Alice Through the Looking Glass now available on Blu-ray

Oct 18, 2016- Permalink

When I reviewed the theatrical release of Alice Through the Looking Glass, I said it was a mess. So as Disney releases the Blu-ray version, I’m in the odd place of saying that it’s a storytelling mess that’s a beauty on its technical merits.

The AVC encoded 1080p transfer is released in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Simply put, it’s just stunning to look at. Fabrics, structures and natural elements all have striking detail and wear and tear that bring them to life. Colours are loud and pop off the screen when they need to and are naturally balanced in other scenes. Black levels are deep and there’s so little digital noise in just a few low light scenes that it is hardly worth mentioning.

The audio side gives us an English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack as well as French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French and Spanish. The audio presentation is equal to this disc’s video side. The surround tracks take us deep into Alice’s adventure, from the booming cannons in sea battle to all of the elements in the Hatter’s world. The low end gives the soundtrack a strong floor whether it is in the ambient affects or the music. Dialogue is clear throughout.

As for extras, viewers will get audio commentary from director James Bobin and the usual collection of deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

So, here’s the conclusion: If you loved Alice Through the Looking Glass in the cinema then this Blu-ray disc will knock your socks off. If you didn’t love the film, but really like a technical presentation that will knock your socks off, then you’ll want this in your home library. If the film was so-so to you and you can’t tell a Blu-ray from a stingray, then give this one a pass.