Dreambuilders Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Dreambuilders Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 1, 2021

“Dreambuilders” is very reminiscent of “Inside Out,” the 2015 Pixar Animation Studios hit that took audiences inside the mind of characters to meet their emotions, following their misadventures through the lively world of memories and general brain activity. I’m fairly sure the filmmakers behind “Dreambuilders” won’t mind the comparison, as the Danish production is working hard to give off a Pixar vibe, combining cartoon antics with emotional trauma, only this odyssey takes place inside a dream space – a production area also explored in “Inside Out.” Similarities are plentiful, but director Kim Hagen Jensen (who previously worked on “Rock-A-Doodle,” “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest,” and “A Troll in Central Park”) makes a valiant attempt to create his own movie with a neat idea about the world beyond dreams, and creatures who make the magic happen.

Minna lives a happy life with her Father, still working on abandonment issues created when her biological mother, a musician, left the family. However, change has arrived once again, with Father welcoming his girlfriend, Helena, and her daughter, Jenny, into their country home, hoping to generate a warm family environment for all. Struggling with the living situation after Jenny reveals herself to be a bully, Minna discovers the boundaries of her mind, going beyond the dream stage while asleep, meeting Gaff, her dream builder, who works with other creatures to create visions of fantasy for the sleeper. Understanding the power of dreams, Minna sets out to manipulate the productions, working with a hesitant Gaff to manufacture a happier life.

There’s lightness to “Dreambuilders” in the early going, but it doesn’t last for long. Minna has a hamster named Viggo Mortensen and Father’s undivided attention, but the reality of a mixed family causes her tremendous anxiety, especially when Jenny reveals herself to be a cruel roommate with her own parental desertion issues she has no idea how to process. There’s the fantasy of the dream stage as well, which is imagined as a film set, where actors and craftspeople put together dream shows for sleepers. Minna visits the dream stage, breaking through barriers to befriend Gaff, who knows the dangers of manipulating dreams, but he can’t say no to a needy child. The premise has potential, following Minna’s plan to abuse the system, initially visiting Father’s mind before targeting Jenny, creating scenarios to help inspire a love for Viggo Mortensen and generate shame over her bullying, with the social media-obsessed girl living to humiliate Minna online.

Dreambuilders Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation mostly likely preserves the budget animation look of "Dreambuilders," which doesn't offer a typically rich palette like other films of this kind. The movie looks slightly brightened, which may be the feature's intended appearance. However, it does result in milkier blacks and a mild muting of vibrant hues, which survey the blue dream builders and primaries found with character designs and dream world visits. Color still emerges with some power, but the viewing experience looks a little strange. Again, this might be the technical limitations of the Danish production.

Dreambuilders Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA tracks are available in French and English, and they both offer an immersive listening event, offering active surrounds for household movement and dream world bustle, including travel and construction noises. Some mild panning effects are present, and while low-end isn't challenged, some power is felt with industrial activity and action beats. Dialogue exchanges are clear and emotive, with broad acting easily followed. Scoring cues are deep, with a sharp orchestral sound to support comedic and sensitive moods.

Dreambuilders Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Trailer (2:03, HD) is included.

Dreambuilders Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Dreambuilders" touches on some heavy emotions concerning parental loss and neglect, which doesn't exactly support the material's periodic interest in comedy. The feature feels too heavy, with the production aiming to confront emotional issues, but it doesn't have a game plan when it comes to overall tonal balance. "Dreambuilders" has moments that amuse, and dream stage visits are interesting, exploring a Hollywood-esque drive to put on a show for sleeping minds, keeping the endeavor from becoming the depressing sit Jensen seems to looking to make at times.