Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm features everyone’s favorite rascals, the Aqua Teens: the brainy Frylock, the mouthy Master Shake, the loveable Meatwad, and everyone’s favorite perverted neighbor, Carl, as they split up then get back together to fight everyone’s favorite corporate overlord, Amazin, led by everyone’s favorite tech mogul, Neil and his trusty scientist sidekick, Elmer.
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Video Quality
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm comes to 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a 2160p transfer that is the best we have ever seen the characters look, even if the disc does lack the traditional HDR of the format. This disc provides some slight improvements over the Blu-Ray in areas including a bit more crispness and the elimination of any digital anomalies. Despite the lack of HDR, the color spectrum on display is a wonder with the bright palette popping off the screen. These vivid colors are fully saturated, and the transfer balances the shift between these different environments effortlessly with its command of contrast.
The disc provides stronger black levels for a cleaner viewing experience free of black crush, along with steady highlights that never veer into blooming. This disc displays a healthy command over keeping everything tight and flowing naturally. The animation style consists of harsh lines and distinct edges which is represented well here with terrific line detail and more distinct shading, which gives the characters greater definition. This presentation handles the precise gradients of the artwork in a way that is just excellent without a hint of banding. The 4K UHD Blu-Ray is the way to experience this movie if you are capable.
Audio Quality
This release features a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that is surprisingly robust for this rollicking adventure. One of the key aspects of this franchise is its use of music which comes through with a flawless fidelity as it sets the tone for the insanity to come. Dialogue is typically accompanied by all manner of sound effects, but all of the information comes through with absolute precision so every element is given a chance to shine. The track engages all of the channels with exciting panning effects and sounds of explosions that transports you into the fray. There is a sizable amount of activity in the low-end which will give your subwoofer some life. The few calm moments hold up just as admirably, as the varied environments hold a lot of sonic complexity to appreciate. There are no obvious sync issues or other anomalies present to ruin the experience. Warner Bros. has delivered a rock solid track all around.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: A chaotic commentary track featuring co-writer/co-director Dave Willis, key voice actors Carey Means and Dana Snyder, lead editor/producer Dave Hastings, and a deep array of additional producers and editors who provide some entertaining insights into the creative process while also just having a fun time with one another. Anyone who has listened to the commentary tracks on the original series DVD set should be prepared for what this offers.
- Aqua Teen Is Back: A seven-minute featurette with Matt Maiellaro, Dave Willis, executive producer Craig Hartin, and several cast members in which they discuss the origins of this film, the evolution of the style, where the characters are in this story and more.
- Deleted Scene: This disc provides 22 unused moments totaling four-and-a-half minutes of fully animated moments that are a great time for fans.
- Animatic with Full TextBot Script: An 81-minute version of the film in unfinished animatic form is provided here.
- El Walko In SloMotiono: A three-minute music video is provided for the Run The Jewels track.
Final Thoughts
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm delivers pretty much what you would expect from the long-running franchise in its second feature-length outing – and that is perfectly fine with us. This series has always been one that has consistently delivered outlandish, hilarious humor, and this movie provides that in spades. It is admittedly a bit padded even with its short runtime, but established fans are going to have great time spending time with these characters again. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a really great A/V presentation and a few fun special features. The humor will not be for everyone, but those who love the Aqua Teens should buy with confidence. Recommended
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm is currently available on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.