Toy Story 4 Blu-ray Review

Disney's Blu-ray release of "Toy Story 4" excels beyond expectations with its stunning 1080p AVC-encoded presentation. Preserved in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, this Blu-ray showcases the visual brilliance of Pixar, known for their impeccable attention to detail. The color saturation is outstanding, from the vibrantly hued carnival night scenes to the meticulously rendered textures of the toys. The film's completion as a 4K digital intermediate greatly benefits the Blu-ray, enhancing the image with superior detail even at 1080p resolution. Intricate elements such as the stitching on Bonnie’s backpack and the fibers of Forky’s pipe cleaner arms are rendered with remarkable clarity.

The visual dynamics are expertly handled, with deep blacks maintaining exceptional shadow details and bright whites avoiding any washout. The digital clarity is evident, allowing viewers to appreciate every line and curve on the toys, and distinctive features such as the scuffs, hairs, and fabric textures. The antique shop interiors are particularly commendable, retaining a clean glossy finish devoid of digital artifacts. Contrasts are perfectly balanced throughout, providing a captivating array of colors and an impressively three-dimensional feel to the imagery.

"Toy Story 4" on Blu-ray is an audiovisual feast that doesn’t disappoint. Every scene is vividly rendered, with bright exteriors basking in lush sunshine and the antique shop lit with an oppressive yet detailed ambiance. The colors burst forth in an ecstatic palette, with rich primaries and vibrant secondary hues animating the carnival scenes. Night-time sequences boast resplendent hues that mesmerize against the deep blacks of the sky. Overall, this Blu-ray release is reference-quality, showcasing Pixar's prowess in digital artistry and setting a high bar for animated films on home media.

Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 4's Blu-ray release features a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, lacking the Dolby Atmos option found on the 4K UHD disc. The audio quality, while generally solid, does necessitate a slight volume boost for optimal experience. The sound mix showcases clear dialogue, smooth vocal intonations, and a wide frontal soundstage that envelops listeners, both with action and Randy Newman's memorable score. Though the LFE and dynamic range are somewhat restrained, causing louder sequences to feel a bit subdued, the mix effectively delivers immersive moments, particularly in the carnival scenes with vibrant surround integration.

However, the track reveals some limitations typical of recent Disney releases. It is more front-heavy, with selective and sporadic use of side and rear speakers, potentially drawing undue attention rather than contributing to a fully immersive soundfield. This selective engagement can make the soundtrack feel flat in mid-ranges and less authoritative where it counts. Nevertheless, intricate effects blend seamlessly from front to back, adding spatial dimension and enhancing specific scenes like Duke Caboom's pinball-machine nightclub. Despite minor shortcomings, the DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix complements Toy Story 4's visuals beautifully by maintaining clarity, definition, and consistency across various environments.

The Blu-ray edition of "Toy Story 4" provides a comprehensive array of supplementary materials that will thoroughly engage both casual viewers and film enthusiasts. Spanning two discs, these extras delve into various stages of the film's creation, from character development to scene analysis. Highlights include an in-depth commentary by Director Josh Cooley and Producer Mark Nielsen, a look at the evolution of Bo Peep's character, insights from Ally Maki on the voice recording process, and a detailed breakdown of pivotal scenes. Additionally, featurettes explore the dynamics between Woody and Buzz and introduce new characters, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The deleted scenes and numerous trailers provide further depth and context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bo Rebooted: An exploration of how Bo Peep's character was developed.
• Toy Stories: Memories from cast and crew about their favorite childhood toys.
• Audio Commentary: Director and producer cover film production in detail.
• Let's Ride with Ally Maki: Ally Maki discusses her role as Giggle McDimples.
• Woody & Buzz: Analysis of Woody and Buzz's relationship.
• Anatomy of a Scene: Playground: Breakdown of a critical playground scene.
• Carnival Run: A ground-level view of the carnival set.
• View from the Roof: Carnival set viewed from a rooftop.
• Toy Box: Introduction to new characters like Gabby Gabby, Forky, Duke Caboom, Ducky & Bunny, and Giggle McDimples.
• Deleted Scenes: Director introduces storyboarded deleted scenes.
• Trailers and Promos: Collection of global trailers and a montage.

Pixar's "Toy Story 4," directed by Josh Cooley, extends the beloved franchise with another captivating adventure. The film rekindles the excitement of earlier installments while exploring deeper emotional themes. Woody (Tom Hanks) finds himself navigating yet another transition as Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw) heads to kindergarten. Woody covertly accompanies her, helping create Forky (Tony Hale), a new toy that instantly becomes Bonnie's favorite. The narrative showcases Woody's struggle to maintain Forky's safety, leading to an earnest journey that reunites him with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and introduces Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), whose own quest for belonging adds a nuanced layer to the storyline.

"Toy Story 4" deftly balances legacy characters and delightful new additions. Woody's central role is complemented by the evolution of Bo Peep into a more complex character, underscoring the film's exploration of purpose and fulfillment. Despite minimizing the roles of characters like Buzz and Jessie, the film extracts significant emotional impact from their brief appearances. The introduction of characters such as Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), Ducky and Bunny (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele), and Giggle McDimples (Ally Maki) injects humor and fresh energy into the series, navigating audiences through a mix of nostalgia and novelty.

Although "Toy Story 4" may feel somewhat redundant given the poignant conclusion of the third film, it manages to justify its existence by weaving engaging new narratives. The adventure-filled plot interweaves themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and love with Pixar's trademark emotional depth. It rejuvenates the franchise without overshadowing its roots, offering both heartwarming moments and exhilarating escapades. Director Josh Cooley, along with the stellar animation team and voice actors, bring forth a worthy addition to the "Toy Story" saga, reaffirming the relevance and irresistible charm of these timeless characters.

"Toy Story 4" marks a notable entry in Pixar's esteemed franchise, delivering a delightful and heartwarming addition despite any perceptions of redundancy or franchise fatigue. While it may not reach the iconic heights of its predecessors, the film impresses with its endearing charm, beautiful CGI, and engaging storyline. The narrative focuses heavily on Woody, Bo Peep, and several new characters, lending fresh perspectives and new adventures while maintaining the series' hallmark emotional depth and smart storytelling.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Toy Story 4" is nothing short of stellar. The video presentation is reference-quality, boasting a pristine 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio that brings Pixar's cutting-edge animation to life with exceptional clarity and vibrancy. The audio offerings are robust, featuring an English DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack that ensures an immersive auditory experience. Supplementary features include English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles among others, enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of the film for a broader audience. The Blu-ray package offers a well-rounded set of extras that fans and collectors will appreciate.

In conclusion, "Toy Story 4" may feel like an unnecessary addition to some but manages to carve out its niche within the cherished franchise. It's a fun, visually stunning movie that remains faithful to the spirit of its predecessors while introducing new layers of narrative and character development. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, this Blu-ray release is highly recommended, offering both technical excellence and delightful storytelling.