The Secret of NIHM (1982/MGM Blu-ray)
Picture:
C Sound: B- Extras: C Film: B-
Don Bluth
has done many a great things with his talents and The Secret of NIHM may be among the greatest. The 1982 film holds up well to this day and
now we are finally treated to the animated masterpiece here on Blu-ray.
I had
previously reviewed the Family Fun Edition of the film some time ago, but sadly
not much has changed from DVD to this Blu-ray release. Picture, Sound, and Extras are subpar (if not
exactly the same as the DVD) and leave much to be desired. The Blu-ray may be a slight upgrade at best,
but certainly not the treatment the Don Bluth classic deserves. For a further look into the content of The Secret of NIHM please take a look
at my previous review found through the link below:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6004/The+Secret+Of+NIMH+%E2%80%93
The
technical features of this release are by no means high definition and I am
hesitant to recommend upgrading this film to Blu-ray. The video is supposedly a high definition
release but there is noise, noise, noise everywhere with the 1080p release
being dreadful in terms of dirt, dust, and grime. The beautiful animation is hindered by the flecks
the persistently fly by and though colors and sharpness may be slightly
improved over the DVD, this is certainly not like that of a “Disney quality”
Blu-ray. The sound is better than the
DVD release in its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that projects nicely (though
muffled at times) and has a more well rounded feel and use of surrounds; though
crackles and high pitched errors still occur.
The
extras are exactly the same as the DVD release featuring Audio Commentary with
Don Bluth, Movie Trailer, and short featurette entitled ‘Secrets Behind the
Secret.’ Nicely done, but all too short
and would have liked more.
I can not
recommend up an upgrade to Blu-ray in this case as the Bluth classic is
essentially the same as the DVD Family
Fun Edition.
- Michael P. Dougherty II
