Gulliver's Travels Blu-ray Review

The visual presentation of "Gulliver's Travels" on Blu-ray is notably impressive, marked by a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that maximizes the vividness of the film's dynamic costumes and diverse environments. High definition detail stands out with firm resolution, crisp edges, and defining sharpness that enhances depth and dimension. The digitally captured photography ensures a whistle-clean appearance, devoid of overtly film-like textures but maintaining strong clarity and fine texture, particularly on facial details and intricate costume patterns. Colors are richly rendered with bright blue skies, vivid fire, and dense foliage greens, contributing to an engaging visual experience. Fleshtones are well-defined, exhibiting intricate gradations across the complexional spectrum of the cast.

The digital cinematography of "Gulliver's Travels" also enables seamless integration of green-screen elements, although occasional noise and some layer inconsistencies in composite shots are noticeable upon close scrutiny. Blacks exhibit a good dynamic range despite occasional spikes in noise during darker scenes, and the overall contrast remains tight with minimal instances of blown-out highlights. The film's CGI work, especially on miniature constructions like the palace and surroundings of Liliput, is showcased meticulously, ensuring it remains appealing without undermining the practical effects.

Ultimately, Fox’s Blu-ray presentation of "Gulliver's Travels" achieves a bright and vibrant visual fidelity that aligns well with the film’s fantastical style. While it occasionally succumbs to typical digital anomalies, such as slightly inconsistent blacks and minor noise levels in dark scenes, these are minimal detractors in an otherwise solid and commendable visual offering.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Gulliver’s Travels" on Blu-ray delivers a solid auditory experience with clear, articulated dialogue that is well-positioned across the front channels. Detail reproduction is commendable, enhancing ambient soundscapes and textural nuances even during high action scenes. While the film does not rely heavily on surround sound, the full soundstage is effectively utilized to create an immersive environment. Sound effects are dynamic, palpable, and exhibit excellent range. Low frequency effects, when utilized, offer deep bass that resonantly fills the room.

Although the original theatrical release featured a 7.1 mix, Fox has opted for a standard DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for this Blu-ray. Despite the downgrade, the mix remains balanced and powerful, making extensive use of the rear speakers to enliven Gulliver's world. The soundtrack adeptly handles diverse audio elements, from the bustling newsroom and New York City streets to the roaring jet engine and crashing waves of the cyclone. Notable sonic moments include a naval battle and a robot duel, where vivid cross-channel effects like canon fire and zapping electricity create a highly engaging experience.

Additionally, Henry Jackman's score, while not particularly memorable, benefits from strong sound reproduction, integrating well with the film's rock and funk numbers that showcase the track's dynamic range. Dialogue remains consistently clear and intelligible with no issues of muffling or distortion. Overall, while the absence of the 7.1 mix may disappoint some audiophiles, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides an engrossing and dynamic audio presentation that brings "Gulliver’s Travels" to life.

The Blu-ray edition of "Gulliver's Travels" offers a thorough array of extras that provide both entertainment and insight into the film's production. Highlights include the humorous "I Don't Know...with Lemuel Gulliver," hosted by Jack Black, and the highly enlightening "Little and Large" featurette on visual effects. Fans of Jack Black will appreciate the individual segments where both he and Jason Segel discuss their characters. Deleted scenes give additional context to the story, while behind-the-scenes featurettes like "Down Time" and "War Song Dance" provide an engaging peek into the filming process. For those interested in further insights, an extended interview with director Rob Letterman is included. The extras suite also features an interactive game and red carpet interviews, all complementing the robust special features package.

Extras included in this disc:

• I Don't Know...with Lemuel Gulliver: Jack Black hosts a faux discussion on the Bermuda Triangle.
• Gag Reel: Jack Black attempts to push-start a truck amid wardrobe malfunctions.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight additional scenes for more narrative depth.
• Little and Large: Featurette on the film's special effects.
• Jack Black Thinks Big: Cast discusses how Liliput is affected by Gulliver.
• Down Time: Behind-the-scenes fun on set.
• Gulliver's Foosball Challenge: Interactive remote-control game.
• War Song Dance: Insight into the War sequence choreography.
• Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with Jack Black: Jack Black discusses his role.
• Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with Jason Segel: Jason Segel on his character.
• Fox Movie Channel Presents: Life after Film School: Rob Letterman of Gulliver's Travels: Interview with director Rob Letterman.
• Fox Movie Channel Presents: World Premiere: Red carpet interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer.
• BD-Live Exclusive - Jack and Jason's Dance Class: Behind-the-scenes look at dance choreography.

"Gulliver's Travels," starring Jack Black, offers an irreverent twist on Jonathan Swift's classic satirical tale. Black plays Lemuel Gulliver, a lackluster mailroom clerk at the fictitious New York Tribune, who seizes an opportunity to impress the travel editor Darcy (Amanda Peet) by taking on a Bermuda Triangle assignment. After a shipwreck, Gulliver ends up on the fantastical island of Lilliput, where his gigantic stature and exaggerated stories make him a hero among the tiny inhabitants. However, this comedy-adventure lacks the original story's sharp satirical edge, opting instead for broad humor and juvenile gags, such as Gulliver extinguishing a palace fire by urinating on it—an incident liftefrom Swift’s text but here devoid of its critical tone.

Director Rob Letterman’s film primarily targets younger audiences with its simplistic narrative and humor. The screenplay by Joe Stillman and Nicholas Stoller transforms Swift's intricate four-part story into a straightforward underdog rom-com adventure. Unfortunately, this adaptation strips away much of the source material's satirical depth, substituting it with pop-culture references and gross-out jokes. Jack Black's performance is decidedly typical, relying heavily on his characteristic humor which includes exaggerated facial expressions, physical comedy, and sporadic musical outbursts. While Black’s energetic antics may amuse pre-teens, they fail to elevate the material or resonate with adults seeking more substantial humor.

Supporting performances by actors like Emily Blunt and Jason Segel are serviceable but constrained by the script's limited scope. Billy Connolly’s portrayal of King Benjamin and Chris O'Dowd’s as General Edward add some flavor, but they ultimately serve as backdrops to Black's larger-than-life presence. Moments intended for comic relief often fall flat, highlighting the film's missed opportunity to blend humor with the biting social commentary characteristic of Swift’s novel. Despite the excellent set design and well-crafted visual effects, "Gulliver's Travels" lacks the heart and incisive wit of its literary predecessor, offering instead a superficial spectacle tailored for young viewers.

The 2010 film "Gulliver's Travels" starring Jack Black undeniably veers far from Jonathan Swift's revered narrative, opting instead for a more juvenile and superficial interpretation. While the movie itself may not appeal to a discerning audience due to its reliance on lowbrow humor and deficient storytelling, it does provide some fleeting moments of entertainment, particularly for younger viewers. Despite its narrative shortcomings, those with a penchant for Jack Black’s comedic style may find some enjoyment. The movie's joke sequences, often teetering on crude humor, may garner occasional chuckles but lack the depth of quality comedic writing.

Technically, the Blu-ray release does not disappoint. The video presentation is notable, with sharp details and vibrant color fidelity that enhance the film’s whimsical settings. The audio quality also stands out, providing a robust and immersive experience, though it is worth noting the absence of a theatrical 7.1 audio option, which might be expected by purists or audiophiles. The disc is complemented with an array of bonus materials, predominantly promotional content that provides additional context but little substantive insight into the making of the film.

In conclusion, while "Gulliver's Travels" may not stand up as an essential or intelligent comedy, its Blu-ray package is commendable from a technical standpoint. The high-quality video and audio elements, coupled with an assortment of special features, make it a competent purchase for households with young Jack Black fans. Otherwise, those seeking more depth or refined humor might prefer skipping this one.