Blu-ray Review: Hidalgo

Hidalgo

Blu-ray Review
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release: April 1, 2008
MSRP: $29.99

Hidalgo is an action-adventure film from director Joe Johnston, starring Viggo Mortensen. The film is based, albeit a bit loosely, on the true story of Frank T. Hopkins and his 3,000 mile horse race.

Viggo Mortensen plays the role of Frank T. Hopkins, who is just as much an Indian as he is a cowboy. He takes part in a 3000 mile horse race, where he inevitably runs into a whole slew of problems. Guns will be blazing, explosions will be going off left and right, all while Hopkins strives to not only win against the Arabian horses and racers, but also redeem himself.

Hidalgo is a very enjoyable film to watch, but do not expect to really get blown away by the story of anything of that nature. The only character you really get involved with in any such way is Viggo Mortensen’s character. He does a good job with Frank T. Hopkins, bringing him to life and giving him personality.

The highlight of the film though is easily the musical score, with the visual effects in a close second. The action sequences are very over-the-top and look great on Blu-ray, with the musical score setting a terrific tone for everything.

Hidalgo is what it is, a fun action-oriented family-film, great for a few good bowls of popcorn. It does pack one heck of a ride.

The video quality for this Blu-ray transfer is quite good as the terrific special effects are truly on showcase here. You will see a great improvement over the past DVD release of this film as the video transfer is highly improved. It is presented in 1080p in 2:40:1 aspect ratio.

The use of black levels and colors makes the explosions come to life off of the screen. There is also nice use of flesh tones throughout. Everything has a natural look to it, allowing the film and scenery to really speak for itself without being forced onto you. There are only some minor issues with certain spots of grain, but nothing to take away from the video quality at all.

The Uncompressed PCM 5.1 track sounds terrific, and is great for not only the sound effects, but the enjoyable musical score as well. You will hear all kinds of action going all around you with the various surround channels. With every explosion your speakers and subwoofer will be rocking from every corner of your room. The audio mix is above every other aspect of this Blu-ray release without a doubt, as even the ambient noises are top-notch.

In terms of special features, Hidalgo is lacking a bit on Blu-ray. There are only two features included here. The first is your standard making-of featurette called Sand and Celluloid. This runs for under ten minutes and is very standard, just telling how the film was made, how the effects were done, etc. The second extra is called America’s First Horse, and looks at the Spanish Mustangs and how they made it to America many years ago.

The Blu-ray release certainly could have packed a lot more in regards to special features, as more in-depth looks could have been geared towards the special effects, musical score, the original story it was based on, etc.

Hidalgo is a fun action-packed family film, which all are likely to get some enjoyment out of. Unfortunately though, the lack of excess special features makes this more worthy of a rental than adding it to your Blu-ray collection permanently. Those who enjoy some fun action will not be disappointed in viewing Hidalgo on Blu-ray.

Film: 7.9 It may not have a great story, in-depth characters, etc. It does, however, has some extremely entertaining action from start to finish.

Video: 8.5 The video quality is well-done, a very natural look to it all with minimal grain.

Audio: 8.9 The musical score and sound effects fill your surround sound. Awesome.

Special Features: 5.0 Very lacking special features, these two extras simply will not cut it.

Final Score: 7.8

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Interested in picking up this release? Head over to Amazon at the link here - Hidalgo [Blu-ray]