Hugo 3D (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

( Max score: 100 )

94

Film Synopsis:

Welcome to a magical world of spectacular adventure! When wily and resourceful Hugo discovers a secret left by his father, he unlocks a mystery and embarks on a quest that will transform those around him and lead to a safe and loving place he can call home.

My Take:

The teaser trailer for Hugo, which seemed to be the one that I saw most, revealed very little about it which always elicited the same reaction from me, what is Hugo about? I heard positive things about it from those that saw it but never investigated further. It arrived and I went into it knowing nothing more than the fragments I recalled from the trailer. Hugo wasn’t at all what I expected. Based on the book “The invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick, Hugo is the story about a lonely boy trying to find his way “home” and how he helps a “lost” man by guiding him back to life. Hugo is an orphan living in the cat walks/crawl spaces/inner walls of a train station in Paris during the 1930s. Having learned from working with his father he maintains the large clocks within the station while constantly dodging the station inspector who would gladly turn him over to the local orphanage. The only remaining connection Hugo feels to his father is a rusted non-working automaton his father found in the attic of a museum which they had begun to restore. Hugo spends his days searching for food and the spare parts needed to continue with the repair. One day he encounters the owner of a toy store in the station who discovers that Hugo has been pilfering parts from his store front. He takes something very near and dear to Hugo in exchange. Desperate to get it back Hugo befriends the man’s god daughter who agrees to help him in the hopes of experiencing a bit of adventure in the process. Together they make several discoveries the most astounding of which is a link to the mysterious automaton that bridges not only the past but Hugo’s future was well.

This is a wonderful dramatic film that like the book is in part an homage to the early days of cinema, specifically the work of George Melies, as well as the timeless portrayal of rediscovery with the help of and seen through the eyes of children. I wouldn’t describe Hugo as a children’s movie per se but its sense of adventure and fantastical world easily appeals to them. Brian Selznick’s story is built around the real events in George Melies’ life and references his spectacular work. The integration of Hugo Cabret’s story as well as his appreciation for cinema as an art form compliments the proceedings nicely. The film captures this beautifully and makes for a fitting and moving tribute while providing a magically entertaining and visually arresting theatrical experience. The character of Hugo anchors the story and Asa Butterfield does a terrific job in the lead. The host of acting talent that support him, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kinglesy, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Emily Mortimer, and Jude Law are pitch perfect. Martin Scorsese takes the imaginative world created in the book and expertly translates it into a tangibly rich environ that leaves an impression. Hugo may not strike a chord with everyone, especially those expecting a “typical” fantasy/fairytale, however if you open your mind and heart you are in for an wonderfully “cinematic” experience.

Parental Guide:

The rating is for mild thematic material, some action/peril and smoking.

Audio: 92

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3D Quality: 96

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Hugo 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount HE featuring 1080p MVC encoded 3D video and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 5.1 Mbps.

I have watched a variety of 3D high definition video both animated and live action. Prior to experiencing 3D in the home environment on Blu-ray, 3D wasn’t something that appealed to me. I had always found the gimmicky nature of 3D off putting and the imagery combined with the uncomfortable glasses always seemed to give me a headache. Predominantly speaking I have enjoyed its implementation on Blu-ray and the better quality releases have elevated the experience. I am pleased to report that Hugo is just such an example and ranks among the more entertaining 3D presentations that I have seen. Detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. I was mesmerized by the depth and realism of the three dimensional imagery. The separation of objects or people in the foreground/background is incredibly lifelike which serves to visually draw you in by creating a more discerning sense of virtual space occupied by things of various sizes and shapes. This is done to superb effect. Shot in high definition 3D there is an incredibly natural sense of dimension and the use of screen popping effects never feels overtly gimmicky but rather serves to enhance the storyline. Fidelity is intact as the film’s gorgeous array of colors, defining contrast and rich blacks bring Hugo’s world to life with visually arresting results. If I had to describe the experience of watching Hugo in 3D I would describe it as natural and completely involving. I noticed some instances of ghosting here and there but it never proved overtly distracting.

The DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio soundtrack is equally impressive. This is not an in your face type of sound mix but its refined and silky smooth delivery is not to be underestimated. This film uses a complex sound design that has to maintain a delicate balance so the plethora of sound effects, music and dialogue within the soundtrack can be clearly and easily interpreted by the audience. Dialogue is clear and well articulated so that even subtle inflectional changes in voices are perceptible. Sound effects are accurately placed within the sound field which establishes a tight correlation between the onscreen information and what was being heard within the room. This creates an immersive and engaging soundscape that isn’t overly aggressive but abundantly rich in detail. The sound mix delivers rich, well extended bass response that provides tactilely dynamic impact where appropriate (there is a great sequence involving a runaway train). This is a great audio presentation that accents the film while providing an enriching home theater experience.

2D Video Quality:

Video: 96

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Hugo comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount HE featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mpbs.

This is a stellar high definition presentation that boasts rich, delineated primary colors, beautifully lush pastels and vibrant hues that are vivid, bold and striking in high definition. The video quality is nothing short of mesmerizing in its depiction of the film’s digitally crafted images. Objects onscreen are exquisitely detailed with a luminous and sparkling clarity that seems infinitely lucid and three dimensional. It never left me wanting for fine degrees of subtle refinement and texture. The attention to detail in the construction of train station/clocks/Paris is truly impressive and can be fully appreciated thanks to the video’s exquisite level of definition. Contrast is strong and blacks are deep without compromise to delineation. Shadowy areas exhibit excellent depth of field and visible gradational stages. Flesh tones are not overtly complex in tone but appear diverse in subtle structure and complexional makeup. This is a sophisticated visual design that uses real imagery mixed with CGI. The end result is a superlative video presentation that truly evokes the spirit and emotion of the film.

Bonus Features:

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  Disc 1:

  
  
• 3D Blu-ray - Hugo
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  Disc 2:

  
  
• 2D Blu-ray - Hugo (plus the following bonus features) :
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• (HD) Shoot the moon: The making of Hugo – 19 minute featurette
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• (HD) The cinemagician George Melies – 15 minute documentary/featurette
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• (HD) The mechanical man at the heart of Hugo – 12 minute featurette
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• Big effects, small scale – 6 minute featurette
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• (HD) Sacha Baron Cohen: Role of a lifetime – 3 minute feature
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  Disc 3:

  
  
• Bonus DVD of Hugo
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• Ultraviolet Digital Copy

Final Thoughts:

Based on the book “The invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick, Hugo is a grandiose and rewarding cinematic gem that has been nominated for 11 Academy Awards. It doesn’t ask but that you sit back, take it in and try to see it in the spirit from which it is intended. Martin Scorsese is such a master craftsman. Hugo comes to Blu-ray Disc from Paramount Home Entertainment in this Limited Edition 3D offering that features superlative high definition audio/video including one of the more entertaining 3D presentations I have seen. The supplemental package isn’t an abundant one however what’s there is well worth watching. Hugo is also available in a two disc standard Blu-ray version for those who aren’t 3D ready. Either way you’re in for a treat. Enjoy!