Saving Santa (2013) Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment

[samdvd1]

Out this Monday



Voice cast includes Martin Freeman, Ashley Tisdale, Tim Conway, Pam Ferris, Tim Curry, Noel Clarke and Joan Collins.

Extras
Saving Santa Recording Sessions:
- Martin Freeman (1:54)
- Tim Conway (1:10)
- Ashley Tisdale (1:15)
Music Video:
- "Some Kind of Miracle" performed by Ashley Tisdale (2:46)
"Why Saving Santa?" featurette (5:48)
Start-up Trailer:
- "Khumba" (1:38)
Theatrical Trailer (2:00)

Audio
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English LPCM 2.0 Stereo

Subtitles
No

Includes both 2D and 3D versions on a single disc. Just about to watch it and will report back on quality for those interested in a cheap 3D stocking filler (currently £7.25 pre-order @ Amazon).

[samdvd1]

My thoughts:

Film: 3/5
Picture: 3.5/5
Audio: 3.5/5
Extras: 1.5/5

Picture:
I watched the movie in 3D. Those who are expecting a viewing experience similar to that of animated movies from the major animation studios like Pixar and DreamWorks may be a little disappointed here, as the feature doesn't really have much in the way of pop-out 3D effects, focusing mainly on adding depth to the picture. Perception of depth is generally pretty good, especially with various characters on screen as Bernard tries to get to his meeting in time. However, some background locations haven't had much 3D work done, and can feel a little flat at times. Colours can feel slightly too dark at times, but are generally fine, with vivid Christmassy reds and greens throughout. Details are as good as the animation. Where the animation has minute details in clothing, or with peeling paint chips on a sign post, the transfer replicates it with pinpoint clarity and sharpness. A little ghosting was noticed during some of the 3D, but this issue can depend heavily on your A/V equipment and TV, and I didn't notice any other issues worth mentioning.

Audio:
For my viewing, I opted to view the film using the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which was a technically solid presentation, but instantly forgettable. The surrounds are generally kept for the score by Grant Olding, which is about as formulaic as they come. Occasional environmental effects also find their way to the rear speakers, but this is a surprisingly central track overall. The LFE offers some sparse, subtle punch, and dialogue volume levels are perhaps slightly too quiet in comparison to the rest of the track. Apart from one slight pop when Santa is talking at 12:03, there is no damage here. I noticed no drop outs, and there were no signs of background hiss. The track services the film well, but could have been much more immersive.

[BluBonnet]

Too bad there's no 3-D version available in the US, wish I could just rent it.