Blu-Ray Review: Disappointing Release For ‘James and the Giant Peach’

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CHICAGO – While we may quibble over a bit of grain or some undefined line detail, the dirty secret of most Blu-ray reviewers is that a wide majority of audiences cannot discern the difference between most HD releases. The fact is that almost all of them look pretty damn good. Sadly, there are exceptions to the rule and Disney’s release for “James and the Giant Peach” is one such exception.

Blu-Ray Rating: 2.0/5.0

What’s the opposite of remastering? “Demastering”? What ever it is, that’s what’s happened to “James and the Giant Peach,” which looks far-from-HD in its recent Blu-ray release. Rarely do I feel the need to seriously tinker with the video settings on my player and television but I did just that trying to get the picture just right for Henry Selick’s underrated adaptation of the Roald Dahl hit. No matter what I did, the grain was always like a sandstorm and the colors — even in what should be the eye-popping stop-motion animation chunk of the film — were consistently muted and dull. To be blunt, “James and the Giant Peach” looks BAD. I can’t imagine it’s much different than if you took your standard DVD of the film and watched it upconverted on your BD player. In fact, that might look better.

James and the Giant Peach was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 3rd, 2010
Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Of course, if the HD transfer falls flat, the special features rock, right? Sadly, no. The only new bonus feature is one of those silly interactive games called “Spike the Aunts.” All of the previously avaialble material has been imported and it’s nice to have one set that fulfills both Blu-ray and DVD needs but where’s the new retrospective or new commentary track?

The fact is that the Blu-ray release of “James and the Giant Peach” feels like an afterthought in every way. It could have been timed for release with Selick’s great “Coraline” last year or with an anniversary of the film but it’s instead being quietly ushered into the market in early August when most kids are at camp, going on a family vacation, or getting ready for school. I’ve never been a huge fan of “James and the Giant Peach” (certainly nowhere near as much as “Coraline” or “A Nightmare Before Christmas”) but it’s sad to see arguably the leader in Blu-ray releases in Disney release such a sub-par product. Maybe they’re hoping most people won’t notice.

Special Features:
o Spike the Aunts Interactive Game – New BD Exclusive! Inspired by the game that plays after the end movie credits, try your hand at spiking the evil aunts with the rhino and ring up major points!
o Production Featurette – A look at the making of the film
o “Good News” Music Video performed by Randy Newman
o Still Frame Gallery
o Original Theatrical Trailer

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com