The Lego Movie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray rendition of "The Lego Movie" presents an exceptional 1080p/AVC-encoded video experience that truly elevates the visual appeal of the film. The dynamic color palette shifts seamlessly across various scenes—vibrant and bustling in the city, dusty in the Old West, cold and menacing in Lord Business' lair, and whimsically sweet in Cloud Cuckoo Land. Colors remain vivid and primaries leap off the screen, while black levels are deep and satisfying, contributing to a robust contrast that's both filmic and strong. This meticulous attention to lighting and color creates a lifelike quality that adds to the overall realism of the film.

Detail is where this Blu-ray truly shines. Each frame is packed with intricate textures—the chips along the plastic edges of characters, subtle fingerprints grabbing light on Benny or Lord Business, the wear of fading decals, and imperfections in the Lego bricks—all adding layers of realism. Edges remain clean and natural without any ringing or aliasing artifacts, making close-ups remarkably striking. The impeccable encoding results in zero significant macroblocking, banding, or other artifacts, offering fans a pristine viewing experience.

Impressively framed in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio, "The Lego Movie" on Blu-ray takes full advantage of modern HD displays, rendering the animation photo-realistic. The filmmakers' adept use of computer-generated animation makes LEGOland feel tangibly real. The high resolution uncovers countless small details and creative nuances, particularly in busier sequences, rewarding viewers with new discoveries upon multiple viewings. Black levels stand out especially in scenes involving Bad Cop / Good Cop's uniforms and Lord Business' tower. This Blu-ray release is not just an animated eye candy but sets a high bar for what HD video presentations can achieve.

Warner's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for The LEGO Movie is an exemplar of an immersive and dynamic audio experience that occasionally leaves one wishing for a 7.1 mix. This masterfully constructed soundscape excels in delivering a substantial low-end output, which punctuates each explosion, crash, and collision with powerful depth, lending weight to any LFE channel activity. The rear speakers actively contribute to the chaotic and playful universe of The LEGO Movie, capturing every nuance from scattered blocks to mechanical movements with precision and agility. Directionality is meticulously maintained, with seamless panning and robust dynamics that enhance the overall auditory experience.

Dialogue is impeccably clear and intelligently prioritized, ensuring that the voices come through grounded and distinctly, without ever feeling isolated from the rest of the soundscape. The music, too, aligns flawlessly within this highly detailed environment, executed with masterful prioritization. Even though it might not be the most aggressive mix ever encountered, it perfectly balances subtle background details and immersive surround effects. Particularly notable are moments like Vitruvius’s voice swirling around during a chase sequence, which underscores the track's compelling surround activity. While a 7.1 mix would have been ideal, it doesn't detract from the overwhelmingly excellent execution of this top-tier 5.1 release.

The special features of "The LEGO Movie" Blu-ray offer a vibrant dive into the film’s production, with a mix of thorough insights and enjoyable fluff. The highlight is a chatty, quip-filled audio commentary from directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord alongside actors Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Charlie Day, and Alison Brie. It provides a fun atmosphere, albeit with frequent digressions, but it effectively covers many easter eggs and intricate details scattered throughout the movie. Additionally, "Bringing LEGO to Life" offers a brief, child-friendly behind-the-scenes look with Chris Pratt narrating. For those fascinated by the script's evolution, "Stories from the Story Team" provides a rapid look at early storyboards and cut concepts. The extras round out with various entertaining elements like fan-made films, deleted scenes, outtakes, and more.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A fun chat with the directors and cast.
• Bringing LEGO to Life: Short, behind-the-scenes featurette narrated by Chris Pratt.
• Stories from the Story Team: Insight into script development and cut content.
• See It, Built It!: Instructions for building models from the movie.
• Everything is Awesome Sing-Along: A karaoke version of the hit song.
• Fan-Made Films: Top-Secret Submissions: Clips from LEGO-hosted contest winners.
• Alleyway Test: The first animation test.
• Batman's A True Artist: Batman's stop-motion music video.
• Michelangelo & Lincoln: History Cops: A fun trailer.
• Enter the Ninjago: Ninjago characters feature segment.
• Deleted Scenes: Storyboarded scenes that were cut.
• Outtakes: An in-character blooper reel.
• Additional Promotional Content: Teaser promos and spots.

"The LEGO Movie" delivers an exhilarating cinematic experience that captures both the minds of children and the nostalgia of adults. Crafting a vibrant universe, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller leverage the formidable capabilities of CG animation combined with traditional stop-motion. The film's visual ingenuity shines, presenting an intricately designed world where every element, from vast landscapes to simple water droplets, is authentically composed of LEGO bricks. This meticulous attention to detail does more than evoke awe; it fosters immersion, making viewers believe these toy environments could genuinely exist in their homes.

The narrative follows Emmet Brickowski, an unremarkable LEGO figure voiced superbly by Chris Pratt, whose life transforms dramatically upon encountering the Piece of Resistance. His journey from anonymity to a heralded savior, flanked by a colorful ensemble—including Elizabeth Banks' Wyldstyle and Will Arnett’s iconic Batman—promises relentless entertainment. The masterful voice acting ensures that both main characters and minor roles resonate with charm and humor. This multilayered storytelling elegantly balances action and comedy while embedding reflective commentary on creativity versus conformity—a narrative choice that deepens the film’s appeal across age groups.

Beyond its technical achievements and storytelling, "The LEGO Movie" excels in its thematic cohesiveness and emotional resonance. It is not merely an array of jokes and references but an exploration of imaginative play entwined with meaningful life lessons. Every scene meticulously interweaves character development, plot advancement, and thematic depth. These components culminate in a climactic twist that elevates the entire viewing experience. For LEGO enthusiasts, the film doubles as a love letter to their passion, engaging them with smart visual gags and affectionate nods to LEGO lore. Ultimately, "The LEGO Movie" is a triumph in animated cinema—a testament to boundless creativity converging with heartfelt storytelling to produce an unforgettable adventure.

"The LEGO Movie" delivers an outstanding experience that transcends age barriers, blending hilarious moments, exhilarating sequences, clever dialogue, and heartfelt messages into a single, cohesive narrative. Directed with a keen sense of humor and ingenuity by Lord and Miller, this film transforms what could have been a shameless product tie-in into a cinematic triumph. The Blu-ray release, especially in its 2D edition, does not disappoint, offering reference-quality video and audio presentations that significantly enhance every colorful LEGO brick and energetic chase scene. The visual fidelity of the animation is striking, and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track brings the vibrant world to life with immersive soundscapes.

Though the extras may be somewhat sparse, the substance of the included features is substantial enough to warrant repeated viewings. The easter eggs are meticulously crafted, and the behind-the-scenes snippets provide valuable insights into the creative process. Whether you’re a fan of traditional storytelling or someone seeking an innovative twist on familiar themes, "The LEGO Movie" strikes the perfect balance. The film’s all-ages allure ensures that it’s just as engaging for children as it is for adults, making it an excellent addition to any movie collection.

In conclusion, "Everything Is Awesome" isn't just a catchy tune—it encapsulates the essence of what "The LEGO Movie" represents. From its story to its script, from its voice cast to its animation, every aspect of this film radiates creativity and excellence. Warner's Blu-ray release, despite its light extras, shines with stellar video and audio quality, securing its place as a must-own title. Expect it to earn accolades from critics and audiences alike for its groundbreaking approach and enduring charm. This is one animated film that will be cherished for generations to come, destined to become a classic in its own right.