For a full review of the film - take a look at our 4K UHD Blu-ray Review
Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray
Universal Pictures delivers Abominable to Blu-ray in a two-disc Blu-ray + DVD + Digital set. The discs are housed in a standard sturdy Blu-ray case with identical slipcover artwork. The disc loads to trailers for upcoming Universal Pictures releases before arriving at an animated main menu with traditional navigation options.
There's nothing Abominable about this film's 1080p 1.85:1 transfer. While I will squarely edge my preference for the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, if you're not set up for 4K, you won't be disappointed. Details in the character animations are fantastic allowing for distinct characters, fine lines, and ample textures. Our star critter Everest is a beautiful piece of animation with a lovable soft-looking appearance but maintains a terrific sense of weight and space. Likewise, the children in the film are well defined without their features being too heightened or overly cartoonish. Colors are bold and vivid playing with strong primaries. Black levels are on point although flipping between this disc and the 4K UHD, I noticed that this SDR presentation doesn't quite reach the same level of satisfying true black. Thankfully image depth is still very strong and contrast is on point without any notable blooming qualities. All around a bright, bold, and vivid image that looks great.
You gotta love an Atmos mix that knows how to have fun with itself. Abominable makes excellent usage of the format giving viewers an active and engaging surround experience while making plenty use of the overhead facing channels and the added space and dimension. The film starts strong, there isn't much lead time here as Everest makes his escape. Sounds of guards yelling, sirens blaring, helicopters pursuing overhead while street-level traffic and car horns add to the cacophony. Not only is it a visually impressive way to start the movie but he active sound design pulls you into the action right away.
While the action beats are a highlight, the film knows how to make great use of quieter scenes without sacrificing sonic impact. Even in the quietest moments when Yi, Everest, and Peng are resting under the stars, there's plenty of natural-sounding outdoor woodland effects to soak in. As the shady government agency, people close in on them the sound of their vehicles adds to the distinct vertical placement while Everest's singing and the rumbles of engines and helicopter rotors give the mix a lively LFE presence. Levels are spot-on for this Atmos mix, if anything I had to turn the mix down a notch or two below my normal listening levels.
If your kids are ready for some cuddly creature-fueled adventure and fun - you're going to do well with Abominable. While the movie may be a bit familiar with similar plot beats to other kid-friendly adventure movies, this one uses those same ingredients and cooks up something visually beautiful with a lot of wit and heart.
Universal Pictures unleashes Abominable onto Blu-ray in a two-disc set sporting a terrific 1080p transfer and an active and dynamic Dolby Atmos audio mix to match. Bonus features are a solid assortment and the audio commentary is a terrific listen if you want to learn more about what goes into creating a film like this. Highly Recommended.
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