The Movie
Brimming with all of the kidnapping, emotional cruelty and lively songs we've come to expect from the very finest Disney animated extravaganzas, Tangled is an irresistible fairy tale that kids and parents can heartily enjoy. In this hip retelling of the long-locked lass' lot in life, Rapunzel's hair has been imbued with a magical healing power. And so she is stolen in the night by an evil old woman who raises her as her own, so that she might have the power of restored youth and beauty.
On Rap's 18th birthday, she's simply itching to see the world outside of the tower where she has spent almost every waking day, and fate tosses the handsome thief Flynn Rider in her window. He's the ticket to fulfill her dream, and together the endearingly naïve girl and dashing scoundrel head off on a whirlwind adventure full of danger, romance and yes, catchy tunes. It's tremendous fun from start to the big, thrilling finish.
Also be sure to check out Beth McCabe's theatrical review of Tangled.
The Picture
The detail in big scenes and small is among the most amazing I have ever seen. In wide shots, we can see subtle nuances way in the distance within the 16:9 frame. Up close, flower petals pop relative to the stems. There are plenty of shadows here, but they surrender generous levels of picture information as well. The production designers deserve much of the credit, as they put so much effort into the elaborately imagined environments, and the colors too are outrageously gorgeous.
The 3D has also been ambitiously conceived to exploit the technology, with potentially clever shots that never disappoint. Static shots beg to be reached out and touched, and the visual setpieces such as the 45,000 floating lanterns are absolutely breathtaking. There might have been a couple of minor instances of edge enhancement or a bit of ghosting, but I think I was too busy drooling to notice. A pity I have to stop at only four stars but that's as high as our ratings go.
Separate Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D discs are included in this four-disc Combo Pack, for maximum bitrate and video quality on each.
The Sound
Tangled benefits from a full, strong DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel soundtrack that puts the needs of the storytelling above sonic razzmatazz. There are subtle but definite surrounds, discrete touches throughout, the occasional whizzing arrow, and the bass-happy thundering of hoofbeats. The singing voices in particular are bold and clear, backed by a celebratory mix of the music in all of its full-range glory. A fine complement to the 3D and 2D visuals.
The Extras
As I mentioned, Disc One is a Blu-ray 3D, with only a 3D trailer for the upcoming Cars 2. Disc Two is a standard Blu-ray with the real extras, starting with three deleted scenes, about twelve-and-a-half minutes with director introductions. They, like all of the bonus materials, are in HD, although not finished to the same standards as the movie. Two extended songs are also revealed.
Two versions of the Original "Storybook" Opening are presented, four minutes each. The twelve-and-a-half-minute "making of" is rather young-skewing, but everyone can enjoy the two-minute countdown of Disney's 50 animated features, ending with Untangled. Nine brief promotional "teasers" are also included.
Disc Three is a standard-definition DVD of Tangled, with the alternate storybook openings. Disc Four carries a Digital Copy for iTunes or Windows Media.
Note: although this package does include both the Blu-ray 3D and standard Blu-ray of the film, if you have no interest in 3D you can buy the 3-disc combo Blu-ray/DVD pack for a little less and still enjoy the awesome picture quality of this film at home, albeit in only two dimensions. Check out Rachel Cericola's review of the standard Tangled Blu-ray.
Final Thoughts
Despite the relatively light complement of extras, there's really nothing not to like about the Tangled 3D Combo Pack. If you're looking for a disc to show off your 3D system (or even if you want jump right to Disc Two until that 3D display arrives) and keep your kids happy on the DVD player and/or the iPod, pick up this blonde.
Product Details
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