Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" delivers a high-impact visual experience with a vibrant and engaging 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer, presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The richness of the color palette is immediately striking, featuring intensely saturated primaries that almost burst off the screen. Expect retina-melting neons and deep, lush greens that render the woodland scenes with vivid clarity. The campfire glows are particularly remarkable, evoking a fiery warmth reminiscent of cinematic light-saber effects. Underwater and cave scenes also impress with their spectral greens, blues, and greys, bathing the screen in an alien-esque coolness that provides a visually compelling contrast.

Despite the visual splendor, the transfer is not without its flaws. Banding and aliasing are present, though not overly distracting, and likely stem from the limitations of the source material. Warner’s animated releases frequently exhibit these issues, but "Camp Scare" manages to handle them better than most. Luckily, edge enhancement is minimal and smearing issues are absent, ensuring a sharp, clean presentation overall. Black levels are notably deep and consistent, contributing to excellent contrast and a sense of three-dimensionality that lends depth to both characters and backgrounds.

In conclusion, while "Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" has minor visual imperfections typical of the genre, its vivid colors, strong contrast, and overall vibrant presentation make it an admirable Blu-ray visual experience that fans of all ages will appreciate.

The audio presentation for "Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" on Blu-ray is delivered through a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, running at 640kbps. While this format may disappoint some audiophiles who were hoping for a lossless track, the Dolby Digital mix proves to be both strong and engaging. The audio provides a crisp and clean output, offering a respectable amount of surround activity that enhances the dynamic flair of the action sequences. Effects like the Woodsman's axe throwing, the bubbles of the lake, and the spooky directional wind effects contribute to an immersive experience. Additionally, the Spectre's banshee-wailing and other sound effects such as sinister laughter and screaming are projected with strong force across the soundscape. The LFE channel is utilized effectively, giving depth and dimension without overwhelming the primary audio.

Dialogue clarity is exceptional, with voices remaining sharp and well-prioritized, although some users may find the need to crank up the volume slightly for consistent comfort. Robert J. Kral's score benefits from the mix as well, being allowed plenty of space to exhibit its forceful and exciting tendencies. Although the dynamics and soundfield may not elicit jaw-dropping reactions, they remain well-balanced and serviceable. Every element, from music to sound effects, works in concert without any major faltering.

While the lack of a lossless audio track may be a point of contention for some, it is worth noting that the current Dolby Digital mix performs remarkably well given its constraints. The track is more than adequate for the film's animated direct-to-video nuances, leaving little room for substantial improvement even if transitioned to a lossless format. Overall, "Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" provides an enjoyable auditory experience that is likely to satisfy most viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" are modest yet engaging, providing a mix of nostalgic and contemporary content. The highlight is a full episode from the series "Scooby-Doo, Mystery Incorporated," titled "Beware the Beast From Below," presented in HD. Additionally, there’s a charming problem-solving game called "Scooby-Doo Camp Stories," geared toward younger audiences. For added value, the package includes a DVD copy of the film and a digital copy, enhancing the viewing options for different setups. Though not as packed as some previous DVD releases, the quality of what is included ensures a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Scooby-Doo Camp Stories: Several spooky campfire tales presented in standard definition.
• Beware the Beast From Below: A full episode from the new "Scooby-Doo, Mystery Incorporated" series presented in high definition.
• DVD Copy: Standard DVD version of the film.
• Digital Copy: Digital version of the film.

"Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" delivers a nostalgic nod to the classic franchise while introducing fresh thrills and chills that captivate both young and old audiences. The engaging storyline unfolds at Camp Little Moose, where campfire stories of menacing monsters — including an ax-wielding Woodsman, a terrifying Fishman, and a ghastly Specter — come to life. The Mystery Inc. team, voiced by iconic talents such as Frank Welker and Matthew Lillard, plunges into action, bringing their trademark mix of sleuthing, slapstick, and savvy to the table. The film’s appeal is bolstered by a visually vibrant transfer that ensures crisp, colorful imagery, making it a treat for fans who enjoy "safe" horror.

Plot-wise, "Camp Scare" shines with a robust narrative filled with twists, turns, and red herrings that keep viewers guessing. Despite its extended runtime of 73 minutes, which occasionally seems stretched with subplots involving romantic interests and rival camps, the film maintains a solid pace through its driven story arcs and character dynamics. The sound design, although presented in Dolby Digital instead of a lossless format, delivers an immersive experience that effectively complements the on-screen action. Fans of traditional Scooby-Doo will appreciate the blend of humor and mild scares, all wrapped in a plot that stays true to the spirit of the original series.

While some may find the interwoven subplots slightly superfluous, detracting from the main narrative thrust, the film overall retains enough charm and entertainment value to satisfy devotees of the series. Its homage to Hanna-Barbera’s golden era coupled with contemporary narrative sensibilities ensures that "Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare" retains its appeal as a delightful, family-friendly adventure, bursting with mystery and moderated thrills tailor-made for fans both old and new.

Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare is a modest entry in the long-standing Scooby-Doo franchise. The storyline, while engaging for the target demographic, could benefit from either an expansion to enhance its depth or a trim to maintain tighter focus. On the technical front, Warner Bros. Animation delivers an impressive video presentation. Despite minor issues like banding and aliasing that are characteristic of the studio's Blu-ray releases, the visuals remain sharp and vibrant. The Dolby Digital audio mix, although lossy, delivers clear and balanced sound that enhances the viewing experience.

Supplemental features on this Blu-ray release are scarce and underwhelming, offering little additional value. Priced at about $20, it may seem slightly expensive for what it offers, but a sale price makes it an attractive option for fans of the series. Children will undoubtedly enjoy the amusing antics of their favorite animated detectives, providing excellent family entertainment during a rainy day indoors.

In conclusion, while Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare may not be the pinnacle of Mystery Inc.'s adventures, its technical merits on Blu-ray ensure a more enjoyable viewing experience. The video and audio quality stand out despite a lackluster array of special features. For fans of Scooby-Doo or newcomers looking for entertaining family content, this Blu-ray is worth considering, preferably at a reduced price.