The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
97
Studio and Year: Disney - 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Feature running time: 101 minutes
Genre: Family
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: MVC/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: John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Alan Tudyk, Ed O’Neill, Dennis Haysbert
Directed by: Rich Moore
Music by: Henry Jackman
Written by: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, Jim Reardon, Jennifer Lee
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: March 5, 2013
"When the game is over, the fun begins"
Film Synopsis:
For decades, Ralph has played the bad guy in his popular video game. In a bold move, he embarks on an action-packed adventure and sets out to prove to everyone that he is a true hero with a big heart. As he explores exciting new worlds, he teams up with some unlikely new friends including feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz. Then, when an evil army threatens their world, Ralph realizes he holds the fate of the entire arcade in his massive hands.
My Take:
Wreck-It Ralph longs to be as beloved as his game's perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix. Problem is, nobody loves a Bad Guy. But they do love heroes... so when a modern, first-person shooter game arrives featuring tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun, Ralph sees it as his ticket to heroism and happiness. He sneaks into the game with a simple plan -- win a medal -- but soon wrecks everything, and accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph's only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz, a young troublemaking "glitch" from a candy-coated cart racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. But will he realize he is good enough to become a hero before it's "Game Over" for the entire arcade?
I don’t know how Disney does it. They continually push the envelope with refreshing takes on family themed animation that both parents and kids can enjoy. I watched Wreck-it Ralph with my wife and kids, who are both in college, and we all loved it. The idea of building the story around a lovable sad sack that lives in a retro video game world was conceptually, thematically and nostalgically entertaining and had us laughing out loud while quietly tugging at our heart strings. The plethora of references to the arcade games of yesteryear elevated the experience as we reveled in its integration with the characters and storyline. The script is clever, a little frantic and purposefully grandiose which I found worked extremely well. Once again the right actors chosen for the characters impart an endearing quality that solidifies them with the context of the narrative’s framework.
Wreck-it Ralph is simply lots of fun and makes for terrific family entertainment that has a little something for everyone.
Parental Guide:
The rating is for some rude humor and mild action/violence.
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: 98
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
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3D Presentation: 96
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
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Wreck-it Ralph 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p MVC encoded 3D video and DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.7 Mbps.
Knowing Disney I had high hopes for this 3D presentation and of course I wasn’t disappointed. I must admit that being bombarded with gimmicky in your face effects is something that I find quickly wears off the novelty of 3D. That isn’t to suggest that I don’t occasionally enjoy the feeling of flinching when objects are hurled from the screen. I guess it depends on the subject matter but predominantly I prefer to view 3D that takes advantage of the depth and dimension that can bring images onscreen to life in a visually involving and natural way. Wreck-it Ralph manages a nice balance of both. This is a stellar 3D presentation that features superlative onscreen dimensional correlation. Textures abound as the richness of the digitally created objects onscreen are incredibly nuanced and lifelike regardless of their placement within the frame. Detail is impeccable as the video retains a high level of clarity that is enhanced by the bolstered reproduction of color. There are many noteworthy sequences throughout the presentation beginning with the opening shot of the park like quad where Ralph’s building resides. There are four distinct worlds that the film inhabits and each offers eye catching imagery, superb depth of field and where appropriate dazzling screen popping fun. This isn’t a 3D effects laden spectacle however there are enough floating, flying and eye blinking moments to keep 3D zealots interested. I had a great time…
The lossless 7.1 DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio soundtrack is an engaging one that utilizes the entire system to create a theater like experience. Sound staging is excellent as both the front and rear channels are seamlessly integrated so that sound effects seem to traverse the room. Surround activity is frequent and immersive as both directional and spatial information mixed to the rear channels weaves an enveloping pattern of sound. Dynamics are energetic and forceful which lends weight to the plethora of impact felt moments featured in the soundtrack. This is a fairly aggressive mix that makes regular use of the subwoofer to accentuate its extended dynamic range. Low frequency detail is authoritative, tight and on occasion prodigious as it frequently engages the room with tactile low level bass that is sure to get your attention. Dialogue is rendered with aplomb and sonic details are refined and clearly articulated regardless of their position within the sound field. This is a sophisticated surround mix that made for a fun, involving and demonstration level home theater experience.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
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Wreck-it Ralph comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 25 Mbps
This is a pristine and reference quality high definition presentation. The video quality is visually arresting in its depiction of the film’s animated subjects. Detail and definition is impeccably rendered as images have a luminous and sparkling clarity that is appreciably dimensional. Fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture are clearly discernible. The attention to detail in the construction of the animated characters physical features as well as objects within each frame is superb. Colors are richly saturated, vibrant and beautifully rendered. Primaries are particularly vivid and exhibit visibly delineated stages that bring out subtle degrees of separation. Contrast is spot on as blacks are inky with deep highlights, whites and grays exhibit multi-layered depth and refined detail that give them excellent dimension. Absolutely gorgeous!
Bonus Features:
Disc 1:
- Wreck-it Ralph 3D Blu-ray
- (HD) 3D “Paperman” – 6 minute theatrical short
Disc 2:
- Wreck-it Ralph 2D Blu-ray
- (HD) “Paperman” – 6 minute theatrical short
- (HD) Bit by bit: Creating the world of Wreck-it Ralph – 16 minute featurette
- (HD) 4 alternate/deleted scenes with optional director commentary
- (HD) Video game commercials (4 segments) – “Fix it Felix Jr.:, “Sugarrush”, “Hero’s duty”, and “Fix it Felix hammer”
- Exclusive: Disney intermission – The gamer’s guide to Wreck-it Ralph (viewed when the film is paused) hosted by Chris Hardwick
- Bonus DVD
- Digital Copy Bonus Disc
Final Thoughts:
Wreck-it Ralph is charming, heartwarming and refreshing Disney animation that makes for pitch perfect family entertainment. This four disc Ultimate Collector’s Blu-ray package from Disney includes the feature film in high definition in both 3D and 2D flavors with each offering a superlative viewing experience coupled with reference quality 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound. The supplemental features are sparse but worthwhile and include insights from the filmmakers, a wonderful animated short film and both a standard definition DVD of the film and Digital copy. Wreck-it Ralph was a hit in my house and comes highly recommended on Blu-ray.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal)
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-103 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
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
