kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:42 pm Post subject: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Combo Pack (Two Discs: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)[Blu-ray]
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | With a well-intentioned conservationist message that's delivered rather heavy-handedly, 'Dr. Seuss's The Lorax' is finally brought to the big screen with some middling but mostly amusing results. With the voice talents of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle ,and Betty White, the animation is not surprisingly dazzling and mesmerizing, but the overall moral could be lost in tale which ultimately goes against what it preaches. The film debuts on Blu-ray with a reference quality video and audio presentation that will please everyone in the household. Bonus features are not exactly extensive, but there are plenty of interactive games to keep the kiddies endlessly occupied indoors rather than going outside to enjoy Mother Nature. Nonetheless, the package as a whole makes for good, wholesome entertainment for the entire family.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Not too surprisingly, 'The Lorax' takes his environmental activism to Blu-ray with a demo quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that pops off the screen with energy and vibrancy. Colors are extraordinarily gaudy and flamboyant, but in a good way, practically hypnotizing viewers into this world of bizarre artificial cities and gorgeous woodlands. Primaries appear especially luxurious and richly saturated, almost exaggeratingly so but without ever becoming a distraction. The softer pastel hues of the forests and treetops are equally dramatic and striking, making much of the animation come alive with realism.
The 1.85:1 frame also exhibits a crisp, vibrant contrast, adding to the dynamic energy and the natural three-dimensional feel of the image without the need of 3D glasses. Blacks provide an inky intensity that penetrates deep into the screen with marvelously sharp gradational differences in the grayscale. Overall definition and clarity, too, are razor-sharp and distinct, from the fur coats of the cute little bear-like creatures to individual threads on the clothing of the human characters. Most impressive are the fluffy, hair-like treetops which sway and move with remarkable realism while each detailed whisker in the Lorax's moustache seems to move independently of each other. This digital-to-digital transfer of the animated film is simply astonishing and surprises from beginning to end.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'The Lorax' continues making a big hubbub with this terrific, near-reference DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, which radiates with dramatic verve and fervor every time character break out into song. My one and only minor qualm is admittedly a matter of personal preference. Although the design offers plenty of good, strong rear activity, it never actually fills the room with an immersive, enveloping feel which pulls the listener into the magical visuals. The discrete effects employed in the surrounds basically come off artificial and somewhat gimmicky, albeit pretty fun when heard in the moment. And still, that's the only issue worth noting.
Where this otherwise wonderful lossless mix truly shines is in the front soundstage, creating an amazingly attractive and energetic wall of sound which seems consistent from beginning to end. With a sharp, crystal-clear mid-range providing tons of detailed clarity in the upper frequencies, objects zigzag across the screen from one channel to the next with remarkable, fluid panning. The original score of John Powell and the pop musical songs take advantage with outstanding differentiation of the various instruments and performers. While providing a nice weighty punch to the few actions sequences, bass has a natural, accurate sensation which benefits the music best. This is most apparent when the young Once-ler first breaks out into song and a guitar solo, hearing every note and pluck of the string. Meanwhile, dialogue and vocals are never overwhelmed or drowned out, making this an amazing, musical soundtrack for all to enjoy. |
Kal
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