The Triplets of Belleville Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

The Triplets of Belleville Blu-ray Movie Review

"Is that it, then? Is it over, do you think? What have you got to say to Grandma?"

To jump right to the question on every fan's mind: the difference between Sony's first Blu-ray release of The Triplets of Belleville from 2017 and this new release? A slightly improved video presentation, the addition of a French-language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track (compared to its predecessor's lossless 2.0 stereo mix) and the inclusion of three previously available special features that were missing from the 2017 edition. The film? Wonderous and fantastical as ever. Dare I say, timeless. Sony's video presentation? Actually a wee bit better, as its aspect ratio is more faithful to the original elements (the 2017 transfer was presented at 1.69:1, while its 2024 counterpart is more faithful at a true 1.66:1.) And the release as a whole? While those who already own the 2017 edition will have a tougher decision to make, at least at its $25+ introductory price point, those who have yet to add The Triplets of Belleville to their collection will no longer have much of an excuse.

Click here to read Dr. Stephen Larson's 2017 review of the film.

The Triplets of Belleville Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

To my eye, Sony's 1080p/AVC-encoded 1.66:1 video transfer is virtually identical to its 2017 AVC-encoded 1.69:1 predecessor. However, screenshot to screenshot comparisons suggest not only does the new disc feature a more accurate aspect ratio, but that the new presentation may (and I stress may) also boast the slightest increases in color vibrancy. (Keep in mind, such comparisons are fraught with error and the result, if present, is miniscule and negligible anyway.) Not that it matters. Colors were and are striking, popping off the screen with punch and Parisian pizazz. Contrast is consistent and black levels are satisfying throughout -- not too vivid, not too dull -- even if darker scenes tend to feel like they need a slight boost. Detail is excellent too, with every sketchy line and flick of the animator's pen preserved for all to see. There are a few infrequent, hard to spot instances of banding, and even fewer shots where you can catch a glimpse of (almost imperceptible) artifacting. Still, on the whole, the transfer is proficient to the point of being nearly flawless. But oh, to have seen Triplets in 4K UltraHD. Ah well. It doesn't even amount to a grumble when the animated Blu-ray presentation is this beautiful.

The Triplets of Belleville Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

In an animated film with as much hustle, bustle and tusslin' as The Triplets of Belleville, every increase to engagement and immersion brings the dizzying chaos to life with that much more verve and energy. And Sony's 2024 DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track offers a far more involving and kinetic lossless experience than the studio's 2017 lossless stereo mix ever could. There's hardly an intelligible word muttered in the course of the movie, save some English near the end, but crowd warbles and mumblings are bright and bouyant, sound effects cut through the zaniness without sounding tinny or canned, and music is full and compelling. The rear speakers hop and bop with enthusiastic directional subtleties that make Belleville breathe, and channel pans whip from hot spot to hot spot with slick ease. Likewise, LFE output adds weight and heft to an otherwise feather-light adventure, lending mafia violence and car chases some much-needed oomph. The only strike against the 2024 release of The Triplets of Belleville is a series of relatively minor issues with the English subtitles' timing and translation. (Visit this edition's forum thread for details.)

The Triplets of Belleville Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• The Making of The Triplets of Belleville (SD, 16 minutes) - A decent but much too short (and old) behind-the-scenes featurette with director Sylvian Chomet.

• Select Scenes with Commentary (SD, 7 minutes) - Three scenes are presented with director's commentary, including "Opening Sequence", "Restaurant Performance" and "Tuning the Wheel". Unfortunately, all three scenes are presented in 480i.

• The Cartoon According to Chomet (SD, 5 minutes) - The filmmaker discusses his philosophy of animation, the freedom of cartooning, and the power of the art.

• Belleville Rendez-Vous Music Video (SD, 3 minutes) - A weird little live-action/vfx hybrid music video for the film's 2004 Academy Award-nominated song.

• Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 minutes)

• The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol Teaser (SD/HD, 2 minutes) - While Marcel's Chomet introduction is presented in 480i, the teaser trailer itself is in HD.

The Triplets of Belleville Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A few newly produced extras would have gone a long way to making the 2024 Blu-ray release of The Triplets of Belleville a must-own and an easy one to highly recommend. Even as it stands, though -- with a more faithful video presentation, the addition of DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround, and the three supplements that weren't included with the 2017 release (along with the three that were) -- you'll certainly be tempted! My advice? Add this one to your collection post haste. Is it the be-all, end-all release of Triplets? Not quite, but it comes mighty close.