BLU-RAY REVIEW

Nanny McPhee Returns

Featured In Issue 153, January 2011

Picture5
Sound5
WSR Score4
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
61116861
(MPAA Rating):
PG
(Rating Reason):
Rude humor, some language and mild thematic elements
(Retail Price):
$39.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
No
(Running Time In Minutes):
109
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
Not Indicated
(Theatrical Year):
2010
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
12/14/10
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
No
(Director):
Susanna White
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1, DTS 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(French Language):
(Spanish Language):
(Chinese Language):
(Subtitles):
(Cantonese Language):
(Mandarin Language):
(Japanese Language):
(Italian Language):
(German Language):
(Portuguese Language):

Emma Thompson "Returns" as the magical "Nanny McPhee," appearing when she's needed the most and wanted the least. When Nanny McPhee appears at the farmhouse door of a busy young mother, Isabel Green (Gyllenhaal), she discovers that Mrs. Green's children are in an all-out household war with their two spoiled city cousins. Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life, to a tree-climbing piglet and an elephant that turns up in the oddest laces, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to show the children five valuable lessons, the most important of which is learning how to get along. Based on the "Nurse Matilda" character created by Christianna Brand.(Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Susanna White; seven featurettes: "New Film, New Story" (HD 04:08), "Magical Moves" (HD 01:52), "Mr. Edelweiss" (HD 02:04), "Emma Thompson Becomes Nanny McPhee" (HD 01:37), "The Pigs" (HD 03:42), "The Mud" (HD 01:57), and "A Look Inside" (HD 02:37); 12 deleted scenes (HD 14:57); D-BOX Motion Code; and BD-Live functionality.

The 2.40:1 1080p VC-1 picture is pleasantly picturesque and wonderfully colorful with a fully saturated, yet naturally hued palette. Colors are vivid, yet rich and warm in tone. The English countryside appears inviting, with a greenish lushness and homely feel. The farmhouse is perfectly depicted with characteristic thatch architecture. The bright red hues depicted in London phone booths and palace guards are eye catching. Contrast is well balanced, with deep and solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Resolution is excellent, with details clearly evident in facial features, clothing, and object texture. This is an uplifting visual experience that will surely brighten one's outlook. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio@ 5.1-channel soundtrack is driven by a lively orchestral music score that perfectly supports the magical storytelling. The music is well recorded, with a solid bass foundation and a wide and deep soundstage and surround presence. Sound effects and Foley are effectively engaging. At times .1 LFE energy punctuates the sonics, which is synced with sharp D-BOX motion effects, for an exhilarating experience, and other motion effects are effective, such as during the motorcycle ride to London. Surround engagement is largely provided by the music and occasional effects and dialogue that is directinalized. Dialogue sounds a bit forward most of the time, though, at times spatial integration is acceptable. This is a very pleasing soundtrack with great spirits. (Gary Reber)