The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
94
Studio and Year: Universal - 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Feature running time: 97 minutes
Genre: Family/Animation
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 1.85:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French DTS 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Voices – Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, Rob Riggle, Ed Helms, Jenny Slate
Directed by: Chris Renaud & Kyle Balda
Music by: John Powell
Written by: Ken Daurio
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: August 7, 2012
Film Synopsis:
The imaginative world of Dr. Seuss comes to life like never before in this visually spectacular adventure from the creators of Despicable Me! Twelve-year-old Ted will do anything to find a real live Truffula Tree in order to impress the girl of his dreams. As he embarks on his journey, Ted discovers the incredible story of the Lorax, a grumpy but charming creature who speaks for the trees. Featuring the voice talents of Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle, Jenny Slate and Betty White, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is filled with hilarious fun for everyone!
My Take:
Based on the 1971 children’s classic by Dr. Seuss, the story is an imaginative journey that begins in the town of Thneedville, where a boy searches for the one thing he knows will win the heart of his dream girl. But in order find it, he must seek out the Once-ler, discover the story of the Lorax, the often grumpy but loveable protector of Truffula Valley, restore what has been lost and find the meaning in the word “unless”.
This is a cute animated film from the same writing team that brought us Despicable me, Hop, and Horton hears a who. The story carries a strong environmental theme, especially regarding issues such as deforestation, and air/water pollution while taking a well aimed shot at commercialism. Producer Chris Meledandri and the filmmakers at Illumination Entertainment (who also did Despicable me) do a wonderful job capturing the visual essence of Dr. Seuss’ work.
I found the film enjoyable but from more of a nostalgic point of view. I think this adaptation conveys the story’s primary components just fine but doesn’t quite rise to the level of innate charm found in reading the book. The voiceovers by the cast do it justice and add an air of familiarity and fun that is complimented by the beautifully crafted animation. The Lorax is a fairly entertaining family film that brings Dr. Seuss’ characters and vision to life via a musical/contemporary screenplay that slightly misses the mark when compared to the book.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for brief mild language.
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 extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
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:
The Lorax comes to Blu-ray Disc from Universal Studios HE featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 30 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4 Mbps.
This is a reference quality video presentation that boasts vivacious colors that are rich in saturation and bold in depth. Detail is superlative as the video has definitive three dimensional quality with crisp texture and excellent fine articulation. Contrast is strong and well balanced so that whites are crisp and colors pop without distortion or loss of detail. Blacks are deep with excellent dynamic and enriching gradational highlights. This is a beautiful and pristine quality digital transfer that looks stunning.
The DTS-HD Master Audio encoding makes excellent use of the entire surround platform and offers detail rich sonic clarity and crystalline dialogue reproduction. This surround mix isn’t an aggressive one but effectively combines discretely placed directional cues with rear channel ambience that fills the listening area nicely. John Powell’s music is the centerpiece of the presentation and sounds superb as the front and rear sound field’s never collide but work in unison to render the soundtrack with precise imaging and acoustic presence that elevates the experience. The LFE channel is actively engaged throughout and offers bass response that is punchy and clean. This is a well rounded overall presentation that should satisfy even discerning enthusiasts.
Bonus Features:
- Feature commentary with co-director’s Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda
- (HD) Mini Movies
-
- Wagon-Ho – 3 minutes
- Forces of nature – 2 minutes
- Serenade – 3 minutes
- Wagon-Ho – 3 minutes
- (HD) Making the Mini Movies – 3 minute featurette
- (HD) Deleted scene
- (HD) Seuss to screen – 4 minute featurette
- (HD) Truffula Run – Interactive challenge
- (HD) Once-ler’s Wagon – Interactive game
- (HD) Get out of town – Interactive challenge
- (HD) O’Hare TV – In film experience with commercial interruptions courtesy of O’Hare TV
- (HD) Expedition to Truffula Valley – Interactive exploration feature to learn more about the characters/creatures of Truffula Valley including artwork and bios.
- (HD) “Let it grow” karaoke style sing-a-long
- My scenes bookmark feature
- D-Box Motion Code enabled
- BD-Live
- pocket BLU
- Bonus DVD of The Lorax
- Digital Copy
- Ultraviolet Digital Copy
Final Thoughts:
Based on the 1971 children’s classic by Dr. Seuss, this big screen adaptation lacks the innate charm of the book but makes for good wholesome family entertainment that little ones are sure to appreciate. It comes to Blu-ray Disc from Universal Studios Home Entertainment in a hearty offering that features reference quality video, excellent DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound and a host of bonus supplements that include Blu-ray exclusive content. If you’re a fan this Blu-ray combo pack is worth adding to your collection. Otherwise I would recommend a rental prior to purchase.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Onkyo PR-SC5508 THX Ultra 2 Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-93 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
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" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
