6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas.
Starring: Ving Rhames, Kristin Chenoweth, Keegan-Michael Key, Zachary Levi, Gina Rodriguez (I)Family | 100% |
Animation | 78% |
Comedy | 60% |
Adventure | 44% |
Fantasy | 39% |
Holiday | 16% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French (Canada): DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The Star blends together two of the most reliable performers at the box office today: the talking animal digitally animated movie and the faith-based feature. The film follows a handful of animals as they experience the time leading up to, and the moments during and immediately after, Christ's birth. It's a typical film on the cute-and-cuddly front, building towards a narrative goal but making sure to throw in plenty of (family friendly here, of course) zany moments, humorous dialogue exchanges, and fun interactions with other animals, people, and the world-at-large. Essentially, the film tells a familiar story from a new perspective, aimed at children but also satisfying less discerning adults considering its simple, effective structure and timeless (new) re-telling of a classic Biblical story.
Divine Intervention.
Sony's 1080p Blu-ray image for The Star boasts high-yield textural definition. Animal fur is complex, very sharp and well defined down to the individual strand, flowing well and seemingly capable of revealing the finest intricate nuances that the digital artists have created. The same goes for support details like piles of hay, grasses, sand, or tiles and carpets in King Herod's throne room. Woods, stone work, and other period structural necessities are sharp and naturally complex, as are character wardrobe selections, whether textured cloth or polished and scuffed armor. Colors are vibrant and well saturated. There's impressive pop to some of the blue Mary wears, for example, and it particularly stands out well from the earthen backgrounds that are often so prominent in the film. Bold reds and natural greens serve as additional color highlights. Banding and aliasing are so light as to be barely noticeable. This is a very satisfying 1080p animated video presentation from Sony and Affirm Films.
The Star features a very active, enjoyable, and complimentary DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Music is certainly one of the most prominent highlights. The opening Christmas tune is very well spaced, featuring quality dynamics and instrumental fidelity with fantastically defined lyrics. The track is never lacking wide-ranging stage usage for various fun action effects, but there's not a lot of heft to the proceedings; the subwoofer doesn't belt out in any prodigious way. It's disappointing to find a middling low end in support of some of the more dynamic effects, but there's at least plenty of clarity and fluid spacing to enjoy. Dialogue is clear and detailed, well prioritized, and positioned naturally in the front-center portion of the soundstage.
The Star contains a commentary track, featurettes, and music videos. A DVD copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code are
included with purchase.
The Star doesn't do anything to degrade the story of Christ's birth. It of course plays fast and loose with the support pieces, but it remains essentially true to the essential nuts-and-bolts details. It's a fun little film, not particularly creative beyond the combination of talking animal and the nativity story, but children should find it an agreeable little adventure/comedy hybrid film while adults should be pleased with the good messaging and strict adherence to tasteful gags and action. Sony's Blu-ray release of The Star features very strong video, a quality 5.1 lossless soundtrack, and a nice assortment of extra content. Recommended.
2016
2008
2012
20th Anniversary Edition
2001
Collector's Edition
2012
Lenticular Faceplate
2012
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2016
2018
2014
2014
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2019
2000
PIXAR
2010
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2013
2007
2016
The Signature Collection | Ultimate Collector's Edition
1992
2017
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2010