Blu-ray Review: The Simpsons Movie

Part of: The Wild Blu Yonder

Homer Simpson is at his best in years, if not the decade, in the long rumored, delayed, and anticipated The Simpsons Movie. There’s not much here that wouldn’t be on an episode of the TV series, but changing the formula wouldn’t make it the family of five we all know and love. The writing is witty, the satire scathing, and Homer is stupid (with a pet pig). This is as good as, if not better than, the top episodes the TV series has to offer.

For an analysis of the movie itself, read the full review. For a technical assessment of the Blu-ray package, read on.

It probably didn’t take much to bring the film to Blu-ray. The source is simple, but undeniably gorgeous. The HD presentation presents the simple, solid colors beautifully. The lines are sharp without aliasing or shimmering. None of the edging issues evident on the DVD are here. No compression is noticed, and the picture has a pristine sheen to it. It’s not “wow”-worthy like the highest end live action transfers are, yet it’s flawless.

Bass is the obvious highlight of this uncompressed audio affair. It’s in your face throughout, providing a heavy room-shaking whenever called upon, and it’s needed more often than one would think. Surround use is also consistent, as with the finale on the motorcycle, which easily fills the available channels. Numerous little moments that would likely go unnoticed by most (Barney’s quip to Moe about being a ruler comes from the left as it should) are evident if you’re listening.

Extras are carried over from the DVD edition, and remain lackluster. The best of the lot here are two commentaries, one which stops the movie at certain points to pick out small details you probably missed while you watch. Both are necessary listening for fans.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for matt-paprocki

Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

Visit Matt Paprocki's author pageMatt Paprocki's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own

Article comments

  • 1 - Brad Schader

    Jan 09, 2008 at 1:40 pm

    The DVD had the “Spider-pig” theme music playing during the menu, with the pig swinging from webs over the comatose Homer laying on the menu options.

    So does the Blu-ray.

  • 2 - Matt Paprocki

    Jan 11, 2008 at 9:29 am

    I've put this disc in three time, waited, and still don't get Spider-pig. Not sure if it's my player, but the animation of Homer snoring and background music is playing. No Spidey.

  • 3 - Brad Schader

    Jan 11, 2008 at 10:55 am

    I checked again. On the menu, Homer is sleeping on the options and drooling. Once the pool of drool collects, the opera version starts the first verse and the pig swings across the top. A few minutes later, the second verse comes and it swings back the other way.

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Feb 13, 2012

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for January

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs