to the mix, but the existing bonus features are still comprehensive and engaging. The new SteelBook packaging is an aesthetically pleasing addition, capturing the spirit and fun of the film. However, potential buyers who already own the previous Blu-ray might find the incremental visual enhancement insufficient to justify the price unless found at a significant discount.

In conclusion, "Rango" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a visually captivating and entertaining package that excels in both presentation and content. The Dolby Vision HDR brings a notable enhancement to an already impressive visual experience, while the audio remains top-notch. Although the additional content hasn't changed, fans of the movie will find this edition a worthy upgrade, particularly if picked up during a sale. Highly recommended for aficionados of animated films and Western comedies alike.