Ferdinand Blu-ray Review

"Ferdinand" is presented on Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1, delivering a visually stunning presentation. The film's digital origins ensure a pristine picture quality that supports its computer-rendered imagery. Fox's consistent quality is evident, with vibrant, candy-colored palettes and impressively detailed flowers, which are a visual standout. The animation style leans towards exaggerated cartoonish elements rather than intricate textures, fitting perfectly with the film's playful tone. While some fur rendering, particularly Paco the sheepdog's clumping fur and Ferdinand’s rubbery texture, might seem odd to discerning viewers, the overall rendering quality remains high, with detailed rural and urban environments adding depth.

Color saturation is one of the main highlights, with nearly every scene bursting with bright primary colors. Black levels are exceptional, enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the animation and providing a dynamic viewing experience, even in 2D. This is especially noticeable during the big chase sequence, which leaves viewers lamenting the absence of a 3D Blu-ray release. Despite this, the Blu-ray disc offers an impressive 2D experience without any noticeable compression issues. The clarity, vivid colors, and depth collectively make "Ferdinand" a visual treat well worth watching.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track for "Ferdinand" is consistently immersive and delivers a robust auditory experience across multiple key sequences. From the early scenes where the young bulls scuffle and Ferdinand attempts to protect a lone flower, the surround channels are effectively utilized. Moments such as Ferdinand's escape by hopping onto a freight train offer excellent panning effects, while later scenes in Madrid and the bullring deliver a comprehensive spill of effects through the side and rear channels. The Spanish-inflected score, complemented by Nick Jonas' Oscar-nominated anthem "Home," resonates well in the surround channels, enhancing the overall soundscape. Dialogue is pristinely rendered and is prominently prioritized, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout the film.

Additionally, the audio mix excels in its dynamic representation of sound effects, particularly during intense sequences such as heavy hoof falls and head-smashing encounters between bulls. These moments benefit from a substantial LFE presence, eliciting a thunderous quality that enriches the viewing experience. Furthermore, the lively and continuous distribution of sound effects around the channels ensures a high degree of surround activity, making the auditory experience engaging and immersive. As an animated feature with fast-paced action and quick-witted humor, this audio track brings energy and vitality that perfectly complements the film's frenetic nature.

The Blu-ray release of "Ferdinand" comes packed with a variety of bonus features that, while brief, offer a mix of informative and entertaining content. Although most extras are rather lightweight and don't delve deeply into production nuances, they provide interesting insights and amusing moments for viewers. Highlights include John Cena's health tips, Kate McKinnon's quirky guide on life from Lupe the goat, and an engaging look at creating the film's distinctive world with director Carlos Saldahna. The Anatomy of a Scene feature provides a compelling behind-the-scenes view of the bull run sequence, and Nick Jonas's discussion on crafting the Oscar-nominated song "Home" adds musical depth to the compilation.

Extras included in this disc:

Ferdinand's Guide to Healthy Living with John Cena: Health tips interspersed with film clips.

A Goat's Guide to Life: Spotlight on Lupe the goat.

Ferdinand's Team Supreme: Overview of supporting characters.

Spain Through Ferdinand's Eyes: Brief travelogue of Spain.

Confessions of a Bull Loving Horse: Humorous piece by Flula Borg.

Creating the Land of Ferdinand: Production insights from Carlos Saldahna.

Anatomy of a Scene: The Bull Run: Behind-the-scenes look at the bull run sequence.

Learn to Dance with Ferdinand: Footage of live action influencing animation.

Ferdinand's Do It Yourself Flower Garden: Gardening tips from Lisa Ely.

Home Music Video: Music video by Nick Jonas.

Creating a Remarka-Bull Song: Nick Jonas on writing "Home."

Art of Ferdinand Gallery: Concept art and stills.

Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.

"Ferdinand," adapted by Blue Sky Studios and directed by Carlos Saldanha, is an ambitious attempt to expand upon Munro Leaf's classic 1936 children's book, "The Story of Ferdinand." The original tale's simple yet profound message about being true to oneself is largely retained, although significantly padded to meet the demands of a feature-length film. Set in modern times, the movie introduces an array of new characters—such as the energetic goat Lupe (voiced by Kate McKinnon) and a plethora of other anthropomorphized animals—alongside human characters that interact closely with Ferdinand. The screenplay by Robert L. Baird, Tim Federle, and Brad Copeland is filled with humorous antics and over-the-top scenarios, such as Ferdinand causing chaos at a flower festival after being stung by a bee.

While the film captures the essential heart and message of Leaf’s original story, it employs numerous comedic set pieces and supporting characters that are nowhere to be found in the book. John Cena voices the titular bull with a mix of innocence and strength, bringing an endearing quality to his character. However, some of the additions—like exaggerated sequences of bulls clumsily navigating various situations—tend to overshadow the narrative’s core themes, making it feel bloated at times. Despite these detours, the film does succeed in delivering its central theme of self-acceptance, albeit in a somewhat diluted manner due to its expanded plotlines.

The voice acting, particularly from John Cena and Kate McKinnon, stands out as one of the film’s major strengths, infusing "Ferdinand" with energetic humor and emotional depth. While it may not fully resonate with audiences familiar with the source material, the film has a certain charm that appeals to younger viewers. With vibrant animation, catchy musical sequences, and a light-hearted tone, “Ferdinand” ensures it holds the attention of its intended age group. Despite lacking the simplicity and brevity of Leaf’s book, the film creates a visually engaging experience that subtly encourages kindness and individuality.

"Ferdinand" presents a spirited and vibrant animated adaptation of the beloved children’s book, though with some divergence from the original material. While it may not fully achieve the artistic heights set by other recent animated features, its bright colors and dynamic energy make it instantly engaging. The voice work is commendable, featuring an array of talented actors who inject life and personality into their respective roles. However, the film does suffer from narrative padding and extraneous subplots that don’t always contribute to the core message. This can make the pacing feel uneven and slightly disjointed at times.

The Blu-ray release of "Ferdinand" by 20th Century Fox is technically impressive, boasting a pristine audio-visual presentation that captures the film’s lively aesthetic and immersive sound design. Even without a 3D disc, the 2D format offers a visually appealing experience with sharp resolution, vibrant hues, and crisp details. The supplementary materials included are both enjoyable and insightful, adding value to the overall package.

In conclusion, "Ferdinand" may not be a perfect adaptation but it remains an enjoyable film, particularly for younger audiences. Its technical merits on Blu-ray are exemplary, ensuring a high-quality home viewing experience. With its fun-filled charm and beautifully rendered visuals, "Ferdinand" is a delightful watch that merits a recommendation.