Detective Pikachu (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner       
Release Date: August 6, 2019
Rating: PG
Film: 3.5/5

Plot
When detective Harry Goodman goes missing, his son Tim (Justice Smith) and Harry’s former Pokémon partner Detective Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) join forces to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together on an epic adventure through Ryme City, they uncover a shocking plot that could destroy the whole Pokémon universe.

My Thoughts
My kids were huge Pokémon collectors as kids and always looked forward to the new games that would come out on their portable Nintendo game systems, so I had a basic understanding of the universe before sitting down for this one. For the most part, they do a good job of explaining each of the Pokémon characters and what they do, so even someone with little to no exposure can understand what’s going on.

As a film, it doesn’t break any new ground but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s an enjoyable way to spend nearly two hours, the characters are likeable, and yes, Ryan Reynolds is hilarious as the voice of Pikachu. Granted, I kept picturing Deadpool in my mind every time he spoke, but it never ventures out of its PG rating.

The UHD presentation is quite good with great shadow detail and bright images that leap off the screen. Furthermore, there’s some good use of HDR when scenes take advantage of sunlight coming through windows. The Dolby Atmos track is active throughout with well placed discrete effects taking advantage of all of the speakers. The LFE could have packed a tad more punch, but I say that about most every film!

Video 9/10

Audio 9/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• Detective Mode
• Alternate Opening
• My Pokémon Adventure
• Creating the World of Detective Pikachu: Welcome to Ryme City
• Creating the World of Detective Pikachu: Uncovering the Magic
• Creating the World of Detective Pikachu: Action
• Creating the World of Detective Pikachu: Colorful Characters
• Creating the World of Detective Pikachu: Bringing Pokémon to Life
• Mr. Mime’s Audio Commentary
• Ryan Reynolds – Outside the Actor’s Studio
• “Carry On” by Rito Ora and Kygo Music Video
• Blu-ray+ Digital Copy

Conclusion

Low expectations helped me out on this one and I actually enjoyed it mainly due to Reynold’s voice work and likeable leads. The presentation on UHD is excellent and that alone makes it worth a look, especially if you’re 4K enabled.