Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Dolittle 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

An exciting 3D adventure - one especially for fans of polar bears.

Dolittle 3D is an exciting and action-packed adventure. The feature-film adaptation of the classic tale of the doctor who could speak to animals is a showcase for the talent of star Robert Downey Jr. The film features high octane action and a CG spectacle for audiences of all ages.

Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) has a special gift unlike anything most human beings are capable of: Dolittle has the ability to speak with animals. The life of Dr. Dolittle is tumultuous when he becomes a recluse following the passing of his beloved wife. After becoming a frizzy haired hermit, Dr. Dolittle finds himself in a rut.

Dr. Dolittle soon finds himself thrust in to a new adventure on the sea when the Queen becomes ill. As exploration unfolds, Dr. Dolittle will face off against Dr. Blair Mudfly (Michael Sheen) with some essential help from his talking animal friends – including a quack duck, polar bear, and ostrich. These animals will give their all to help the mission be a success. Can Dr. Dolittle be the hero of the story?

Robert Downey Jr. gives an admirable lead performance. While the role isn’t one of the best parts he has had, the actor still manages to deliver a notable performance with enough charisma to make the experience enjoyable. The part wasn’t as well developed as it could have been (the concept being as wonderful as it is) but Robert Downey Jr. nonetheless offers his own brand of charm and quirks to keep things exciting.

The cinematography by Guillermo Navarro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Pacific Rim) is one of the highlights of the production. The visuals are often extraordinary and there is a sense of creativity on display during the entire production. Navarro is one of the best cinematographers in the business and while this might not reflect his career highlight it is an admirable effort. Dolittle is a beautiful looking film.

The score composed by Danny Elfman (Men in Black, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is enjoyable if surprisingly average. Elfman is an exquisite composer (with some of the best credits in film history, of course) but this score seems a bit phoned-in by Elfman. The results are enjoyable but not as memorable. The themes don’t make as much of an impression as expected.

A thrilling 3D experience.

Edited by Craig Alpert (The Lost City, Deadpool 2) and Chris Lebenzon (Top Gun, Crimson Tide), Dolittle is not as consistent in the editing department as it could have been. Some scenes and sequences seem to feel out of place and without the kind of cohesive quality one would hope to find. A decent but average effort.

The production design by Dominic Watkins (Snow White and the Huntsman, The Mummy) is noteworthy and showcases the massive budget and scope of the production. Watkins makes the film seem more enveloping and ambitious with the production effort. The scale and scope feel enormous at times.

The costumes by Jenny Beavan (The King’s Speech, Gosford Park) may be one of the best strengths of the film. The costumes are elegantly designed, especially in regards to what was designed for Robert Downey Jr. during the various stages of the storyline – from appearing as a hapless aloof to a more refined and enthused adventurer.

As with many big budget Hollywood productions, the CGI implemented is one of the focal points of the film. The CG designs for the animals were impressive and managed to blend well with the visuals (and especially in regards to the use of 3D in the film). The CG animation is sometimes over-the-top but it remained enjoyable too.

Written by Stephen Gaghan, Dan Gregor (The Comedians), and Doug Mand (Magic Camp), Dolittle doesn’t find a magic “spark” as a story. The screenplay seems poorly conceived and lacking in the creative arena of quality storytelling. The concept behind the film is great (as it is based on beloved material) but these writers don’t seem to know what to do with the storyline at times. A decent but unspectacular effort from the team and something that could have been improved upon.

Directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana, Gold), Dolittle is a fun motion-picture with strong production elements and a fine performance by Robert Downey Jr. Gaghan is a talented filmmaker with the necessary directing chops to make a entertaining experience. It is unfortunate the script wasn’t everything it could have been but the directing is fun and engaging. Far from a classic but a solid production.

For more information on Dolittle and an alternate take on the film, please refer to the review by my colleague Martin Liebman.

Dolittle 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray from Universal and Random Space Media, Dolittle is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release is impressive in spades and is another exceptional showcase for 3D on home media. The 3D effects are frequently stunning (especially during the sea-faring adventure sequences). Some of the CG helps to highlight the 3D best of all (such as the close-up effects of giant bugs and animals).

The scenes with plenty of CG animation are most impressive and show more depth and pop-out effects for the 3D. Sequences with just the actors seem a little less robust in the 3D arena and aren't as detailed in appearance (with a flatter appearance during some scenes). Despite not being a perfect 3D presentation, Dolittle is generally impressive on the format and all the better in 3D.

Dolittle 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The surround sound is exceptional and engaging (faring even better than the Dolby Atmos sound mix discussed by Martin Liebman on the standard edition review. The DTS HD audio sounds remarkably crisp and clear. A dynamic and thrilling sound mix with plenty of excellent sound effects used throughout the presentation. The release also provides an optional English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo presentation.

Dolittle 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release provides the same supplemental package available on the standard Blu-ray as reviewed by my colleague Martin Liebman. Please note that the 3D Blu-ray disc does not provide additional bonus features or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Dolittle 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Dolittle 3D is fun and charming. The 3D experience enhances the filmmaking and makes the thrill ride all the more entertaining. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a solid performance as the doctor capable of speaking with animals. The role showcases Downey's charms as a performer. The CG is certainly impressive and the production benefits from great cinematography by Guillermo Navarro. The downside? A middling screenplay doesn't deliver as much imagination. Nonetheless, Dolittle is entertaining and a solid showcase for the 3D Blu-ray format. 3D fans won't want to miss it. Recommended.