Rango (2011) | Blu-ray Review
By thisguyoverhere | July 15, 2011
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Written by: John Logan
Genre: Comedy, Western
Rating:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Value:
Review:
Video:
Rango is by far the most detailed animated film to ever be released (to date). Industrial Lights and Magic’s first attempt at an animated feature is so impressive in its level of authenticity, and luckily Paramount has pushed the technology to its limits to bring every ounce of detail to home video. This is as good as high definition can possibly look. It is quite flawless in its accuracy of color, lighting and shadows, and astounding textures.
Presented in 1080p 2.40:1 widescreen aspect ratio.
Audio:
Wow. Rango is a very sound heavy film, and it is all on display here. The large action sequences present us with exciting music, sound effects, and dialogue all mixed together to perfection. The characters themselves, particularly Rattlesnake Jake, have an inherent sound to their characters, which is beautifully nuanced. The sound of water plays a huge part in the film, and considering that the water in the film isn’t real (none of it is!) the sound design is just immaculate.
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras:
The extent of the extras really isn’t well represented on the outside of the box. For one thing, there are two versions of the film. On another, the documentaries are incredibly in-depth and far from a mere production featurette that usually finds its way onto these discs. Lastly, there’s a tremendous commentary that really immerses listeners into the detailed world of the creators. There isn’t much that hasn’t been covered in these features.
Audio Commentary (Extended Cut Only)
With director Gore Verbinski, production designer Mark “Crash” McCreery, animation director Hal Hickel, visual effects supervisor Tim Alexander, and head of story James Ward Byrkit. The crew reflects upon working with the immensely talented cast, and ILM’s attempt at their first ever fully animated movie. Informative, upbeat, full, and sometimes enlightening.
Storyboard Reel, PIP (Theatrical Version Only)
Breaking the Rules: Making Animation History (HD, 48:52)
This incredibly in-depth documentary covers the inception of the story from the film’s writers, through the unique voice recording procedure as the actors act out their parts with each other, and through to the animator’s grueling undertaking to bring Rango to life.
Deleted Scenes (HD, 08:27)
Most, if not all, of these deleted scenes can be found in the extended version of the film, including the wonderfully inventive alternate ending.
Real Creatures of Dirt (HD, 22:16)
This is a fun episode-length documentary that allows us to explore the creatures of the desert in their natural habitat. It’s hard not to love nature documentaries.
A Field Trip to Dirt (HD)
A unique interactive feature that allows users to enter the town of Dirt and explore the terrific town and character designs.
Theatrical Trailer (HD)
DVD Copy
Digital Copy
Value:
The audio and video alone are reason enough to own Rango on Blu-ray in order to impress your friends with your high definition home entertainment system. Add to the fact that you can watch the film on Blu-ray, DVD, or a Digital Copy (for a limited time), and an impressive amount of features, Rango turns out to be quite the value for your money.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
You never know with family films, but there really doesn’t need to be a double-dip of this film. The picture and sound quality are as best as they can possibly be on the format, so future releases could only add further special features, which I won’t lie and say that’s not appealing, but what we’re given here is already impressive.
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