Pete’s Dragon Blu-ray review

Nov 28, 2016- Permalink

As Disney reaches back to make live action versions of some of its animated classics like Cinderella and The Jungle Book, it now tackles Pete’s Dragon. The 1977 version combined animation and live action, but this new release, available on Blu-ray on November 29th, 2016, uses CGI to perfectly blend the dragon into Pete’s world.

The 1080p release is in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. In a film with quite a few scenes taking place in the dark reaches of the forest, you better get the black levels right and this transfer does, with details in fur and skin holding up under the conditions. The greens of the forest palette thrive when we’re in more sunlit situations and the details on everything from skin to clothes and surfaces is excellent. Though there might be a few moments of some digital noise, it’s nothing to write home about, so put away the stamps.

The disc has 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 tracks quite subtly surround you with the film’s soundscape and the lower frequency channel is well-used in action scenes. The dialogue is centred and clear, though at times seems a bit quiet in relation to the rest of the audio.

The disc comes with a variety of extras, including a DVD and a voucher for a digital copy. You’ll also get the director’s commentary, a look at creating the dragon, deleted and alternate scenes, bloopers and a couple of music videos.

A joy to watch for the whole family, Pete’s Dragon is waiting to be a part of your home theatre library.