Based on the celebrated video game franchise, Ratchet & Clank follows two accidental heroes who join forces to save the universe. Ratchet is a “lombax” with big dreams of joining the elite fighting team, the Galactic Rangers. Clank is a spunky robot who discovers that the evil alien Chairman Drek has a weapon that can destroy whole planets in a moment’s notice. The two misfits must use their wits to help the Rangers save the day in this thrilling and funny adventure featuring the voices of Paul Giamatti (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), John Goodman (Monsters, Inc.), Bella Thorne (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day), Rosario Dawson (The Lego Batman Movie), and Sylvester Stallone (Creed). The stellar voice cast is rounded out by the game’s original performers including James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye, Jim Ward, and Armin Shimerman, reprising their respective video game roles of Ratchet, Clank, Captain Qwark, and Dr. Nefarious.
Being a fan of the long running Playstation game franchise I'm happy to report this animated movie is enjoyable for all ages and for someone like myself it was a treat. There are callbacks to the games, some fun and surprising characters return for brief moments. The animation is smooth and visually more appealing than most recent animated blockbusters. Some playful voice acting from John Goodman, Paul Giamatti, Rosario Dawson and James Arnold Taylor adds the to the charm. 8.5/10
Ratchet & Clank arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Wow! Color saturation and variety is striking. Detailing in textures and hairs look almost touchable through the screen. Black levels were inky deep. There are no problems to speak of past a moment of banding that can't take away from this stunning presentation. 9.5/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue reproduction was flawless and voices were prioritized to the center channel. Where this track stands out is in the LFE performance, bass was deep and there are some shake the room moments to experience. Surrounds are used to create a brilliant sense of atmosphere. The mix is beautifully balanced letting the score, atmospherics, dialogue and rich bass work in tandem. No pops, cracks or hissing to worry about here. 10/10
* Ratchet & Clank: A Hero’s Journey (HD, 07:32) - Cast and Crew discuss what a hero means to them and how Ratchet and Clank both measure up. Featuring interviews with director Kevin Munroe and stars James Arnold Taylor and Bella Thorne.
* Ratchet & Clank: Leveling Up (HD, 04:21) - Cast and Crew talk about adapting a video game to film and the legacy of Ratchet & Clank. Featuring interviews with director Kevin Munroe and stars James Arnold Taylor and Bella Thorne.