The Rescuers (2 Movie Collection / 35th Anniversary Edition) (Blu-ray + DVD Combo)

VIDEO:

It should be noted that both The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under movies are housed in one BD-50 disc, but neither film’s transfer is affected by the shared space.

The Rescuers (blu ray)(1977):

This 35th Anniversary Edition of The Rescuers arrived at blu ray with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p 1.66:1 encode. The Rescuers looks terrific - especially by film purist standards - and embraces its age rather than running away from it. The 1977 film's understated palette and reserved primaries haven't been tampered with (just restored). Blacks are dark and inky. The detail in the original animation is intact. Colours are a bit toned down, fitting the original design of the film. All those sketch lines and muted colours are the way it should look. This look carries its own merits, and should not be similarly compared to colour-pop-off-the screen movies, like the recently released Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. (3.5/5)

The Rescuers Down Under (blu ray)(1990):

The Rescuers Down Under also arrived at blu ray with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p 1.66:1 encode. It has a more modern style to it. The animation is certainly cleaner, clearer, and provides a bit more crisp pop to the image. Its colours are much more vivid too. Its animation style couldn't be more different from the original, but it works for what it is. The bright greens, blues, and yellows of the Outback wilderness pop. Blacks are resolute. The line art is crisply portrayed. (4/5)

AUDIO:

The Rescuers (blu ray):

The film's DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio lossless mix stays true to its origins, allowing the adventure to fill the entire soundfield without turning its back on its mono roots. Dialogue is clear and nicely grounded (for a 35-year-old animated catalog title that is). Disney has done a good job carrying the ambient sound to the rear channels though, offering some nice surround sound of a clamoring Rescue Aide Society meeting. There is some nice bass outburst as fireworks bang and Medusa's smoke-belching swamp-mobile rumbles to life. (3.5/5)

The Rescuers Down Under (blu ray):

This film’s DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio lossless track offers a little more oomph to it. That oomph can be felt as McLeach's Frankenstein poacher-mobile thunders across the desert. The surrounds are more engaged this time around and showcase all manner of ambient animal sounds to create a fulfilling ambience. Dialogue is always clear. (4/5)

CRITICISM:

I feel that Disney should put each movie in its own BD-50 disc.

As for DVD, these two movies are housed in each individual disc, but in the packaging, one disc is on top of the other. Is it that much more expensive to house each disc in its own flip-up case?

PRICE:

When this set was first announced, the price was $32.99, then went up to $34.99, then $35.99. Suddenly, it dropped to $29.97 (thank you), and that is the price I paid. Further, one should always watch for special deal. In this case, if you purchase the Pocahontas set together with this set, you have an additional $10 deducted. Not a bad deal. (This $10 off deal is still available now as of this writing)

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under are not Disney’s first tiered products and naturally did not get the Royal Treatment, like those in their Diamond releases. I am glad that these two movies finally make it to high definition, with pretty decent transfer. There is a lot of nostalgia watching these two films, which are quite enjoyable. This set is highly recommended.

I hope the above review is helpful to you.

Great Blu-ray upgrade for two of Disney's hidden gems.
Both of these movies were issued when Disney's stock had fallen quite considerably from its "Golden" Era.
They may not have the greatest animation but they are lovely movies for kids and adults alike.

Wonderful to keep watching with my grandkids. Well done, great songs and characters. Get the first one too! Disney is great family fi
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