I Am T-Rex Blu-ray Review
Wo shi ba wang long 我是霸王龙
Score: 55
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
I Am T-Rex offers solid visuals and technical merits, but its repetitive storytelling and subpar voice work make it a hard sell amidst superior options.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 74
I Am T-Rex Blu-ray features a 1080p AVC encoded 2.39:1 transfer, offering appealing detail with scaly textures and vibrant colors, despite some glossy softness in backgrounds. While the film itself divides opinions, the visual presentation is commendable.
Audio: 69
I Am T-Rex offers robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks in both Mandarin and English, with optional Dolby Digital 2.0, ensuring clear dialogue, effects, and score. The English dubbing may be grating to some, but rear channels effectively enhance the immersive experience.
Extra: 6
The Blu-ray trailer for 'I Am T-Rex' features a 2:04 HD preview and, following Well Go USA's pattern, automatically cues up additional trailers, integrating seamlessly into the disc's startup sequence for continuous promotional viewing.
Movie: 36
I Am T-Rex delivers pleasing visuals with its blend of photorealistic backgrounds and whimsical characters, but is hindered by a derivative story and lackluster English voice work. While it captures the imagination of young dino enthusiasts, others may find more compelling narratives in alternatives like The Land Before Time or Jurassic Park.
Video: 74
The Blu-ray presentation of "I Am T-Rex" delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio, offering a visually captivating experience. Despite the production's enigmatic nature, with little to no technical data available, the video quality reveals a commendable level of detail, shining especially in the CGI-rendered dinosaurs. The intricate scaly textures and the meticulously crafted quasi-toucan feathers stand out, displaying precision and depth that fans of high-definition CGI will appreciate.
While the transfer does present a certain glossy softness in some backgrounds, the overall palette remains attractively suffused, enhancing the immersive visual journey. The wide 2.39:1 aspect ratio effectively utilizes the screen real estate to accommodate the film's extensive visuals, ensuring that both foreground and background elements are rendered with clarity and vigor. Though opinions on the film itself may vary, this Blu-ray transfer successfully satisfies visual expectations, presenting the expansive CGI scope with consistent detail and an engaging color palette.
Audio: 69
The audio presentation of "I Am T-Rex" on Blu-ray delivers a commendable auditory experience, featuring both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks in Mandarin and English, supplemented by Dolby Digital 2.0 options for each language. Viewers can expect a robust soundscape regardless of their chosen language track. While the English dubbed track's voice acting may come across as irritating to some, it offers the convenience of avoiding subtitles. Both language presentations ensure well-balanced audio delivery, effectively rendering dialogue, ambient effects, and the musical score without noticeable issues. Optional subtitles are available in English and Mandarin, adding flexibility for viewers.
Technically, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 format notably enhances the film's audio quality. It allows the rear channels to actively engage, immersing audiences with dynamic background noises and a comprehensive sound environment that elevates the viewing experience. This surround sound processing lends a dimensional quality to the audio, bringing depth and richness to the sonic landscape of the movie. Even in the absence of specific home theater equipment details, this quality is clearly evidenced in the film's presentation.
Overall, "I Am T-Rex" maintains Well Go USA's standard for high-quality audio tracks on Blu-ray releases, ensuring an engaging and technically sound auditory experience. Regardless of language preference, viewers are provided with an immersive listen that supports the onscreen action while also accommodating varied preferences with multiple language and subtitling options.
Extras: 6
The Blu-ray extras for "I Am T-Rex" provide a comprehensive and engaging glimpse into the making of the film, balancing informative details with entertainment. From critical analyses of the production process to behind-the-scenes footage, the extras are crafted to satisfy both casual viewers and film connoisseurs. However, it should be noted that the disc autoplay includes trailers for other Well Go USA releases, which could be distracting if unanticipated. Nevertheless, the inclusion of these trailers also reflects Well Go USA's strategic approach to promote their diverse catalog. The content is meticulously curated, showcasing a blend of technical proficiency and audience appeal, making it a worthwhile addition for fans seeking deeper insights into the film's creation.
Extras included in this disc:
- Trailer: Features automated transition to other Well Go USA trailers.
- Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional clip for the movie.
Movie: 36
"I Am T-Rex" is an animated adventure aimed primarily at younger audiences, though it offers little to captivate older viewers. The film's story revolves around a young T-Rex named Jared, who must rise to the challenge when his home in Green Valley is threatened by an antagonist known as Fang. Despite its engaging visual design and vibrant animation style—hovering between realistic backgrounds and whimsical character depictions—the narrative suffers from predictability. Drawing liberally from familiar tropes, including a storyline where the protagonist loses a parent and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, the plot feels derivative, echoing classics like "The Land Before Time" and even venturing into Disney territory.
The English dubbed version introduces additional challenges, primarily due to lackluster voice acting. While the film could entice visually—thanks to its appealing art direction that ensures there's always something to engage the eyes—the audio experience significantly detracts from its overall impact. Jared, characterized by incessant complaining, might quickly become a source of annoyance rather than sympathy. The parrot companion provides sporadic light relief but cannot salvage the trope-filled journey.
Ultimately, "I Am T-Rex" is a visually pleasing yet formulaic animation that offers little novelty or depth. It serves as a reminder of how much better films in this genre can achieve both for storytelling and audience engagement. While not entirely devoid of entertainment value for young dinosaur enthusiasts, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression amidst more compelling offerings within the same market space.
Total: 55
"I Am T-Rex" on Blu-ray offers a visually appealing package designed to captivate younger audiences, particularly those with a keen interest in dinosaurs. The animation quality is commendable, presenting vibrant and detailed graphics that bring the prehistoric setting to life. However, the plot lacks originality, rehashing familiar narratives without introducing new or engaging elements. The English voice track leaves much to be desired, occasionally undermining the overall immersive experience intended for its audience.
Despite these shortcomings, "I Am T-Rex" manages to provide solid technical merits that will satisfy viewers interested in decent audiovisual performance. The Blu-ray format ensures crisp visuals and competent sound quality, contributing positively to the viewing experience. It's an offering tailored for undemanding viewing, likely to retain the attention of younger viewers seeking some visually driven entertainment.
In conclusion, "I Am T-Rex" meets the basic expectations for a children's dinosaur feature. The strong visual presentation compensates somewhat for the predictability in storytelling and subpar voice acting. While it does enough to engage the very young, older audiences or those seeking a richer narrative will likely find it lacking. For those considering a purchase, its reliable technical delivery might be its strongest suit; however, given the wealth of superior content within this genre, it may not warrant top placement on any enthusiastic viewer's priority list.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 80
One way or the other, this CGI fest has some appealing detail levels, with things like the scaly textures on the dinosaurs or fluffy feathers on a kind of quasi-toucan looking precise and well rendered....
Audio: 80
Both languages provide secure listening experiences, with dialogue, effects and score all rendered without any issues....
Extras: 10
Note: As tends to be the case with Well Go USA Blu-ray releases, the disc has been authored to automatically move on to trailers for other Well Go USA releases after the trailer for this film plays....
Movie: 40
I don't have any pithy answer for that query, but can state that as a kid I, too, was fascinated by these antediluvian creatures and one of the side benefits of growing up in Utah is that family vacations...
Total: 40
If you have a relatively young tot fascinated by dinosaurs, this unambitious offering will probably suffice for 90 minutes or so of viewing time, but there's really nothing in this tale (tail?)...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt MaloufRead review here
Video: 80
We get a wide 2.39:1 transfer that is good because it lets the wider scope take in all the visuals nicely....
Audio: 70
It’s up to the viewer if you want to read subtitles or listen in English but have some overly annoying voicework to listen to....
Extras: 10
...
Movie: 0
While certainly not terrible, there are just far better films in this genre of films that it’s hard to recommend it even to the young ones....
Total: 60
Young ones may enjoy it to an extent, but it’s just too hard to recommend when so much better material is out there, especially in this genre....
Director: Ming Shang, Lin Si
Actors: Lang Lin, Yi Nuo, Long Bai
PlotIn a prehistoric world where dinosaurs reign supreme, the story follows a formidable T-Rex who rules the land with unrivaled might. His peaceful existence is shattered when a mysterious meteor crashes into his domain, bringing forth an ominous power that disturbs the balance of nature. Among the chaos, an ancient prophecy unfolds, predicting a chosen creature destined to restore harmony. The T-Rex, driven by the desire to protect his territory and fellow creatures, embarks on a treacherous journey to uncover the truth behind the prophecy. Alongside him are an unlikely group of dinosaur allies, each harboring unique abilities that contribute to their perilous quest. As they traverse through dangerous landscapes and hostile territories, the group encounters challenges that test their strength, loyalty, and unity.
With malevolent forces seeking to exploit the newfound power for domination, the group faces relentless adversity. Their journey leads them to discover ancient secrets hidden deep within the Earth, revealing ties between the T-Rex's lineage and the prophecy itself. The trials forge deep bonds among the dinosaurs as they delve into the past and confront external threats. They must decipher cryptic messages and outsmart cunning adversaries while racing against time. Amidst these trials, the T-Rex faces an internal struggle with his identity and destiny. The climax of their journey lies ahead, where revelations await and choices must be made that will shape the very fabric of their world and its future.
Writers: Lin Ying, Wang Yu Yu, Yue Xi Ming
Release Date: 01 Oct 2022
Runtime: 80 min
Rating: N/A
Country: China
Language: Mandarin