The Aristocats

The video presentation of "The Aristocats" Blu-ray proves that Disney has gone to great lengths to deliver a visually faithful representation of the 1970 classic. Despite initial reservations and a later adjustment in video score due to concerns over noise reduction and detail loss, the 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer shines in its ability to marry historical authenticity with high-definition clarity. While noise reduction has somewhat impacted the film's original grittiness and texture, eliminating most grain and affecting clarity, it's important to recognize the inherent lack of sharpness in the film's original form. This isn't a flaw in the transfer, but rather a faithful reflection of "The Aristocats'" animation style, which cannot be compared to the cleanliness and definition found in modern animation.

Still, this Blu-ray does not disappoint in showcasing the vibrancy and painterly quality of its settings and characters. From the bright accessories of the kittens to the lush landscapes of the French countryside and the opulent detailing within Adelaide's mansion, colors are rendered beautifully. The video presentation retains the charm of the hand-painted backgrounds and sketchy line art, intentional artistic choices that add to the film's nostalgic appeal. The presence of uncleaned pencil marks, brush strokes, and color fill variations further enhances this authentic experience, free from significant print damage, artifacting, banding, or aliasing. This level of care ensures that fans of animation and "The Aristocats" can appreciate the film in a manner true to its original production.

Disney’s commitment to a faithful 1080p presentation is evident, offering an experience that goes beyond mere preservation. It’s clear that, despite not resembling a modern animated film in clarity or style, "The Aristocats" benefits from this high-definition upgrade that respects its source material. Especially notable are the vivid colors during musical sequences which remain bold and engaging, ensuring that the film’s age and unique animation style become not detractors but key aspects of its charm. This release will certainly resonate with animation enthusiasts who value historical authenticity and technical quality in their viewing experiences.

Disney's "The Aristocats" Blu Ray audio presentation has been remarkably rejuvenated through the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, delivering an aural experience that belies the film's vintage origins. The soundtrack is lively and robust, with each musical number afforded space to shine, bringing the jazzy essence of the film to the forefront. The bass lines in songs like "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat" reverberate with a rich depth, while the intricate melodies of the piano and the spirited blasts of trumpets are rendered with sparkling clarity. This careful remastering ensures that every song is a vibrant, immersive experience, with the Sherman brothers' score weaving a delicate audio tapestry that complements the film's narrative charm.

The audio track excels not only in its musical numbers but also in its delivery of dialogue and sound effects. Voices come through with surprising clarity, free from any background hiss or distortion, allowing the characterful performances to be enjoyed without interference. Moreover, the soundstage is meticulously crafted, offering a dynamic range that captures the directional nuances of off-screen actions and on-screen movements with impressive precision. The playful pitter-patter of feline feet and the subtle environmental sounds of Paris are placed with an accuracy that enhances the film's lively atmosphere.

Disney's efforts in remastering this classic have paid off, providing a sonic experience that wraps viewers in a cocoon of auditory delight. The mix successfully balances the demands of dialogue clarity, directional sound effects, and a richly layered musical score, achieving a harmonious balance that serves to enrich the viewing experience. This audio presentation is a testament to the enduring appeal of "The Aristocats," ensuring that both new audiences and longtime fans can enjoy its charming story with renewed vibrancy and depth.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Aristocats" provide a delightful enrichment to the classic film, offering fans a deeper dive into its creation, music, and legacy. With content ranging from a previously lost opening scene introduced by Richard M. Sherman, revealing storyboarded content and amusing temp voiceovers, to an exploration of the Sherman brothers' musical contributions, these extras underscore the thoughtful creativity behind the movie. The inclusion of deleted songs, a sing-along feature, and a nostalgic music video adds layers of engagement for audiences. Moreover, historical insights are offered through "The Great Cat Family," narrated by Walt Disney himself, connecting viewers with Disney's animated heritage. A bonus short featuring Minnie Mouse enhances the collection's charm, making this compilation essential for collectors and fans alike, preserving both the whimsy and the artistry of Disney's animation.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Lost Open: Aristocats songwriter Richard M. Sherman introduces a storyboarded deleted scene with entertaining temp voiceovers.
• The Sherman Brothers: The Aristocats of Disney Songs: A coverage on the Sherman brothers' work on the film.
• Deleted Song: Features the song "She Never Felt Alone."
• Movie with On-Screen Lyrics: Enables viewers to sing along with the film.
• Classic Song Selection: Includes four sing-along tracks from the movie.
• Music Video: "Oui Oui Marie" by D!tto, offers a modern remix.
• 1956 Animated Special Excerpt: "The Great Cat Family," presented by Walt Disney, delving into cat history.
• Bonus Short: "Bath Day," starring Minnie Mouse and Figaro.

Disney's release of "The Aristocats" on Blu-ray marks an interesting choice in its catalog curation, considering its somewhat inconspicuous status among the studio’s larger array of classic animations. The film, notable for its jazzy undertones and a story that revolves around the pampered yet lovable felines Duchess, her kittens, and their encounter with the alley cat Thomas O'Malley, emerges from the shadowy confines of the Disney Vault without much fanfare. Despite not coinciding with a significant anniversary or carrying the heavyweight presence of some of Disney's more iconic characters, the release provides a treasure for completist collectors while potentially leaving the casual Disney fan ambivalent. The plot's lack of dire stakes, focusing instead on a light-hearted journey back home peppered with musical interludes and eccentric characters, maintains a breezy, if not overly engaging, narrative pace.

The Blu-ray presentation itself highlights the meticulous care Disney invests in restoring its animated features. "The Aristocats" benefits from this attention to detail, showcasing the distinctive, slightly rough animation style of its era in high definition. The warmth and charm of the film’s visual aspects are undeniably enhanced, delivering a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that contrasts sharply with the polished look of modern animation. Technical details of the Blu-ray release, such as it being a two-disc set including both Blu-ray and DVD formats within a slip-covered package, cater to both collectors and fans looking for versatile viewing options. Region-free accessibility ensures a wider audience can enjoy this quaint yet undeniably charming tale of feline adventure and friendship.

Though "The Aristocats" might not stir as much excitement or emotional engagement as other entries in Disney's storied lineup, its Blu-ray release is a testament to the studio's commitment to preserving and sharing all facets of its animated legacy. The film, with its laid-back storytelling, memorable musical moments, and a cast of endearing characters, holds a unique place within Disney’s portfolio. While the villain’s lack of menace and the story’s lightweight conflict might not place it at the pinnacle of animated storytelling, the release affords an opportunity for new audiences to discover its subtle pleasures and for longtime fans to revisit its nostalgic charm.

The Aristocats" Blu-ray presentation serves as a bittersweet reminder of the end of an era, being the last animated film to receive Walt Disney's personal touch. While not among the most celebrated Disney classics, it holds a special charm that resonates with those who have ventured through Paris with Duchess and her kittens. The Blu-ray itself, however, delivers a mixed bag in terms of quality. On one hand, the audio is presented in a crystal-clear DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which amplifies the musical journey across France. On the other, the video presentation leaves something to be desired, failing to meet the high standards expected from a Disney restoration. Despite these setbacks, the release includes several worthwhile features that fans will find enjoyable, though the absence of more extensive extras and behind-the-scenes content is felt.

Visually, "The Aristocats" retains the unique animation style that sets it apart within the Disney canon. Its approach to animation is arguably more memorable than its storyline, which suffers from a lackluster villain and a plot that doesn't quite reach the heights of other Disney classics. However, the Blu-ray does justice to the film's distinctive stylistic choices, offering a faithful video presentation that will satisfy purists. Coupled with the robust audio presentation, this release demonstrates a dedicated effort to honor the film's original aesthetic and sound, even if it doesn’t completely escape its imperfections.

In conclusion, while "The Aristocats" Blu-ray presents certain limitations, particularly in its video quality, it remains a worthwhile acquisition for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The outstanding audio quality and faithful adherence to the original animation style partly compensate for the video shortcomings, making it a commendable yet flawed homage to one of Disney’s more underappreciated gems. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Walt Disney's final project, inviting audiences old and new to explore its uniquely charming world, imperfections and all.