Polar Express Presented in 3-D, The (Blu-ray Review)

14 Dec, 2008 By: John Gaudiosi

---

Warner
Animated
$20.97 DVD, $34.99 Blu-ray
Rated ‘G.’
Voices of Tom Hanks, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye.

This 3-D version of the Christmas classic is an improvement over the standard version (which also comes on this BD-50 dual-layer disc). Many of the extended sequences truly come to life in 3-D.

Four pairs of anaglyph 3-D glasses are included. The 3-D effects work best in the middle plane, as some imagery becomes slightly blurred on close-ups.

As much as I prefer the clear 3-D technology offered in Imax theaters, this 3-D movie is one of the better films I’ve seen translated to Blu-ray. The movie also remains a standout for CGI on BD, as the level of detail in Santa’s suit and in the snowy North Pole workshops are extremely realistic.

Warner Bros. has upgraded this version of the film from Dolby Digital to Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound. This bolsters the dynamic range and low-bass extension of the film. It also does a better job of bringing Alan Silvestri’s musical score to life.

Aside from missing a “Polar Express Challenge” game, this BD has everything the last BD version had.

This 3-D version of the movie will be a hit with kids beyond Christmas — at least until the glasses wear out.

Bookmark it: