Superman vs. The Elite Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "Superman vs. The Elite" sets a high standard for animated features. The animation, notably sharper and more detailed than standard-definition versions, offers excellent depth, rich color fidelity, and bold contrast. The vivid hues are especially noteworthy—Superman’s blue suit and Atomic Skull's electric purple flames are particularly striking. Image sharpness is commendable, with crisp edges free from distracting enhancement. Black levels are stable, adding significant depth to scenes with mixed lighting. Minor issues such as faint artifacting and minor banding do occur, but they barely detract from the overall high-definition experience.

Despite some detectable flaws like minimal aliasing and occasional softness in certain shots, the visual rendering remains robust. The consistent quality of the animator’s lines and the attention to detail are almost impeccable. The animation retains sharpness and clarity, allowing viewers to appreciate every nuance of the battle sequences and the complex environment of Metropolis. Any budgetary constraints are barely noticeable, thanks to the meticulous effort put into replicating the original comic aesthetics. Overall, Warner's VC-1 encoding delivers a strong visual performance, ensuring fans receive a polished and visually engaging experience throughout the film.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Superman vs. The Elite" excels with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that ensures a high-quality, immersive experience. This track stands out for its articulate and well-balanced sound design, which offers exceptional clarity across dialogue, sound effects, and music. With crystal clear rendering, the blend of audio elements results in a dynamically satisfying and relatively enveloping surround sound mix. The audio track delivers punchy bass and action-based sounds that enrich the viewing experience, although some may find the LFE channel slightly less impactful than ideal.

The lossless audio quality maintains a high standard, with commendable directional effects and seamless panning, enhancing action sequences where Superman zooms across the screen or engages in high-stakes battles with foes like the Atomic Skull. Explosions and other effects benefit from deep bass, and while surround ambience could be more robust, it’s consistent with other DCU animated releases. The rear channels, though somewhat subdued, contribute adequately to the action scenes, ensuring debris flies across the soundfield and energy blasts are heard zipping past.

Dialogue clarity is another strong suit of this audio presentation; characters' lines are crisp and intelligible, even amidst intense action sequences. Manchester Black's thick accent does not detract from understanding his speech, ensuring no critical dialogue is lost in the fray. While ambiance and acoustics do not match those of big-screen animated films, the overall lossless quality of the track remains proficient and powerful, delivering an impressive auditory experience for fans of the series. Comparable to the “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” audio track, this release is poised to satisfy enthusiasts with its robust and full-bodied sound design.

The "Superman vs. The Elite" Blu-ray offers a comprehensive suite of extras that enrich viewers' understanding and enjoyment of the film. The highlight is the detailed commentary by screenwriter Joe Kelly and DC Comics Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, providing insights into the comic origins of The Elite and the challenges faced in adapting them to animation. Additional featurettes delve into the moral debates inherent in Superman's character and the differences in The Elite's portrayal across media. The disc also includes insightful sneak peeks at upcoming projects and bonus content from previous releases, making it a well-rounded package for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Superman and the Moral Debate: In-depth analysis of Superman's moral stance compared to more violent heroes.
• What's So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?: 5-page digital comic.
• Commentary with Joe Kelly and Eddie Berganza: Insightful discussion on the film's adaptation process.
• The Elite Unbound: No Rules, No Mercy: Examination of The Elite’s comic-to-screen transition.
• A Sneak Peek at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1: Preview of an upcoming DC animated project.
• Alan Burnett’s Top Picks: Two episodes from "Superman: The Animated Series" curated by Alan Burnett.
• The Dark Knight Rises Theatrical Release Photo Gallery: Collection of promotional images.
• Bonus featurettes: Previously released making-of content for “All-Star Superman” and “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.”
• Bonus DVD
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy

"Superman vs. The Elite" is a dynamic, thought-provoking adaptation that explores the moral complexities inherent in superhero narratives. Superman (voiced by George Newbern) faces off against the elite, a group of antiheroes led by Manchester Black (Robin Atkin Downes), who operate outside the bounds of traditional justice by killing villains outright. This film prompts viewers to question the validity and relevance of Superman’s old-fashioned ideals in a modern world fraught with escalating violence. By doing so, writer Joe Kelly extends the debates of Action Comics #775 into an animated format, though not without shortcomings.

The plot deftly handles themes of justice and morality, showcasing Superman's internal struggle to uphold his principles amidst a society that increasingly favors brutal efficacy over due process. The story’s tension peaks during a climactic showdown on Jupiter’s moons, questioning whether Superman can maintain his moral high ground without succumbing to his darker impulses. While these elements provide a meaningful critique of contemporary ideals, the execution is somewhat hindered by the film's pacing and animation quality. Despite strong moments, some scenes feel underwhelming due to sparse backgrounds and less impactful voice performances, particularly in comparison to Robin Atkin Downes' compelling portrayal of Manchester Black.

Technically, the Blu-ray release maintains strong visual and audio quality, albeit within the constraints typical of DC's animated features. The action sequences are visually engaging, but quieter scenes sometimes lack the immersive atmosphere one might expect from such a philosophically rich narrative. Furthermore, despite tackling deep-seated issues relevant to a post-9/11 world, the film occasionally dips into heavy-handedness, sacrificing subtlety for overt messaging. Nonetheless, fans of superhero lore will find "Superman vs. The Elite" an enriching addition to their collection, embodying both thrilling entertainment and a poignant exploration of heroism in a complicated world.

"Superman vs. The Elite" is a strong entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies collection, though it might not completely satisfy hardcore comic fans familiar with Joe Kelly’s influential Action Comics #775. Director Michael Chang and writer Joe Kelly deliver a dramatic narrative that pushes Superman to his moral limits, producing a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The film doesn't shy away from adult themes and violence, setting a darker tone than what is typically seen in Superman features. While the animation could benefit from more complexity and the voice cast feels a bit uninspired, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise commendable adaptation.

The technical execution on the Blu-ray is impressive. Warner Bros. has provided a robust video transfer that crisply captures the movie’s intense visual sequences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track enhances the high-stakes action scenes and adds depth to quieter moments, making for a well-balanced auditory experience. The Blu-ray also comes with a generous array of supplemental materials, providing additional context and behind-the-scenes insights that fans will appreciate.

In conclusion, while "Superman vs. The Elite" may not achieve the heights of its source material, it remains a worthwhile viewing experience for both dedicated fans and those with a general interest in Superman stories. Its mature narrative direction and technical strengths on Blu-ray make it a solid recommendation. This release continues to demonstrate Warner Bros.' commitment to delivering quality animated adaptations, and we look forward to future DCU endeavors surpassing it in excellence.