Brave 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Pixar's "Brave" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray delivers a commendable upgrade over its Blu-ray predecessor, particularly shining through with its HDR10 presentation. The animation's essence, notably Merida's iconic, voluminous red locks and the rich tapestry of the Scottish setting, benefits significantly from the enhanced dynamic range and color palette. The HDR highlights aren't transformative but offer a more stable, nuanced, and vibrant viewing experience. Colors are clearer, more saturated, and the overall image pops with a new intensity. Especially notable are the deeper shades of greens in the natural scenery and more brilliant blues, alongside the fiery reds of Merida's hair. The whites achieve greater brilliance, while black levels deepen considerably, adding to the visual depth.

The resolution bump to 2160p, upscaled from a 2K digital intermediate, might not present a drastic change but introduces finer details that cement the upgrade's worthiness. Textural enhancements in clothing fabrics, architectural elements of the castle, and environmental features like foliage are more defined. Such clarity contributes to a richer, more immersive experience. Character close-ups reveal intricacies like freckles and hair with greater precision. Despite some softer wide shots, the overall sharpness and cleanliness of the animation benefit from the higher resolution and absence of encode flaws.

Furthermore, the balance between contrast and brightness sees a slight but noticeable improvement, contributing to the image's dimensionality. Shadows are richer, preserving detail without muddling the darkest scenes. Specular highlights, while not dramatically enhanced, offer a tighter glow in key moments, adding to the visual appeal. While it may not rival the top CG animations in 4K clarity, "Brave" stands out for its more tangible world-building elements and subtle yet appreciated upgrades in visual quality, making it a solid addition to a UHD collection.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack accompanying the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Brave" showcases a meticulously crafted audio presentation that elevates the entire viewing experience. With a particular emphasis on creating an absorbing and multi-dimensional soundscape, this mix excels in delivering depth and detail across a variety of scenes. From the lush, immersive sonics of the Scottish wilderness, complete with the rustling of leaves, the chirping of wildlife, and the distinct sound of arrows and raindrops moving through the space above the listener, to the chaotic energy of a dinner table collapsing or a brawl among suitors, the track utilizes the full range of Atmos capabilities to stunning effect. The soundtrack's integration of Patrick Doyle's score is notably exceptional, with music spreading evenly across the soundscape, achieving superb fidelity and acoustical detail that enhances the film's emotional and atmospheric depth.

The track's technical execution flawlessly supports its artistic ambitions. Surround channels are consistently engaged, creating an authentic sense of space and movement that envelops the viewer. Whether through the nuanced environmental sounds that build a compellingly tangible world or through more action-packed sequences that deftly employ the lower frequencies for dramatic impact, the audio presentation maintains a meticulous balance. Dialogues are consistently clear and well positioned, ensuring that every spoken word is perfectly intelligible within the context of the surrounding audio landscape.

Moreover, the soundtrack demonstrates a commendable use of dynamics and spatial positioning to create an engaging auditory experience. From the detailed layering of ambient sounds that add richness to each scene to the strategic use of overhead channels that contribute to an immersive hemispheric soundfield, every element is crafted with precision. The bear growls and action scenes benefit from both depth and clarity, showcasing the mix's ability to handle complex sound elements with ease. Overall, this Dolby Atmos track is not just a technical accomplishment but also an integral part of the storytelling in "Brave," ensuring that viewers are fully drawn into the magical world on screen.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Brave" offers an extensive collection of extras spread across two Blu-ray discs, enhancing the viewing experience with a variety of behind-the-scenes features, short films, and an assortment of promotional materials. Notably, the Ultra HD disc itself does not include any bonus features; however, the package compensates with the inclusion of Blu-ray discs that mirror the extras found in the original 2012 release. Highlights include the beloved Pixar short films "La Luna" and "The Legend of Mor'Du," an insightful audio commentary, and a plethora of featurettes that dive deep into the making of this animated masterpiece. From exploring the characters and settings to uncovering the film's cultural inspirations and intricate animation techniques, these extras provide a comprehensive look at the creative journey behind "Brave." The package also comes with a Movies Anywhere digital copy code and features an embossed slipcover, making it a valuable addition for collectors and fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Insights from the filmmakers.

Pixar Short Films: "La Luna" and "The Legend of Mor'Du."

Brave Old World: Exploring cultural inspirations.

Extended Scenes: Additional content not seen in theaters.

Merida & Elinor: Focus on the film's central relationship.

Once Upon a Scene: Behind-the-scenes look at key scenes.

Magic: The magic within the story.

Bears: An exploration of the bear characters.

Brawl in the Hall: Creation of the film's fight scenes.

Clan Pixar: Team dynamics during production.

Wonder Moss: Detailing the creation of the film's moss.

Trailers: Promotional trailers for the film.

Dirty Hairy People: Character design and creation.

It Is English... Sort Of: The dialects and languages of "Brave."

The Tapestry: Significance within the film.

Alternate Opening: "Fergus & Mor'Du An Alternate Opening."

Angus: Detailing Merida's horse.

Fallen Warriors: Deleted characters and scenes.

Promotional Material: Various promotional pieces.

Still Gallery: Collection of art and images from the film.

Disney and Pixar's "Brave," initially reaching audiences in 2012, has made a grand entrance into the realm of 4K UHD Blu-ray with an edition that boasts an uplift to 2160p/HDR video quality alongside a Dolby Atmos audio track. While no new extras are provided with this release, the included Blu-ray discs, which mirror the 2012 release content, ensure that fans have access to a generous selection of additional content. This move to UHD format underlines Disney’s commitment to elevate the viewing experience of their acclaimed titles, promising an enhanced visual and auditory enjoyment of the film that pushed the boundaries of Disney's traditional storytelling in animation.

At its core, "Brave" represents Pixar outdoing Disney at what the latter is renowned for – spinning classic folk tales into cinematic gold. The film, credited significantly to Brenda Chapman (of "The Prince of Egypt" and "The Lion King" fame), distinguishes itself by adopting and then subverting familiar fairy tale motifs. With Princess Merida at the forefront, this narrative is not just about defying archaic customs but also explores themes of strength, rebellion, and consequence within the mystical setting of medieval Scotland. The inclusion of Merida's interactions with The Witch introduces complex dynamics to her character, presenting strength as both her greatest attribute and flaw.

Nevertheless, the movie does not shy away from critique, notably in its treatment of the Mor'du subplot, viewing it as a less cohesive element of the story that perhaps extends beyond its welcome. Despite this minor stumble, "Brave" recovers gracefully, steering towards a conclusion that is both emotionally resonant and satisfying. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release not only promises an enriched sensory experience but also invites viewers to re-engage with one of Pixar's more ambitious and imaginatively crafted films. The technical upgrades assure that both the audacious spirit of Princess Merida and the lush landscapes of Scotland are presented with unparalleled clarity and depth.

Brave," Pixar's captivating tale of independence and tradition, finds its way onto 4K UHD Blu-ray with a presentation that, while not groundbreaking, is certainly commendable. The film, recognized for its action-packed sequences and the unforgettable fiery-haired protagonist Merida, strikes a balance between familiar narrative elements and stunning visuals complemented by a distinctive musical score. This release sees the studio's thirteenth CG-animated feature ascend to new heights with a visually impressive 4K HDR10 upgrade that accentuates the film's gorgeous Scottish landscapes and intricate character details, paired with a dynamic, demo-worthy Dolby Atmos audio track. Though the supplements merely replicate those from previous Blu-ray releases, including a digital copy adds value, making this edition a satisfactory upgrade for fans.

The technical enhancements provided in this release underscore the film's artistic achievements, correctly highlighting Brave's rich color palette and meticulous animation. While some may argue that the leap to 4K UHD isn't transformative, the subtle improvements in video clarity and the enriched audio experience beg to differ, providing an immersive viewing experience that breathes new life into Pixar's thirteenth gem. The inclusion of recycled supplementary materials may be seen as a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the film's production and thematic elements; however, they still serve as an essential component for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while "Brave" on 4K UHD Blu-ray might not set new standards for home theater presentations, it undoubtedly enhances the viewing experience for one of Pixar's more visually stunning and thematically rich offerings. With significant improvements in both video and audio quality, this release is recommended for fans looking to revisit Merida's journey with the finest presentation available. It stands as a testament to Pixar's enduring ability to blend innovative storytelling with technical prowess, making it a worthy addition to any collection.