6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 3.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The story of Buzz Lightyear and his adventures to infinity and beyond.
Starring: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, Dale SoulesAdventure | 100% |
Family | 99% |
Animation | 96% |
Comedy | 34% |
Sci-Fi | 27% |
Action | 21% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD HR 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish, Catalan
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Lightyear underperformed at the box office, and there has been much handwringing over the reason(s) why. Was it due to holdover fears of the Covid pandemic? Did frustrated audiences accustomed to seeing the latest Pixar films (Soul, Luca, Turning Red) on Disney+ reject the idea of returning to see the film projected on the big screen? Was it confusion about what, exactly, Lightyear was about? Where is Woody? Where is Tim Allen? Did audiences choose not to see the film based on the controversial same-sex kiss? Whatever the reason the film wasn't the box office blast off Disney and Pixar obviously hoped it would be, and while there are many avenues for blame, perhaps the most obvious is this: Lightyear is just a very mediocre movie, especially within the Pixar brand.
The 1080p image is simply spectacular. As expected the picture is breathtaking; it's practically photorealistic and arguably the most lifelike and complex digitally created animated film ever made. That translates incredibly well to 1080p where viewers will be privy to every digital detail on the alien landscape and on the various worn and weathered costumes and support elements throughout the film. There is a very tangible textural layer to the film; it's dimensional without going 3-D and it's tactile practically through the screen. Color reproduction is excellent, stretching form superbly deep blacks to crisp whites and all of the boldness and accuracy to follow in the full color spectrum. The picture is pure and authentic without source or encode flaws. This is a wonderous 1080p transfer from Disney.
On Blu-ray, Lightyear includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack (the companion UHD includes a Dolby Atmos track). Unfortunately, this is a typical Disney track that lacks real oomph; the takeoff emergency in the beginning of the film just has no sense of power or depth or sonic excitement about it. Surround content, general clarity, and well-engineered detail are certainly present, but the track offers next to no sense of power, potency, or lifelike oomph and engagement. What a shame because the scene, and several more throughout the film, should be of reference quality. The same characteristics can be ascribed to the blast-off at the 12-minute mark and, well, pretty much every would-be major audio cue in the film. As noted, at least general clarity and surround usages are solid, but at reference volume the track is flat and hushed and at any volume the absence of necessary low-end extension is obvious. Dialogue is suitably clear and well prioritized from its natural front-center position.
This Blu-ray release of Lightyear includes three featurettes, a few deleted scenes, and an audio commentary track. A DVD copy of the film
and
a Movies Anywhere digital copy code are included with purchase.
Lightyear should have had a lot going for it: a beloved fan-favorite character in his own movie, big budget cutting-edge CGI at its disposal, and opportunity for some cool Sci-Fi content. Unfortunately, the film just never gels; it's generic but not always to a fault. There's enough to enjoy here to warrant a watch, but the film is doubtful to leave a legacy like its predecessors. Disney's Blu-ray delivers superb video, typical Disney audio, and a smattering of extras. Worth a look.
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Ultimate Collector's Edition
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