Blu-ray Review: The Simpsons Movie

Release Date: December 18th, 2007
Running Time: 87 minutes

The Film

How do you take a half-hour comedy show that has been a worldwide icon for twenty years and turn it into a feature-length film that meets all expectations? Simple, you wait the twenty years, bring back heavy-hitter writers, and put all your blood, sweat, and tears into it. The Simpsons Movie defies the odds and gets everything right in what is the best comedy of 2007. Seeing the classic characters in high definition through Blu-ray is a revelatory experience for Simpsons fans, and one that should not be missed.

Having been on for so long, The Simpsons has evolved its storytelling techniques over the years. They have shied away from more serious, full episode plots and now focus on confluence of events that lead to each new scene. The Simpsons Movie follows a similar path. The first thirty minutes or so is full of non-stop, constant laughs coming at you from all angles. Homer and Bart are up to their usual shenanigans until Homer rescues a pig and takes it home. Meanwhile Springfield has become environmentally conscious after Lisa brought attention to the hideous state of Lake Springfield. Not surprisingly, it is Homer who puts the axe in Lake Springfield after he dumps an entire silo of pig manure in it. This prompts the EPA to put a gigantic dome over Springfield, secluding it from the rest of the world. The Simpsons manage to escape the dome, but what will be the fate of their beloved town?

There is so much to like in the film. From the opening moments when the aspect ratio literally pushes from full frame to widescreen to celebrate the affair, I was hooked. The plot is far more epic in scale than any episode and the whole affair feels much more streamlined than the Family Guy or Futurama movies (as it should considering it got a theatrical release). The voice actors deliver the best performances of their careers, especially Julie Kavner as Marge. The animation has also been bolstered with fluid effects and a style we have never seen.

Forget the naysayers, it is impossible to please everyone. Some people were expecting the holy grail of cinema and were disappointed when they instead received an extraordinary 90 minutes of trademark Simpsons humor. Do yourself a favor, allow yourself to enjoy the movie. Don’t look for ways to complain about it like the fanboys. Just put aside any preconceived notions you have about what a Simpsons movie should be and I guarantee, guarantee, you will enjoy it, especially in the eye-popping quality of Blu-ray.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 2.40:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. With each successive Simpsons TV set I have claimed that that was the best the show has ever looked. Well, without a shadow of a doubt this is the best The Simpsons has ever looked, bar none. The gorgeous colors pop off the screen with a clarity never before seen in The Simpsons world. The print is pristine with no grain or compression errors anywhere. The level of detail gives The Simpsons an entirely new sharpness and level of dimension. The only negative is that I wish I could view the television series on a weekly basis in this high level of quality.

The audio is offered in an English DTS 5.1 Master Lossless Audio track as well as Spanish/French 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound with English/Spanish/Cantonese/Korean subtitles. While not the revelation that the video transfer is, the audio is still the most lively and robust The Simpsons has ever been. Atmospheric effects are balanced with crisp dialogue and some complementary low-end bass hits. An occasional spike in the volume level slightly mars an almost perfect, if not underscored, auditory experience.

The Extras

This is the one area where I was disappointed, especially since there are no Blu-ray exclusive special features.

Two commentary tracks are offered: one with Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Al Jean, Yeardley Smith, Dan Castellaneta, Mike ScullyM and David Silverman; and the other with David Silverman, Rich Moore, Steven Dean Moore and Mike Anderson. Both tracks, particularly the first, are incredible commentaries. Having done commentary on every episode, these guys have nailed the proper balance of humor and hardcore information. I prefer documentaries to commentaries, but these are still a humongous source of information.

Seven Deleted Scenes are offered, but none are that great.

The “Special Stuff” sections contains short Simpsons appearances on Leno and American Idol as well as a spoof of the vintage “Let’s All Go To The Lobby” ad.

For a film that grossed hundreds of millions of dollars, this is a very slim offering of special features.

Final Thoughts

Despite the lack of special features, any self-respecting Simpsons fan owes it to themselves to check out The Simpsons Movie on Blu-ray. It’s that stunning.