Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume One 1980-1988 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume One 1980-1988 Blu-ray Movie Review

Treasures of Soviet Animation Vol. 1 is an outstanding collection of Russian animated short films. The set is the first in several planned sets from Deaf Crocodile containing classic shorts released from the legendary studio Soyuzmultfilm Studios. These animated gems are some of the most beloved in the history of Russian animation and filmmaking. Treasures of Soviet Animation Vol. 1 includes: The Mystery of the Third Planet, The Pass, and The Return.

The Mystery of the Third Planet is a wonderful and bizarre exploration of outer space. Zoologist Steel is joined by his daughter Christine and the captain Green. The trio set out on a huge adventure while also searching for space animals. A unique mission for all involved, the characters find themselves running into outer-space pirates and get involved in a mission to find a missing captain.

The Pass is a beautiful and hypnotic animated feature. The short-form feature explores the journey of people fighting for survival on an alien planet while preparing for the possibility of returning to the Planet Earth. The Pass is adapted from the novel written by Kir Bulychyov.

The Return is a beautiful and hypnotic short film that explores the infinite connection between Earth and the Universe. The piece showcases the journey of an astronaut seemingly frozen in time as he hurtles towards the planet in a deep state of unconsciousness. As the ship aims for Earth, the tale unfolds more of the mysteries of the universe and what it means to be human.

The animated short films on are beautiful and visually stunning. Each of the shorts offers incredible filmmaking, entertaining storytelling, and compelling animation. It is no wonder why the films collected for the box set were chosen for this introductory volume. The engaging shorts are each beautiful and evocative time capsules of a period of Soviet Animation.

Each short feels essential and necessary for audiences to enjoy and get the full experience. The Mystery of the Third Planet is stunning beautiful. The Pass is quietly hypnotic and surrealistic. The Return is a mysterious gem with a lot of wonderful cinematic qualities.

Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume One 1980-1988 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Newly restored by Deaf Crocodile, Treasures of Soviet Animation Vol. 1 presents in the short film on volume one in their original theatrical aspect of 1.37:1 full frame. A nice assortment of screenshots provided from groups 1-3 contains the following: The Return, Mystery of the Third Planet, and The Pass. The high-definition transfers on each short film are excellent. The animation is crisp and clear during the presentations. Colors are remarkably well reproduced. The exceptional transfers provide higher video quality and each film looks their absolute best on physical media.

Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume One 1980-1988 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The short films included on Treasures of Soviet Animation Vol. 1 are presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. English subtitles are provided. The lossless audio sounds crisp and clear on the release. Dialogue is well reproduced. The sound-staging is excellent for these short films. The dynamics of the audio are true to the original sound designs. Another fantastic audio presentation effort by distributor Deaf Crocodile.

Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume One 1980-1988 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition version includes a deluxe chipboard art-box with key artwork, the standard edition housed inside of the limited edition version (with additional key art), and a booklet. The box-set is an incredible version to own and provides the most gorgeous packaging and collectors version for fans. Outstanding and a must-own for fans of Soviet animation.

On disc supplements include:

Visual Essays:

"Vladimir Tarasov" by Evan Chester (HD, 17:20)

"Roman Kachanov and The Mystery of the Third Planet" by Evan Chester (HD, 21:10)

Audio Commentaries:

Adam Rackoff, James Hancock and Martin Kessler discuss Mystery of the Third Planet

Adam Rackoff, James Hancock and Martin Kessler discuss The Pass

Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume One 1980-1988 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Treasures of Soviet Animation Vol. 1 is a must-own collection of early Soviet animation. The animated short films are all spectacular in their own way. The Mystery of the Third Planet, The Pass, and The Return are each exquisite works of art. The animation is reason alone to see these visual gems.

An incredible showcase for the talents of Soviet animators and their passion for animation as a film medium. Deaf Crocodile has once again knocked it out of the park with a fantastic package containing great restorations, lossless audio, and a nice assortment of bonus features. The collector's edition also includes a fantastic package with a nice chipboard art-box and booklet. Highly recommended.