Ralph Potts reviews this classic animated tale that is making its debut on Blu-ray, which tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between an alien robot from outer space, and a rebellious boy named Hogarth.
The Review at a Glance:
(max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
94
Details:
Studio and Year: Warner – 1999
MPAA Rating: PG/PG
Feature running time: 90/90 minutes
Genre: Family
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., James Gammon, Cloris Leachma, John Mahoney, Christopher McDonald, M. Emmet Walsh
Directed by: Brad Bird
Music by: Michael Kamen
Written by: Brad Bird & Tim McCanlies
Region Code: A
Blu-ray Disc release Date: September 6, 2016
“A classic comes toBlu-ray!”
My Take:
Something huge is on the horizon. Hogarth Hughes just rescued an enormous robot that fell from the stars to Earth. Now young Hogarth has one very big friend and an even bigger problem: How do you keep a 50-foot-tall, steel-eating giant a secret? It’s even harder when a nosey government agent arrives in town to hunt down and destroy the “alien invader” and the combined land, sea and air might of the U.S. military is sent to assist him.
I love this film. I haven’t seen it in a long time but watching it again brought back wonderful memories of watching it with my kids when they were little. The Iron Giant is an wonderful film that features one of the most endearing characters in animated films. This is a heartwarming classic that easily stands the test of time, and has touched, and will continue to touch, generations of viewers. My kids, now 22, and 24, years old, remain fans and loves the story. I am sure that my children, like me, will share the experience of The Iron Giant with their children when the time comes. I watched the Signature Edition cut, which has two additional scenes, and the same 90 minute runtime as the theatrical version.
Co-written and directed by Brad Bird, The Iron Giant is making its debut in high definition in this Signature Edition release that contains both the Signature Edition and theatrical versions of the film, a fully remastered presentation, and two all-new scenes (Signature Edition only). The Iron Giant: Signature Edition will also be available as an Ultimate Collectors Edition for $74.99 SRP. The Ultimate Collectors Edition will include the Signature Edition and the original theatrical version in both high definition and standard definition, “The Giant’s Dream” documentary, a hardcover art book on “The Iron Giant,” collectible Mondo art cards, a 4-inch plastic articulated Iron Giant statue, and a letter from director Brad Bird. Additionally, fans can own The Iron Giant: Signature Edition via purchase from digital retailers.
I am thrilled to now own this wonderful family film in high definition on Blu-ray. Read on to see how it looks and sounds..
Parental Guide:
The rating is for fantasy violence, language, some thematic material and smoking.
AUDIO/VIDEO – By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100/EXCELLENT = 83-91/GOOD = 74-82/AVERAGE = 65-73/BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
Audio: 92
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Dynamics:
Low frequency effects:
Surround Sound presentation:
Clarity/Detail:
Dialog Reproduction:
DSU/DTS Neural:X Rating * (non-rated element):
Video: 96
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Resolution/Clarity:
Black Level/Shadow Detail:
Color Reproduction:
Fleshtones:
Compression:
The Iron Giant comes to Blu-ray Disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 33 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.2 Mbps.
This is an excellent video presentation that boasts visually enticing imagery that looks great in high definition. The Iron Giant offers beautifully crafted animation that exhibits resolute definition and refined clarity. The shading and lighting used sometimes results in innate softening. This is intentional and gives the video variable depth which can be scene dependent but never detracts from the high quality of the presentation. Based on the period in which the story takes place, colors maintain a limited and softer palette that is most decidedly a stylistic choice that mates well with the source in a satisfying way. Sepia tones make up the majority of the color base and gray is used in various stages in both objects and backgrounds. The gradational stages in the white and gray tones enhance perspective and at times provide realistic dimension. Strong contrast delivers punchy blacks and crisp, bright whites. Detail in dark backgrounds and low lighting is estimable. Images are lucid, and resolvable which results in a refined presentation that looks great on Blu-ray.
Warner’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel mix retains the feel of the original multi-channel soundtrack while adding a bit of polish. This is an engaging presentation that features high level detail in a resplendent blend of dialog, sound effects, bass and music, with discretely placed effects and atmospherics that utilize the entire sound field. You’ll get a taste of what’s to come when Hogarth first encounter’s the giant at the power station, and then later during the scene at the lake. The sound mix utilizes the front and rear soundstage, resulting in excellent balance that allows for the realization of both large and smaller elements within the recording. This isn’t a dynamically enhanced mix per se but bass response is both appropriate and occasionally hefty in support of the soundtrack’s elements. The audio is crystal clear, free of the edginess and never shows its age which says something for the care that went into the encoding.
Bonus Features:
Signature Edition and Original Theatrical versions of the film
(HD) *NEW* The Giant’s Dream documentary – This 55 minute documentary tells the dramatic story about a rare moment in movie history that allowed a first-time director to make one of the world’s greatest animated films, “The Iron Giant.” Using stylized animatics, archival footage, original concept art, and revealing interviews, The Giant’s Dream charts the incredible ups and downs, industry firsts, and amazing history behind this iconic film, and its rebel director, Brad Bird.
Signature Edition Audio commentary and original audio commentary
Additional Scenes, including alternate opening (with 2003 Intro by Brad Bird)
Featurettes:
Behind the Armor
Making of
The Salt Mines
The Score
Hand Drawn
Motion Gallery
Vintage Easter Eggs
Teddy Newton The X Factor
Duck and Cover Sequence
The Voices of The Iron Giant – 5 segments
Brad Bird Trailer
Final Thoughts:
The Iron Giant is among the beloved animated feature films of its generation and is a personal favorite of mine. Seeing it brings back fond memories of watching it with my children when they were little. It has been highly anticipated for release in high definition from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment on Blu-ray and I am happy to report that the results are terrific. This Signature Edition release contains a new version of the film, the all new documentary “The Giant’s Dream”, and legacy bonus supplements that make this a must have for fans. The Iron Giant deserves a place in your Blu-ray collection and comes highly recommended.
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Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS500 3D/4K Ready High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6-HDR Meter from Spectracal)
Stewart Filmscreen – Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16×9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies – 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player
Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton “Ergo” and In-Ceiling series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS PC12-NSD
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) – Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components – CP-CP102 cooling package
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