The Secret of NIMH on BluRay: A review

So, my copy of NIMH on BluRay arrived in the mail today (along with my copy of Tron: Legacy, yay n.n). Most of you will likely recall my previous review of the 2 disc DVD version[=http://www.thornvalley.com/commons/forum/viewtopic.php?t=692]my previous review of the 2 disc DVD version they released a few years ago, but if you haven't, take a look at that first. Since the BluRay uses (as far as I can tell) the same transfer, I'd rather focus on the differences than the things that are the same.

But first, let's talk features: You get the same film-transfer, as far as I can tell, just in High Def. The 2.0 audio sounds the same (which is a good thing), and the features match almost exactly with the DVD version: Widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio, additional Spanish and French language tracks, the same audio commentary with Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, and the same 15 minute "Secrets Behind the Secret" featurette. The only big differences, feature-wise, are that this version includes a copy of the original theatrical trailer, but leaves out the fullscreen version and the set-top games. The games are no great loss, but if you like seeing the open matte 1.33:1 fullscreen version, you'll have to stick to the DVD.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's talk picture quality. The first impression I got was: "Wow, that's a lot of detail." Second thought was, "Huh. They really could've cleaned up the dust and scratches better on this transfer." So yes, you get lots more detail with the BluRay version. In fact, I guarantee you, you'll notice, or even be able to see things that you've never noticed or seen (or been able to see) on the DVD, like just how textured and detailed the backgrounds are, and that Jeremy sheds some feathers in the scene where he's pushed back from the entrance to the Owl's tree when he hoots, among other things. It is absolutely beautiful and stunning artwork, and it comes through on this version.

However, this extra detail comes at a price. First off, the extra detail means you get to see some rough edges that were almost certainly part of the original movie, but are hard to see on the DVD, like a couple of slight registration errors (where the foreground, background and/or animation elements don't quite line up), or where the cell painting wasn't quite as good. These I can live with, as it adds a bit of character to the film and is really only noticeable to someone who's watched it often. Harder to live with is… well, some of you mentioned noticing some dust and scratches on the DVD. Well, they're in this copy too, but now they're nice and sharp and clear and very noticeable, especially in the darker scenes, and especially on my 40" Samsung HDTV. I don't know why they didn't spare the bit of extra expense to go through it and remove them, but they didn't, so we're left with a subpar experience that is beautiful and stunning on the one hand, and a bit hard to watch on the other. Ironically, one of the first things mentioned in the commentary is that the picture should look so much better now, though they were watching the old DVD to make the commentary, so I'm guessing they didn't know. Side note: I wish I could put up some screenshots of the BluRay so that you can see what I'm talking about, but I unfortunately don't have one for my PC at the moment. I might come back later and add them if I do, though.

So, do I recommend this purchase? Eh… if you don't have the new DVD copy and you have a home theater setup and can overlook some imperfections in the picture, this will do nicely, but you might want to skip it and go with the DVD anyway if you're bothered by obvious dust and scratches in the picture. The DVD has them as well, but the lower resolution makes them much less noticeable. If you already have the newer DVD and an upconverting player, I'd say skip the BluRay version unless you're a hardcore fan that loves sussing out the fine details in the film picture. The BluRay has very little new to recommend itself, unfortunately.

Overall, a somewhat disappointing release, especially considering the reason for releasing a movie to BluRay to begin with: better picture. Perhaps they'll get a clue and do a better release down the road, but I'm not holding my breath.

Excellent review, Simon. You pretty much sumed up everything I had read about the release elsewhere, however from a much more reliable source.

I still only have the original DVD release, but I think I might wait to see if they do a combo pack down the road, or perhaps get the clue (CLU - LOL) together to do a restoration of it. Until then I think the DVD is sufficient for me, unless the BD becomes incredibly inexpensive.

Thanks for the review!

How unfortunate D: I was hoping to get this from the nearby Future Shop, but I'd rather not get it and have to see all the extra mistakes that could have been fixed in the transfer. I think I may stick with my DVD version, but we'll see; a high-quality version of the fight between Justin and Jenner might just make up for everything.

How unfortunate D: I was hoping to get this from the nearby Future Shop, but I'd rather not get it and have to see all the extra mistakes that could have been fixed in the transfer. I think I may stick with my DVD version, but we'll see; a high-quality version of the fight between Justin and Jenner might just make up for everything.

That's the thing, the dirt and scratches aren't 'mistakes' per-ce, it's just the result of wear and tear on the original cells and/or master film. These 'flaws' are still there in your DVD copy, they're just harder to see because of the lower resolution.

Oh I know, I'd just rather not see them. Ignorance is bliss, after all ;D

I meant to reply to this topic a long time ago....but better now than never.

I bought this because I have a PS3 and I have a lack of Blu-Ray movies and since I only have NIMH on a VHS, I thought it was a good opportunity.

The dust and scratches are distracting, especially since the picture is more crisp, but it's not too bad. The Netflix instant streaming version also has the same problem.

...But what really makes it worthwhile is the audio. Jerry Goldsmith's score as well as some of the background audio (the fly in the first meeting with Jeremy sounds like it's right next to your ear) sounds fantastic and the cinderblock rising out of the mud also looks heavenly.

Id say it's worth it, especially if you really care about NIMH's score. I know I mentioned in a previous topic that I didn't really much care for the NIMH score...but I meant that I wouldn't listen to it on its own, that is without the movie playing. When accompanied with the film during the tense moments, it's great and the Blu-Ray really shows this.

...So in a nutshell, I wasn't disappointed, and am proud of my purchase. ...The cover art is crap though, but I'll just replace it with the original cover art like on my VHS copy.

I meant to reply to this topic a long time ago....but better now than never.

I bought this because I have a PS3 and I have a lack of Blu-Ray movies and since I only have NIMH on a VHS, I thought it was a good opportunity.

The dust and scratches are distracting, especially since the picture is more crisp, but it's not too bad. The Netflix instant streaming version also has the same problem.

...But what really makes it worthwhile is the audio. Jerry Goldsmith's score as well as some of the background audio (the fly in the first meeting with Jeremy sounds like it's right next to your ear) sounds fantastic and the cinderblock rising out of the mud also looks heavenly.

Id say it's worth it, especially if you really care about NIMH's score. I know I mentioned in a previous topic that I didn't really much care for the NIMH score...but I meant that I wouldn't listen to it on its own, that is without the movie playing. When accompanied with the film during the tense moments, it's great and the Blu-Ray really shows this.

...So in a nutshell, I wasn't disappointed, and am proud of my purchase. ...The cover art is crap though, but I'll just replace it with the original cover art like on my VHS copy.

I actually tried to grab a couple of screenshots from the movie to show the problem and was surprised to see that they weren't as noticeable. I think the problem may have been that I turned up the sharpness on my TV, which made them more visible than normal. I haven't verified this but it's pretty likely.

Yeah, I watched it on my crappy little Craig 15'' T.V. that I use in my dorm room. I also wasn't looking for imperfections like you obviously have....so that's what colored my opinion. That's why I was also very surprised about the audio; on my little T.V. the audio sounded as crisp as it would've on my parent's T.V.

...Comparing it to the other 3 Blu-Rays I bought: The Blair Witch Project, Grindhouse, and Superbad......This one takes the cake, mostly because visuals are an important part of the experience. Though The Blair Witch Project really shines with the audio boost.

I doubt NIMH will ever get a propper clean up, so this Blu-Ray is probably the best quality we're going to get, but like you said, if you don't turn the sharpness all the way up, the scratches won't be as noticeable .

For me, I turn the sharpness on my 19" HDTV all the way down. This not only makes DVDs look less terrible, but for my copy of the Lost in Space Movie, it (mostly) "cleans up" the dirty picture, while still being HD. It should do something similar for The Secret of NIMH.

Steven

I had a chance to view my blue-ray edition of SON yesterday for the first time and I must say that I was spellbound. All those wonderful colors were back just as I remembered them from my numerous viewings on the silver screen. If anything, the overall experience might even be better than the movies because you do not have to contend with dust and other fine detritus on the negative that might otherwise spoil the experience. This does not mean tthat I would not give my eye tooth to see this movie on the big screen once more. Hey MGM/UA are you listening??

Peace :D
NIMHmaniac

I've been meaning to do a critique on the BluRay for some time, so here it is. When I first watched it my immediate reaction was "What a wast, I wish they would have cleaned it up more, blah blah blah." So I put it away and didn't think much of it again. Than one day I was looking at some screenshots I had taken. One from the BluRay and one from the 1998 DVD. It was pretty much the same shot. To say I was shocked and amazed at how much more clear and defined the BluRay is would be an understatement.

I found a pic comparing the DVD to the Laser Disc so I added screenshots of the BluRay with it. I scaled the pics down to match the others, so there is some loss of definition. It's a large file so I'll link to it here[=http://img="821.imageshack.us" alt=""/img821/5760/dvdvsldvsbdcopy.jpg]here. What's interesting is the LD is better than the DVD in some places, and vise verse. But the BluRay trumps both. Just look at the DNA shot, breath taking. What hurts the BluRay is, in fact, its definition. At 1080p the grain is huge, and at times distracting. It's not so bad in bright senes, but most of the movie is dark so it makes it look bad. Also with the greater definition I see something I've never seen before, cel shadows. This actually sucks. It's one of those "once it's been seen, it can not be unseen" kinda things.

All in all I give the BluRay two big thumbs up. It's the best version we have. And hopefully we'll get an evan better one in the future.