Big Hero 6 – Blu-ray Movie Review

Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity - Best Of Awards 2015

Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

Big Hero 6 - Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends— adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred — who transform into a band of unlikely heroes.

Specifications

  • Disney
  • 2014, Color, rated: PG, 1 hours 42 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD MA 7.1
  • Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans, Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, T.J. Miller, Maya Rudolph, James Cromwell
  • Directed by Don Hall, Chris Williams

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Mild
  • Sex: No
  • Language: No

Commentary

Director’s Don Hall and Chris Williams have added another animated masterpiece to their resume which includes “The Emperor’s New Groove” for the both of them and “Bolt” for Chris Williams. Big Hero 6 has all the ingredients you want for an animated adventure: intrigue, mystery, action, and emotion.

The movie is an artistic masterpiece and easily one of the finest looking computer generated movies made to date. The texture detail and lighting is stunning and takes the viewer deep into the movie’s San Fransokyo setting. The creators even boasted about the new techniques developed for rendering the movie’s advanced lighting and boy was it worthwhile. While there are some parts that look almost photorealistic, I never found myself pulled away from the imaginary world in the way that live action combined with CG effects can do. The fully realized CG San Fransokyo is immersive and filled with stunning detail and beauty. Much praise goes to all the artists and engineers that worked on Big Hero 6.

Aside from all the visuals, what really makes Big Hero 6 shine is the movie’s characters. They feel real, teaming with emotion, heart and loads of charm. Baymax, like Wall-E, is impossible not to love. Big Hero 6 flew a bit under the radar, but is not one to be missed. One of the best movies of the year and a must own Blu-ray that is great for the whole family.

Technical

Wow! Big Hero 6 is a flawless Blu-ray in sight and sound. The direct digital transfer is sharp, pristine, and vibrant. The rich red of Baymax pops off the screen along with the bright colorful lights of San Fransokyo.

Equally impressive is the DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless audio track. Lots of activity and atmosphere draw the viewer right into the world of San Fransokyo. The Blu-ray of Big Hero 6 delivers some excellent demo material for home theaters.

Extras

FEAST Theatrical Short – great little story, don’t miss it!

The Origin Story of “Big Hero 6”: Hiro’s Journey (hosted by Jamie Chung, voice of Go Go Tomago) – Join the team behind the team that brought Big Hero 6 to the big screen as they travel on research trips to Tokyo and San Francisco and go behind the scenes of this epic film. Explore everything comic-book about Big Hero 6, from director Don Hall’s passion for comics to the story’s roots in a lesser known Marvel property. We’ll talk to Marvel’s Joe Quesada and Jeph Loeb, who were consultants on the film, to learn what makes a good comic-book story, and how these devices were used to help create Disney’s “Big Hero 6.”
Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind the Characters – Join the six lead animators of Big Hero 6 as they talk about each of the characters and how they came to be the heroes they are now.
Deleted Scenes (intro by Directors Don Hall & Chris Williams) -Includes two alternate openings and more.
Big Hero Secrets (Easter Egg) – The movie is filled with Easter Eggs, and this Buzzfeed-type list piece will give you a sampling of some of the hidden treasures in the film. See if you can find this Easter Egg about Easter Eggs!