Check out Ralph Potts' review of this live-action retelling of the classic fairytale that has touched and inspired generations.

The Review at a Glance:
(max score: 5 )

Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )

94
Details:

Studio and Year: Disney - 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Feature running time: 105 minutes
Genre: Fantasy

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC
Video Aspect: 2.39:1
Resolution: 1080p/24

Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgard, Holliday Grainger, Derek Jacobi, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Music by: Patrick Doyle
Written by: Chris Weitz
Region Code: A,B,C

Blu-ray Disc release Date: September15, 2015
"Have courage and be kind"
My Take:

Celebrate Disney's Cinderella, a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination... and magic! Despite being bullied by her stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, a spirited Ella (Lily James) resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother (Helenal Bonham-Carter) and a glass slipper , and suddenly - magic becomes reality!

Cinderella is indeed a classic fairytale that has seen numerous productions that hold found memories for many of us. In the hands of Disney I figured that this new release would fall in line with traditional expectations and it does. The story is charming with a delightful effervescence that strikes all the traditional chords while sending a positive message that can be embraced by all.

The casting choices, primarily that of Cate Blanchett and Lily James are spot on and capture the essence of the characters, adding an enriching element to the story. As a fan of the fairytale I found Cinderella quite enjoyable and pitch perfect family entertainment.

Parental Guide:

The rating is for mild thematic elements.

AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:REFERENCE= 92-100/EXCELLENT= 83-91/GOOD= 74-82/AVERAGE= 65-73/BELOW AVERAGE= under 65

**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**

Audio: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

 
  • Dynamics:
  • Low frequency effects:
  • Surround Sound presentation:
  • Clarity/Detail:
  • Dialogue Reproduction:
  • Low frequency extension * (non-rated element): NA
  • DSU Rating * (non-rated element):

 

Video: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

 
  • Resolution/Clarity:
  • Black Level/Shadow Detail:
  • Color Reproduction:
  • Fleshtones:
  • Compression:

 

Cinderella comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 32 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 5 Mbps.

Shot digitally this film looks superb on Blu-ray Disc and features glossy high definition video quality that exhibits high level detail, razor sharpness and exquisite definition that brings out lifelike textures captured by the camera’s lens. Dimensional perspective has a near infinite appeal that can be visually stimulating. Close ups are noticeably refined and revealing of the subtlest details within facial features and objects within the frame. Mid-level camera pans are equally enriching and offer excellent depth and dimension. Colors are appreciably delineated with natural rendering and punchy primaries that stand out among the remaining spectrum of secondary hues. Fleshtones are rendered with vivid tonality and discerning complexional depiction. Contrast is boldly applied without overstatement as it enlivens colors and drives brightly lit scenes without whitewashing detail. Blacks are gradational and deep which emboldens sequences containing a mix of light and dark elements. Detail in uneven light and darkened environments reveal visible shapes and structure that enhances depth perception. This is a pristine and reference quality presentation that looks terrific on my big screen.

The DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio soundtrack reproduced the film's source elements with aplomb. The quality of the dialogue is unwavering as voices sound crisp and tonally balanced. Dynamic range is excellent which lends subtle distinction to low level sounds and gravity to broader ones. A large portion of the film has little need for this as dialogue, atmospheric ambience and musical enhancement are its primary make-up. However there are several sequences that engage the entire system to briefly produce entertaining and room filling sound that is measurable. A perfect example is the sequence where Cinderella is making her return from the ball as her carriage begins to revert back to a pumpkin. The track places the listening position within the carriage allowing every bump, bang and near field effect to be heard and felt. This soundtrack isn’t demonstration worthy but it handily delivers a satisfying experience that didn’t leave me in any was disappointed. Kudos to Disney on a fine job with this overall presentation.

Bonus Features:
  • (HD) A fairytale comes to life – 9 minute featurette
  • (HD) Costume Test fun – 2 minutes
  • (HD) Staging the Ball – 11 minute featurette
  • (HD) Alternate opening: Ella's childhood
  • (HD) Ella's furry friends – 3 minute featurette
  • (HD) "Frozen Fever" – 8 minute theatrical short
  • Bonus DVD
  • Digital HD Copy
Final Thoughts:

Cinderella is a timeless and classic fairytale that is beloved the world over. Disney's new live-action film, Cinderella, is a fitting retelling that strikes all the right chords, making for pitch perfect family entertainment. It comes to Blu-ray from Disney featuring reference quality high definition video, excellent lossless surround sound and a light but worthwhile supplemental package. If you're a fan of the fairytale, Cinderella is a complimentary addition to its production legacy and comes recommended on Blu-ray .

Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS4910 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" and In-Ceiling series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS PC12-NSD
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package