All Dogs Go to Heaven Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "All Dogs Go to Heaven" arrives with a 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer, utilizing its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Regrettably, this transfer presents a mixed bag of visual quality, leaning heavily towards the subpar. The film's hallmark ragtime New Orleans palette, while vibrant in concept, appears worn and dusty, with lackluster contrast and black levels that can be described as sickly. Primary colors often come off as muted, culminating in an overall flat and lifeless picture. Evidence of minimal remastering work is apparent, as the image is plagued by dirt, small scratches, white specks, print blemishes, and a fluctuating grain pattern. Notably, telecine wobble intermittently jostles the picture, further detracting from the viewing experience.

Comparisons to previous DVD releases show marginal improvements; the image is marginally crisper and slightly more colorful, with somewhat sharper lineart. However, these enhancements are inconsistent and fail to elevate the overall presentation meaningfully. The transfer’s technical deficiencies are numerous: pervasive scratches, dust flecks, and film spots mar the image, while color timing issues manifest frequently, causing shades to fade in and out distractingly. Instances of image judder and unfocused shots also emerge, contributing to a muddy, soft look throughout the movie. The heavy grain layer often becomes overly noisy, obscuring the fine details of Bluth's animation.

Despite these shortcomings, it is worth mentioning that the encode itself is quite proficient in suppressing artifacting, aliasing, and related technical issues. However, fans anticipating a high-definition spectacle that does justice to Bluth's esteemed animation will likely find this Blu-ray release disappointing. With minimal restoration effort evident in this transfer, "All Dogs Go to Heaven" falls short of providing a visually satisfying HD experience.

MGM's release of "All Dogs Go to Heaven" on Blu-ray comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo mix. The decision to retain the original two-channel format stands out in an era where many classic films undergo aggressive 5.1 or 7.1 remixing. However, the fidelity of this stereo mix leaves much to be desired. Dialogue frequently appears thin and tinny, lacking a robust presence and occasionally failing to blend seamlessly with other audio elements. The music score by Ralph Burns, while historically significant, doesn't quite reach its potential, often feeling subdued instead of vibrant.

The overall prioritization within the soundstage presents inconsistencies; voices and effects seldom align on the same aural plane, resulting in a disjointed listening experience. There is no Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, rear speaker activity, or immersive soundfield that would typically enhance such classic animated features. However, on a positive note, the dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout, and key sound effects such as backstreet crashes and hellspawn roars maintain satisfactory representation.

Comparatively speaking, this audio presentation does not signify a notable improvement over the DVD version. The differences between the formats are marginal at best, with neither managing to elevate the auditory engagement significantly. For purists seeking an unaltered two-channel audio experience, this mix remains faithful to the original soundtrack but should only be considered modest at achieving high-quality performance across the board.

The extra features on the Blu-ray edition of "All Dogs Go to Heaven" are notably sparse, with the sole inclusion being the theatrical trailer. While the trailer's high-definition format is a nice touch, the lack of additional content such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, commentaries, or even interviews is somewhat disappointing for fans and collectors who seek a comprehensive experience. This minimalist approach to special features limits the depth and engagement potential for enthusiasts aiming to delve deeper into the film’s production and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: The sole special feature, presented in high-definition.

"All Dogs Go to Heaven," directed by Don Bluth, stands as a notable entry in the annals of 1980s animation, but it does not quite reach the heights of Bluth's earlier triumphs like "The Secret of NIMH" or "An American Tail." The film introduces audiences to Charlie B. Barkin, a conniving street-dog voiced by Burt Reynolds, whose untimely demise at the hands of his sinister business partner, Carface Carruthers, sends him to an ironically uninspired heavenly realm. Rejecting eternal paradise, Charlie winds his life watch backwards to return to earth, setting the stage for a tale that intertwines themes of redemption and morality with the whimsical antics of talking animals.

Bluth's animation retains its signature expressiveness and depth, particularly in the portrayal of 1930s New Orleans. The film’s visual style, full of dark alleys, smoky gambling dens, and fantastical elements, speaks to Bluth’s intention to set itself apart from the Disney mainstream. The character animations of Charlie and his henchman Itchy, voiced by Dom DeLuise, are particularly noteworthy for their fluidity and lifelike gestures. However, while the canine characters shine, the human figures like Anne Marie—a pivotal yet underdeveloped character—fall visually short.

Despite its technical prowess, the narrative structure of "All Dogs Go to Heaven" suffers from inconsistent pacing and a storyline that feels disjointed at times. The story struggles with its transitions from Charlie’s rogue-like behavior to his eventual change of heart. The screenplay’s scattered focus detracts from the overarching plot, making it difficult to maintain engagement throughout its sub-90-minute runtime. Nevertheless, the darker, risk-taking approach aspects—in keeping with Bluth's style—may hold nostalgic value for those who grew up with the film. While it might not convert new fans easily, its unique charm ensures it will retain its place in the hearts of those familiar with its peculiar magic.

The Blu-ray release of "All Dogs Go to Heaven" unfortunately does not meet the high standards one might expect from a Don Bluth classic transitioning into HD. The video transfer suffers significantly from subdued and dingy colors, providing a lackluster visual experience that fails to capture the vibrancy expected of an animated film. Detail resolution is similarly disappointing, offering a washed-out presentation that appears to stem from an aged print. The DTS-HD Master Audio stereo mix is adequate but far from impressive, delivering a serviceable sound experience without notable enhancement.

In terms of supplementary content, the Blu-ray is barebones, lacking any substantial bonus features that would add value for collectors or fans of Bluth's work. This is especially striking given the potential for including behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or retrospectives which could have enriched the overall package. Thus, the Blu-ray edition, despite a nominal upgrade over its DVD counterpart, falls short in providing a compelling reason for fans to repurchase it.

In conclusion, both the film and its Blu-ray presentation have significant drawbacks. The inadequate video and audio quality, paired with an absence of notable supplemental content, culminate in a release that feels like a missed opportunity. While the film's nostalgic charm remains intact, the execution of this high-definition debut leaves much to be desired. It might be wise for even the most dedicated fans to rent this release before deciding on a purchase.