6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend -- a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination.
Starring: Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Tika Sumpter, Natasha RothwellAdventure | 100% |
Fantasy | 88% |
Action | 83% |
Family | 68% |
Animation | 65% |
Sci-Fi | 64% |
Comedy | 48% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Swedish: Dolby Digital 5.1
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish=España y Latinoamérica, Portuguese=Brasil
English, English SDH, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Nintendo and Mario may have ultimately triumphed over Sega and Sonic when the two were once marketplace rivals, but these days both are cultural icons and they play nicely together. But one area where Sonic has absolutely trounced the Italian Plumber is on the big screen. The terrible live action Mario movie may as well be flushed down a pipe but 2020's big screen Sonic the Hedgehog film is a joy: not a classic, not even a particularly creative film, but a joy. A solid cast, wonderful visual effects, and of course plenty of speed see the movie exist above expectations, blending essential source material and necessary cinematic contrivances to positive effect.
Sonic the Hedgehog's 1080p transfer holds steady for the duration. The movie is colorful and clear, a positive combination that suits the material quite nicely. Sonic's blue coloring of course stands out as one of the tonal highlights; there's plenty of depth and punch without appearing overly cartoonish or too far removed from the real world elements surrounding him. Some of the nicest color contrast comes during Sonic's showdown with Robotnik at film's climax, taking place on a nighttime city street that pits cool electric blues against the villain's deep and dense reds. Again, a fairly generic good-versus-evil color setup but one that the Blu-ray handles with plenty of power. Overall, the sequence boasts solid contrast, plenty of brilliance, and excellent pop against the deep, well-defined blacks surrounding. Tones hold steady throughout, whether natural greenery, clothes, or earthen tones seen in a few places here and there. Detailing holds up nicely, too. Faces appear naturally complex and intricate, showcasing fine definition on pores and hairs with special attention called to Robotnik's mustache and the shaved sides of his head. Environmental clarity excels, too, whether considering manmade or natural elements. The picture demonstrates very little in the way of troublesome noise density, even in lower light, and the picture appears free of banding or other artifacts.
Sonic the Hedgehog's Dolby Atmos soundtrack delivers a well-rounded listening experience. The track has a lot of fun with Sonic's speed, offering countless zips and zooms encircling the stage as the character maneuvers around, more pronounced, obviously, in those scenes seen and heard from a human perspective where the speed and movement are amplified (and they are understandably far less so in the various super slow motion shots that show the world from Sonic's perspective, when everything around him is essentially in freeze frame). One example of that comes during a barroom brawl midway through the film. The din in "real time" is pleasantly robust but the sound settles as Sonic makes his way around the room with everyone and everything else stuck in a moment in time. Robotnick's big rig rumbles into Tom's driveway in chapter six to superb effect with potent movement and low end detail. Several other examples of low end might are heard throughout, and it's always well balanced and true. Surrounds are used extensively but the overheads don't offer much in terms of lively, obvious discrete elements. Still, the additional support structure is most welcome. Environmental supports play in harmony in terms of detail, volume, and positioning. Dialogue is well prioritized and lifelike as it flows from the center channel speaker.
Sonic the Hedgehog includes a commentary track, deleted scenes, bloopers, a music video, and featurettes. The set includes a glossy color
comic book titled The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord. A DVD copy of the film and a digital copy code are included with purchase. This
release ships with a slipcover.
Sonic the Hedgehog sped into theaters mere weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out the moviegoing business for the last couple of months, and it earned a pretty healthy sum. The film ends by leaving open the possibility for a sequel, but this might be a case of being best to leave well enough alone. The film is hardly groundbreaking, but it is grounded, at least as grounded as a film of this style can be. It's fun and festive, well cast, and looks good. The story knocks down no barriers but there's enough spirit to overcome the trite essentials. Paramount's Blu-ray delivers high quality video and audio presentations in addition to a fine selection of bonus content. Recommended.
2020
2020
Previously Viewed
2020
Collector's Edition
2020
Bonus Stage Edition & (Mini Steelbook
2020
2020
2022
2016
2017
2009
2018
2007
Collector's Edition
2022
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2014
Power Up Edition
2023
2009
2009
2017
2023
2019
2009
2012
2019
2008
2010-2011
1993