Wonder Woman Blu-ray Review

Wonder Woman delivers an outstanding visual experience with its 1080p/VC-1 transfer, presenting a rich color palette that goes beyond typical animated features from DC. The 1.85:1 image is warm and vibrant, showcasing thick reds, oranges, and cool blues that are eye-catching and immersive. The Amazon armor's burnished bronze and gold are vividly rendered, while the ethereal shimmer of the invisible jet adds an extra layer of visual intrigue. Backgrounds reveal a significant sense of depth, and the line edges are crisp and defined, highlighting the rough texture of each character's lineart with remarkable sharpness. Scenes set in the Underworld and various battle sequences are particularly notable for their consistent contrast, strong primary colors, and deep blacks that enhance shadow play.

Despite the transfer's overall quality, a few imperfections do detract slightly from the presentation. Banding, a common issue in animated productions, manifests in various hues and shots, occasionally causing a distraction. Additionally, faint artifacting is visible in certain scenes, notably when Hades speaks. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from an otherwise superb transfer. The image remains stable and clean with minimal smearing or blurring, even during fast action sequences.

Warner's effort in bringing Wonder Woman to Blu-ray is commendable, managing to capture the spirit and vibrancy of the character and her world with phenomenal warmth and detail. While minor flaws such as banding and occasional artifacting are present, the overall visual presentation is robust, crisp, and engaging, making it a standout in the realm of animated features.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track for "Wonder Woman" delivers a competent and often exciting auditory experience, although it may not be as aggressive as some comparable 7.1 lossless tracks found in other superhero films like "Marvel's Avengers" or "Doctor Strange." This track excels through its wide and deep stereo spread across the front soundstage, with meticulous placement of voices and effects. While the ambient noises are generally low-key, city sounds and jungle atmospherics significantly contribute to the overall mix. Major battle scenes are rendered with substantial vigor, featuring robust effects and precise positioning, augmented by impactful sound effects and well-placed metallic clashes in sword fights. Key sequences, such as Steve’s mid-air dogfight, are particularly electric, characterized by intense machine-gun fire, roaring jet fly-bys, and powerful explosions. Dialog clarity is maintained with a crystalline quality, and Christopher Drake’s score is well integrated, never overpowering the dialogue or lacking suitable weight. The subwoofer also plays a crucial role, delivering several impactful moments without overwhelming the soundscape.

Warner's Dolby TrueHD mix further distinguishes itself with clear and clean dialogue that is nicely prioritized across the front. LFE support provides tangible weight to the film’s numerous blows and explosions, while rear speakers add depth by enhancing environmental ambiences in Themyscira and amplifying the chaotic roars of the film’s battle sequences. The track showcases impressive dynamic range and spot-on directionality, with sword clashes and jets piercing through the soundscape effectively. Despite its strengths, the track sometimes borders on the immersive quality of a televised cartoon rather than a theatrical film. The musical score appears somewhat subdued at times, and some channel pans feel less seamless. Nevertheless, these minor shortcomings do not significantly detract from an otherwise vigorous and richly detailed lossless mix that complements the film’s action-packed narrative effectively. Overall, the audio presentation smartly enhances the cinematic experience of "Wonder Woman" by delivering grand-scale dynamics and immersive sounds that enrich the storytelling.

The "Wonder Woman" Blu-ray offers a robust selection of extras, giving fans extensive insights into the character and her adaptation. A group commentary features DC Creative Affairs Vice President Gregory Noveck, producer Bruce Timm, director Lauren Montgomery, and writer Michael Jelenic discussing the film’s evolution and creative choices. Two significant documentaries—"Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream" and "Wonder Woman: Daughter of Myth"—provide deep dives into her cultural impact and mythological roots. Additional content includes sneak peeks at upcoming projects such as Green Lantern: First Flight and archived previews from other DC films. Exclusive to the Blu-ray, viewers can also enjoy select episodes from the animated Justice League series showcasing Wonder Woman's exploits.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Gregory Noveck, Bruce Timm, Lauren Montgomery, and Michael Jelenic discuss the film
• A Subversive Dream: Explores Wonder Woman's cultural impact.
• The Daughters of Myth: Delves into her mythological connections.
• Animated Green Lantern First Look: Preview of upcoming Green Lantern project.
• Bonus Justice League Episodes: Includes Paradise Lost parts 1 & 2, Hawk and Dove, and To Another Shore.
• Sneak Peeks: Previews for Wonder Woman, Batman: Gotham Knight, and Justice League: The New Frontier.

"Wonder Woman" is a standout animated feature amidst DC's rich catalog. The film excels in its dynamic storytelling, fusing ancient mythology with contemporary themes in captivating fashion. The story grippingly juxtaposes the divine, represented by Amazonian warriors and deities, with the treachery of mortal greed and power. Emotional depth and mature themes, such as Oedipal complexes and the battle of the sexes, are handled with sophistication, making the narrative both relatable and enthralling for a wide audience. The film doesn’t shy away from intense action sequences that highlight remarkable combat choreography, making every battle scene memorable. The animation blends Western and Eastern styles seamlessly, delivering fluid movements and thrilling swordplay scenes that leave a lasting impression.

Despite its robust narrative and visually appealing battles, "Wonder Woman" suffers from uneven voice acting which detracts slightly from its overall impact. Although Nathan Fillion's portrayal of Colonel Steve Trevor stands out for its warmth and humor, other key voice actors like Keri Russell and Alfred Molina fall short in delivering the intensity their roles demand. This disparity creates moments where the dialogue feels flat against the film’s vibrant animation. Regardless, the film’s technical execution remains commendable; colors are rich and vibrant, with minimal digital imperfections. The Dolby TrueHD track delivers a solid, if slightly restrained, audio experience that still immerses viewers in its action-heavy scenes.

Overall, "Wonder Woman" emerges as a compelling addition to DC's animated roster, offering substantial depth in both story and visuals despite its voice acting flaws. It blends traditional heroics with nuanced modern themes, promising an engaging experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.

` The Blu-ray release of "Wonder Woman" delivers an exceptional viewing experience that is sure to captivate both long-time fans and new viewers alike. The film itself exhibits intense battle sequences and compelling superheroics, underscored by an effective and engaging storyline. While some may find minor issues with the voice acting, the overall production is impressive, making for a highly enjoyable superhero film.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are superb. The video transfer is outstanding, highlighting every detail with crystal-clear precision and vibrant colors. This attention to visual fidelity ensures that the immersive worlds and action-packed scenes are presented in the best possible light. Additionally, the solid TrueHD audio track offers a robust and dynamic sound experience that complements the stunning visuals perfectly, adding depth and dimension to every scene.

Furthermore, the Blu-ray edition is rich with supplementary content. Viewers can delve deeper into the world of "Wonder Woman" with a variety of extras, unveiling behind-the-scenes footage, insightful interviews, and exclusive features that are not to be missed. These added materials significantly enhance the value of the Blu-ray, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts of animation and comic books.

Overall, "Wonder Woman" on Blu-ray is a highly recommended release. Its superior technical execution, combined with a thrilling narrative and extensive bonus content, makes it a must-have for any collection. Whether you're a fan of superhero tales or just appreciate high-quality home media, this Blu-ray edition stands out as a stellar offering in the genre.