The Secret Garden (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Universal   
 Release Date: October 6, 2020
Rating:  PG
Film:  2/5
 
 Plot
 Set in England during a new time period in 1947, the film follows a young orphan girl who, after being sent to live with her uncle, discovers a magical garden on the grounds of his estate. This is a new take on the beloved classic novel of the same name written by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
 
 My Thoughts
 I vaguely remember reading this book as a kid and had fond memories of it so I sat down to watch this film hoping to be entertained for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Its biggest issue is the pacing, which is poisonously slow throughout the first two acts and by the time you reach the conclusion, the film has worn out its welcome. The book is considered a classic, so it wasn’t the material that was an issue, the execution was just lacking.
 
As much as I loathed the film, the presentation is excellent and features a bold and inviting color palette that comes alive in 1080p (4K would have been even better!). The audio track utilizes directional cues to good effect as well.

  
 Video 5/5 
 
 Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
 Special Features:
 
·        Characters
·        Concept to Reality
·        Page to Screen
·        Official Trailer
·        Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy
 

 
 

 Conclusion
 To say I was disappointed in this would be an understatement. On multiple occasions I felt like turning it off, but I held out hope it would get better. Sadly, that didn’t happen until very late in the film and by that time any goodwill I had for the production had long vanished. The A/V presentation is excellent and maybe kids will enjoy it more than the adults, but my wife and I felt like 100 minutes of our lives have been stolen.      

 
 Reference Review System:
  
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor 
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player 
 System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 JL Audio Fathom F110 Subwoofers x 2 (stacked)
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Thanks Dave. I liked it more than you did but, I have never read the book.


Regards,