Tangled Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Disney's "Tangled" in 2D is nothing short of spectacular, offering a near-flawless AVC-encoded transfer. The 1.78:1 image format luxuriates in vibrant colors that are rich, well-saturated, and stunningly detailed. Despite minor criticisms regarding contrast, the overall visual experience is mesmerizing. The golden hues, particularly in the pivotal lantern scene, are eye-catching and beautifully handled, ensuring an almost poetic atmospheric quality. While some minor banding and contrast issues were noted, they do not significantly detract from the overall excellence of the visual presentation.

Detail is another area where "Tangled" exceeds expectations. Every texture, from the intricate embroidery on clothing to the individual strands of Rapunzel's magical hair, is rendered with meticulous clarity. Although not quite at Pixar's level of pin-sharp clarity, the animation remains remarkably lifelike. The lush greens of the forest and the warm earthen tones contribute to an immersive visual experience. The image depth remains impressive even in the absence of 3D effects, maintaining a perceptible sense of depth and realism in 2D.

Shadow detail in darker scenes is also well-executed, although blacks could be slightly deeper. The visual distance between foreground and background elements creates a sense of depth that appeals strongly even without 3D hardware. The only minor drawbacks noted include instances of slight banding and overly exaggerated brightness in some scenes. However, these issues are minimal and overall do not significantly detract from what is an otherwise exemplary visual presentation.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of Tangled is nothing short of breathtaking, leveraging a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack that maximizes the entirety of its spatial and dynamic capabilities. The mix shines with meticulous attention to surround channel details, pushing the envelope with smart 360-degree pans that seamlessly glide through the speakers. This natural fluidity closely follows onscreen action with precision, enhancing the immersive experience. Dialogue is delivered with pinpoint clarity and is perfectly balanced through the front channels, ensuring that vocal exchanges remain crisp and comprehendible amidst the broader audio spectacle. The orchestrated score and songs come to life with warm, dynamic reach, beautifully distributed across all channels for a fully encompassing aural experience.

The tangible depth of this audio track truly sets it apart, utilizing ample sub-action to provide impactful moments that deeply resonate with viewers. Stomping hooves, rushing water, and other intricate sound effects are finely detailed and deliver a punchy, robust low-end that invigorates the sonic environment. Scenes such as the collapse of a dam or Maximus landing after a leap are highlighted by substantial bass that recalls the visceral excitement of a theatrical experience. The meticulous addition of subtle sounds—like the whistling of a hurled axe followed by a deep thunk, or the skittering of loose stones—emphasizes the thoughtful assembly of this audio mix. Such exacting and engaging soundscaping not only matches but elevates the visual vibrancy, ensuring that Tangled is not only seen but palpably felt.

Throughout the film, surround channels carry an impressive range of ambient noise, underscoring action sequences and quieter atmospheric moments with equal finesse. Music, integral to Tangled, is afforded both heft and clarity from the front while organically extending into the back channels for a rounded auditory experience. This demo-worthy mix from Disney captures multifaceted soundscapes with fidelity, making it an engaging audiovisual experience that stands as a hallmark of excellence in Blu-ray home entertainment.

The Blu-ray extras for “Tangled” are somewhat underwhelming given the film's high profile, with notable omissions such as an audio commentary track. The selection, while varied, could have been more insightful and comprehensive. The "Deleted Scenes" feature introductory comments by directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard but comprise rough animation and temp vocals, offering little depth. "Untangled: The Making of a Fairy Tale" provides a basic overview of the film's production but lacks substantial new information. Similarly, "Original Storybook Openings" and "Extended Songs" come with director introductions but remain unfinished in presentation. The "50th Animated Feature Countdown" feels more like a nostalgic reel rather than a meaningful discourse on Disney’s legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Voiced sketches/storyboards with intros from directors.
• Original Storybook Openings: Two versions introduced by directors.
• 50th Animated Feature Countdown: Clips from all Disney animated films.
• Extended Songs: "When Will My Life Begin" and "Mother Knows Best" with director intros.
• Untangled: The Making of a Fairy Tale: Overview of film production.
• Tangled Teasers: Humorous advertisements and videos based on the film.
• Discover Blu-ray 3D with Timon & Pumbaa: Crash course on Blu-ray 3D.
• Learn How to Take Your Favorite Movies on the Go: Advertisement for Disney Digital Copy.

"Tangled" is another highly enjoyable entry from Disney, melding the classic fairytale with a contemporary twist. The film demonstrates Disney's knack for transforming even the simplest stories into something humorous, exciting, and thoroughly entertaining, despite taking artistic liberties with the original narrative. Donna Murphy's performance as Mother Gothel is noteworthy for her chilling portrayal of Rapunzel’s captor, providing a sense of menace that contrasts well with the film's otherwise light-hearted tone. Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore, is not just a character with magical hair but also a symbol of resilience and independence, yearning to see the world beyond her tower. To complete the ensemble, Maximus the horse offers an excellent mix of comedy and charm, highlighting Disney's talent for creating engaging side characters.

Visually, "Tangled" is a triumph. The animation, with its vibrant color palette and melted-rainbow aesthetic, captivates the audience from start to finish. Technologically advanced CG animation is employed to great effect, enhancing the traditional Disney feel with modern capabilities. The seamless integration of these elements ensures that the hand-drawn charm is not lost amid the slick computer-generated visuals. The film’s remarkable AV transfer on Blu-ray further amplifies its eye-candy allure, presenting a crystal-clear image that is as good as it gets in high-definition home viewing.

The storyline of "Tangled" might initially seem somewhat generic, but its success lies in its heartfelt execution. Rapunzel’s desire for freedom and self-discovery offers depth that resonates across age groups. Themes of autonomy and personal growth are thoughtfully explored, making "Tangled" more than a mere fairytale but a relatable narrative for modern audiences. Despite occasional pacing issues and some predictable plot points, the film stands out due to its robust animation, engaging characters, and emotional authenticity. It is a testament to Disney's ability to revive and refresh old stories while retaining their timeless appeal.

Tangled is quintessential Disney, combining song, dance, adventure, humor, and heart with underlying themes of individuality, freedom, self-worth, and true love. Despite the occasional sluggish stretch and a few extraneous scenes, the film's overall appeal remains strong. Mandy Moore's exceptional voice work breathes life into Rapunzel, making her one of the most engaging characters in Disney’s animated roster. Tangled is a celebration worthy of its status as the studio's 50th animated feature film, living up to expectations and ensuring its place as one of Disney's better all-around movies.

The Blu-ray release complements the film’s charm with an almost flawless 1080p image and a fantastic lossless soundtrack, ensuring that viewers experience the animation’s vibrant colors and nuanced sound design at their best. While the release could benefit from additional bonus materials to deepen the viewer’s engagement, the technical presentation alone makes it a worthwhile acquisition.

In conclusion, despite minor flaws in pacing and the lack of extensive extras, Tangled remains thoroughly enjoyable. The seamless blend of storytelling, animation, and voice acting ensures it will be cherished for years to come. Both the 2D-only and Blu-ray 3D versions come highly recommended for any collector or Disney enthusiast.