Swift Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Swift Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 18, 2020

In the deep sea of family entertainment, it takes a lot to get noticed. There has to be something dramatically compelling or visually stunning to acquire attention, and while it has all the good intentions possible, “Swift” just doesn’t have enough personality to keep viewers involved in the tale for what becomes a very long 90 minutes. Directors Christian Haas and Andrea Block offering admirable messages on community and acceptance, but the effort is missing something special to help it rise above the competition.

“Swift” tells the story of Manou (voiced by Josh Keaton), an abandoned swift who finds his way into the care of seagulls Blanche (Kate Winslet) and Yves (Willem Dafoe). Raised to join the seagulls, Manou can’t find his footing with the flock, embarking on a quest for identity as he encounters other swifts and deals with particularly evil rats.

The lovable stray premise has been returned to repeatedly in family films, and doesn’t receive an inspired recycling in “Swift.” The script has the world of birds to explore, and the more compelling aspects of the feature highlight Manou’s quest to keep up with Yves’s tough leadership, embarking on quests to prove his worth. However, this is only a small part of “Swift,” which soon slows to examine the main character’s journey of identity, coming to terms with his seagull upbringing and his swift instincts. It’s fully realized by the directors, but consistently underwhelming, missing bright personalities and distinct voicework (only Dafoe really sticks out with his intensity).

Swift Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Swift" is dealing with budget animation, which lacks the exact detail one expects from a well-funded effort. The viewing experience goes as far as it can, highlighting feathery particulars on the birds, along with their expressive facial features. Locations are also appealing, with crisp distances and naturalistic highlights. Colors are bright and appealing, offering distinct whites and yellows on the seagulls, while the swifts enjoy a darker palette. The open world also provides blue skies and distinct greenery. Delineation is satisfactory. Some mild banding is detected.

Swift Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a largely frontal approach for the family film, providing clear voicework and emphasis, making character identification easy. Scoring is sharp with excellent instrumentation, including deeper percussion adding some heft to the low-end. Surrounds are utilized for atmospherics, with the occasional flyby offering panning effects.

Swift Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Making Of (13:45, HD) provides a collection of topics, with select production participants joined by directors Andrea Block and Christian Haas for interviews. The team explores French locations that inspired the screenplay, detailing efforts to represent these places in the picture. Productions specifics are shared, including daily labor and the construction of images. Voice work and casting highlight thespian involvement and contribution, including some footage of Kate Winslet recording her part. Animation nuances are spotlighted, with specific emphasis on the blend of cartoon antics and authentic animal behaviors. Additional creative areas include lighting, editing, music, and distribution, with Haas trying to simplify the complexity of selling a movie all around the world.

• Interview (5:08, HD) with Willem Dafoe is a brief chat with the actor, recorded during his time in the booth for "Swift." The actor shares his memories of visiting France over the years, most notably for the Cannes Film Festival. Thoughts on birds and personal appreciation for the creatures is included, with Dafoe sharing his dreams and revealing his fear of heights. The interviewee discusses the messages of "Swift," drawn to the screenplay's sense of equality and bravery during dark political times. Dafoe closes with inspirations for his performance and his love of animation, growing up on Walt Disney productions.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:29, HD) is included.

Swift Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Swift" strives to be a polished, formulaic picture created for younger viewers, although rat entanglements are perhaps a little too intense for little ones. Parents aren't likely to find much excitement here, with the movie's writing playing it safe to preserve mass appeal. French locations and bold colors in the animation are interesting, but these provide rare blips of energy in the otherwise snoozy endeavor.