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The Croods (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

5K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  Chewbacco 
#1 ·


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

Film:


Extras:


Audio/Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
96





Studio and Year: Dreamworks/20th Century Fox - 2013
MPAA Rating: PG
Feature running time: 98 minutes
Genre: Family

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.35:1
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, English/Spanish/French Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Ryan Reynolds, Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke
Written & Directed by: Chris Sanders, & Kirk DeMicco
Music by: Alan Silvestri
Region Code: A

Blu-ray Disc release Date: October 1, 2013
"Meet the first modern family"


Film Synopsis:


When their cave is destroyed, the Croods set out to explore a spectacular landscape filled with fantastic creatures, strange surprises…and a whole new world of adventure! As they begin to conquer their fear of the outside world, they discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive – each other.


My Take:


The Croods tells the story of the world's first family road trip. When their cave is destroyed by an impending cataclysm, the Crood family must embark on a comedy adventure into strange and spectacular territory in search of a safe haven and new home. As if patriarch Grug (Cage) didn't already have enough to handle, it goes from bad to worse when they encounter an imaginative nomad named Guy (Reynolds.) who just happens to hit it off with his outgoing and eldest daughter. With Guy's help, the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive – each other.

The Croods is light, fun animated family entertainment that eschews a wide variety of characters in favor of a fairly narrow narrative/character base that adheres to a story about a family of prehistoric “cavies” that know little of the outside world other than venturing out to find food. This is at the instance of family leader Grug who sticks to the idea that new ideas/concepts are recipes for trouble and that what is known is the best option for survival. His strong willed teenaged daughter Eep is drawn to the outside as well as being open to the prospects of anything different especially if it means escaping the confines of the cave. This is the story’s primary focus as the film lightheartedly depicts the father/daughter familial conflict set to a theme of discovery where old dogs can be taught new tricks while teaching whippersnappers a thing or two.


Things start off pretty slowly as the first half of the film quickly establishes the characters but kind of drifts. Luckily the second half picks up by ratcheting up the “action”, humor and heartwarming sentiment. Everything from the music to the incredible animation helps to drive the story and by the time the credits rolled I was all in. The cast is headed by Nicholas Cage and Emma Stone who are really very good but I felt that everyone contributed. I wouldn’t say that The Croods is as wholly gratifying as Dreamworks’ How to train your dragon or Kung Fu Panda but its thoughtfully engaging family entertainment that strikes a positive chord. I liked it…


Parental Guide:


The rating is for some scary action and mild thematic content.



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: 92

(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 Croods comes to Blu-ray Disc from Dreamworks/20th Century Fox featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 27 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.7 Mbps..


This is a beautifully crafted digital film that looks amazing in high definition. From start to finish this presentation is nothing short of mesmerizing in its depiction of the film’s animated images. The video is exquisitely detailed, incredibly three dimensional and never left me wanting for fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture. The attention to detail in the construction of the animated characters physical features as well as objects within each frame is superb. Looking at Eep I could see the varying lengths/uneven texture and natural flow of her red hair. The same was true of the rough hide and matted fur of Grug’s one piece outfit. Other examples can be seen in the textural nuance in the walls and stone floor in their cave and physical characteristics in the dry landscapes and fauna in the world outside. The chromatic palette isn’t always extensive but when applied colors appear vivid and bold with an enriching level of saturation that exhibits subtle degrees of separation and eye pleasing depth. Contrast is exemplary as grays are multi-staged/gradational and blacks are inky with extended dynamic range and deep highlights. The film’s low level sequences look just as stunning as the dark and shadow filled backgrounds exhibit a near infinite level of dimension, with superb contrast and visible shading that draws out lots of detail. Those with high contrast displays can fully appreciate how superlative this film looks.


The 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio makes for an engaging and fun home theater experience that brings out the superbly crafted and sometimes delicate nature of the soundtrack. Subtle nuance in both the sound effects and Alan Silvestri’s wonderful music score is readily apparent. Excellent dynamic range and crystal clarity enable the shifts from moments of quiet to visceral action to shine equally. This is an active surround mix that features superb directional correlation/imaging which expertly combines the events onscreen with the integration of the front/rear soundstages. The two rear channels aren’t consistently engaged but effectively provide discretely placed effects and ambient detail on cue. Where applicable there is an enriching and solid feel to low frequencies. This isn’t the deepest bass response that I have experienced but it has palpably rich presence that occasionally energizes the room. The voices of the cast are reproduced with good tonal delineation and crystal clarity even during more active sequences.


Bonus Features:

  • The croodaceous creatures of The Croods – Interactive feature that allows you to find out more about your favorite creatures from the film

  • (HD) Belt’s cave journal – 6 minute feature

  • (HD) Be an artist! Learn to draw Belt, Macawnivore and Mousephant with artist Sean Sexton

  • Crood’s cuts – 4 lost scenes with introduction by co-writer/co-directors Chris Sanders, & Kirk DeMicco

  • (HD) Theatrical trailer

  • Bonus DVD

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy



Final Thoughts:

The Croods is a family friendly and fun animated adventure that makes for a great way to spend the evening on movie night. It comes to Blu-ray Disc from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in this Blu-ray/Combo pack that features top notch high definition video, engaging DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio surround sound and a light supplemental package that is geared more toward young viewers. The Croods is worth checking out on Blu-ray so toss it in your rental queue and take it for a spin when you’re looking for a film that the whole family can enjoy.

Here is the trailer:










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
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System

Marantz AV8801 11.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor

Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier

B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 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
 
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1 14
#3 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by derek  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_23798794


Thanks for review. Was hoping for comments on the 3D version.

Greetings,


Sorry about that. I was sent the 2D version but that was because I failed to specify that I wanted 3D...




Regards,
 
#4 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by derek  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23798794


Thanks for review. Was hoping for comments on the 3D version.
 

 

I don't have quite the system Mr. Potts has, but I picked up the 3D version tonight based on the review he gave. I plan to watch it tonight and I can report back.
 
#6 ·
Great review Ralph! I loved this movie in theaters (i seen it twice) and have already bought it on 3D BD. I thought the audio and 3D in the theater was excellent so its no surprise the 2D version on BD scored high. I am watching this tonight with my wife. Too bad you did'nt recieve the 3D edition but no biggie.
 
#8 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2000zx2  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_23800726


The 3D version was amazing. Great depth in the landscape scenes, some stuff flying off the screen and just great overall picture in 3D. Nothing unexpected after reading the review. 

Greetings,


Thanks for adding your thoughts on the 3D version 2000zx2.




Regards,
 
#9 ·
hi all. b4 i go to sleep after a 12 hr shift. I have to say thanks for your time and review of movies; this has become my number 1 source for movie reviews. BUT to buy the movie bluray is that it has to include 3d version. BUT THE STUDIOS want soo much; I set a limit to $30 for all 4 versions. Now it is 3 versions. I will not support the increase of price they want......in my area this movie and IRONMAN 3 was over $31, and i am not happy.
 
#12 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Franin  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23801761


just finished watching this film the Pq was amazing your score of 100 is spot on Ralph. The film itself was great we all throughly enjoyed it, well worth a blind buy.

I got it (2D) pretty inexpensively at Target so took a chance, and I agree the PQ was way better than I expected. The 7.1 soundtrack was really well done, too. The story was probably the weakest part. It wasn't bad necessarily, but it didn't have the same quality of execution as the technical side. Any repeat viewing I give this will be to appreciate the technical achievements rather than to appreciate the story.
 
#13 ·
Great looking movie that was quite funny. I was surprised by some of the slapstick that really seemed to reference the feel of comedies from the 20's and 30's. Definitely worth a rewatch.
 
#14 ·
Yes, tooooo bad you didn't get the 3D version, Ralph! 3D these days rarely disappoints, and this one is very, very well crafted. It's even better than Epic 3D. Highly recommend the 3D version. Either way, beautifully animated, extremely funny--loads of fun. I particularly love the scenes where Grug is handpainting stone walls and story-telling (How does he do it???
). At home this one's been having high replay value--family and guests really dig it!



Great review, Ralph! Thx!
 
#15 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Taranteacher  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_100#post_23814542


Yes, tooooo bad you didn't get the 3D version, Ralph! 3D these days rarely disappoints, and this one is very, very well crafted. It's even better than Epic 3D. Highly recommend the 3D version. Either way, beautifully animated, extremely funny--loads of fun. I particularly love the scenes where Grug is handpainting stone walls and story-telling (How does he do it???
). At home this one's been having high replay value--family and guests really dig it!



Great review, Ralph! Thx!

Same Taranteacher, it has high replay value
 
#16 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Taranteacher  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_23814542


Yes, tooooo bad you didn't get the 3D version, Ralph! 3D these days rarely disappoints, and this one is very, very well crafted. It's even better than Epic 3D. Highly recommend the 3D version. Either way, beautifully animated, extremely funny--loads of fun. I particularly love the scenes where Grug is handpainting stone walls and story-telling (How does he do it???
). At home this one's been having high replay value--family and guests really dig it!



Great review, Ralph! Thx!

+1, this is an excellent 3D Bluray with a great sound track.
 
#17 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Taranteacher  /t/1493323/the-croods-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review/0_20#post_23814542


Yes, tooooo bad you didn't get the 3D version, Ralph! 3D these days rarely disappoints, and this one is very, very well crafted. It's even better than Epic 3D. Highly recommend the 3D version. Either way, beautifully animated, extremely funny--loads of fun. I particularly love the scenes where Grug is handpainting stone walls and story-telling (How does he do it???
). At home this one's been having high replay value--family and guests really dig it!



Great review, Ralph! Thx!

Greetings,


Thanks Taranteacher. I will look for the 3D version to go on sale and pick it up..




Regards,
 
#18 ·
Hi Ralph



We just loved the Croods , good family fun and is something I could watch again. I couldn't agree more with the review, you nailed on the story line! it really hooks you on it by the end. The topnotch video and audio are easy on the eyes and the ears are treated to a great surround mix !
 
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