Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Hair, and even Dirty Dancing; with every generation comes a new standard for the musical. However, none quite pack the power of High School Musical. This Disney phenomenon not only cranked out a crop of toe-tapping songs to a whole new generation, but it also spawned two sequels, a hit soundtrack, video games, and even an ice tour. Take that, Fame!

Troy (Zac Efron) is the basketball team captain and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) is the super-hot high school nerd. The two are brought together by the magic of karaoke and a teen singing sensation is born. However, before the two can live together in musical harmony, they must beat out mean girl Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and her brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) for the lead spots in the high school musical -- hence, the title.

You may think that you're too cool for School, but you're not -- just maybe too old. Still, love them or loathe them, there's no denying that Disney cranked out a jiggy juggernaut faster than you can say, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo."

The Picture

This is Disney, kids. However, it's also a TV movie, so there was a bit of grain present. Overall, though, you have to give the Disney crew props for cleaning the kids up nicely in this 1.78:1 transfer. Like many of the studio's features, it’s fun, festive, and boasts lots of color.

The Sound

Cranking out a musical without good sound is like a Snickers bar without the nuts. While most of the film includes lip-syncing that would make Milli Vanilli cringe, we have to wonder why Disney didn't give this success story some better sound treatment. The uncompressed 5.1-channel PCM sound is respectable, and will probably be good enough to please the kids. However, for a film that is so lively, it just never really rocked the house.

The Extras

HSM may have earned its place in Disney history, but that doesn't mean it gets high-def extras. All of the special features may keep the kids happy, but not those looking for additional HD material. That said, the extras are geared towards the film's target audience, including a 9-minute making-of featurette for the truly short-attention span. There's a lot about the music, too, including five videos, Disney's "Dance-Alongs," and a short about "Learning the Moves."

Final Thoughts

If you've got a 'tween girl at home, you probably have little say as to whether or not the disc will become part of your collection. Just remind her that "back in your day," there was no Blu-ray or compact disc, and Grease was the word. Then DVR it and be done with it.

Where to Buy:

• High School Musical: Remix on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Alyson Reed, Corbin Bleu
• Director: Kenny Ortega
• Audio/Languages: English 5.1 Uncompressed PCM (48 kHz/24-bit), Dolby 5.1 (English, French, Spanish)
• Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: G
• Studio: Walt Disney Studios
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: February 17, 2009
• Run Time: 98 minutes
• List Price: $34.99
• Extras:
  • Bringing It All Together: The Making of High School Musical
  • Learning the Moves
  • A High School Reunion
  • The Hollywood Premiere
  • Disney Channel Dance-Alongs
  • Sing Along with the Movie
  • Hot Music Videos