Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

The Rugrats Movie Blu-ray Movie Review

Rugrats on the big-screen!

The Rugrats Movie is the entertaining and action-packed debut feature in the animated film series. Based on the Rugrats television series created by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo, and Paul Germain, The Rugrats Movie is a must-see for fans of the animated series. The feature has wonderful animation, a fun story, and the cast of characters that made the television series a phenomenon.

The saga of The Rugrats Movie explores the adventures of the rugrat toddlers and their misadventures with family and friends. Traveling across the outdoor woods with newborn baby Dil, Tommy Pickles (Elizabeth Daily), Chuckie (Christine Cavanaugh), Phil, and Lil set out on a new journey: going back to the hospital where the baby was born. Can the babies survive the trip?

The characters are essential to the Rugrats being such a wonderful franchise. The feature-film does a solid job of bringing these television characters to the big-screen. Tommy Pickles is the perfect lead: enthusiastic and strong-willed. Angelica Pickles (Cheryl Chase) is arguably the real star of the show – providing the feature-film with the funniest moments throughout the film.

The animation is outstanding. The art direction by Dima Malanitchev (Rugrats, All Grown Up!) is so distinct and original that it makes a big impression. This is one of the reasons the series became an enormous hit. There aren't many series with the same style of animation. The animators created a original series with a unique aesthetic and the feature-film adaption capably handles the material (bringing it to life for the silver screen).

"High-ho!"

The score composed by Mark Mothersbaugh (The Lego Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) is great fun. Composer Mothersbaugh is one of the most gifted composers working in the Hollywood industry. Mothersbaugh often collaborates on animated projects (and even on Wes Anderson films). The music is superb and fun. The score highlights the action. The music soundtrack also features a compelling selection of tunes.

The screenplay by David N. Weiss (Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Rugrats in Paris) and J. David Stem (Rugrats in Paris, Shrek 2) is entertaining in all the right ways. The Rugrats Movie is a wonderfully entertaining script and it has a fun time bringing together the cast of characters for a bigger event. Considering how wonderful the series is, it is no surprise the feature-film managed to be a big blockbuster success.

Directed by Igor Kovalyov (Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, The Rugrats) and Norton Virgien (The Rugrats, Rugrats Go Wild), The Rugrats Movie is a must-see for fans of the television series. Growing up on Nickelodeon television, The Rugrats Movie is a favorite of mine. The film is well directed and it is faithful to the original series while bringing something new to the table for the cinema. A worthy adventure with the kids.

The Rugrats Movie Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Paramount, The Rugrats Movie is presented in the 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1:85:1 widescreen. The release is sourced from a brand new 4K restoration. The new restoration is outstanding and is leaps better compared to previous scans of the feature-film.

Having viewed The Rugrats Movie in high-definition several years ago, the Blu-ray presentation is significantly improved (offering a massive improvement to the presentation). An example of how superior the home media format is (and the significance of restoring films). I never expected the Rugrats would receive a 4K treatment. Colors are outstanding. Detail is superb.

The Rugrats Movie Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound. The release provides a lossless 24 bit high-resolution audio presentation. The audio track sounds exceptionally clear and crisp – so much more enveloping than expected. The audio track is a perfect compliment to the wonderful video restoration. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score and soundtrack are reproduced exceptionally well. A top-notch effort by Paramount.

The Rugrats Movie Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Bonus Catdog Short "Winslow's Documentary" (SD, 3:41)

Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:32)

The Rugrats Movie Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Rugrats Movie is a childhood favorite. The feature-film is one of the best Nickelodeon movies and the filmmakers did an exceptional job of adapting the original series and characters for the big-screen treatment. The Blu-ray release is sourced from a brand new 4K scan and it looks phenomenal. This presentation is outstanding. Fans should rejoice. Highly recommended.