The Sheep Detectives (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: MGM / Amazon Studios
Release Date: August 25, 2026
 Rating: PG
 Film: 4/5
  
 Plot
 In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who rads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime solvers.

My Thoughts
 My wife and I went into the film with somewhat tempered expectations. Ralph Potts had mentioned that he and his wife shut it off early, and quite honestly, after the first 20 minutes, I could see why. It starts out extremely slow—in fact, so slow that we almost bailed on it as well. Thankfully, we stuck with it, because once the story finds its stride, it becomes a genuinely charming and engaging whodunit.


The plot outlined above gives you the gist of the story and while Jackman is the headliner, it’s the voice cast of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Patrick Stewart, Brett Goldsten, and Rys Darby that steal the show. Their voice work really elevates the material from something the could come across as hokey and forced and give genuine personality to the sheep.


The movie is adapted from Leonie Swann’s novel “Three Bags Full,” and the Blu-ray does a great job of blending the live-action shots with the CG effects. The overall visuals are excellent, with inky blacks, crisp detail in clothing and faces, and the lush green countryside shines in 1080p.
 
 The Dolby Atmos track is surprisingly strong given the genre of the film. The bed channels are quite active, giving the soundstage is lively and very immersive with clear dialog. The showcase scene is when a thunderstorm rolls through the town and the LFE delivers a very satisfying punch and definitely gives you that “being there” feeling.

 Video 4.5/5
 Audio 4.5/5 (Dolby Atmos)
  
 Special Features:

• No bonus features

 

 

 Conclusion
 Despite its glacial first act, The Sheep Detectives ultimately won both of us over. It’s clever, warm, and far more entertaining than we expected after its tepid start. While the film is rated PG and is meant for family entertainment, these two grandparents enjoyed it on our own and if you’re willing to give it a little time to get going, it’s well worth the investment. The stellar audio and video are just icing on the cake. Highly recommended.  
 


 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
 (I utilized Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
 Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
 ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-990
 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
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[SRW1000]

Nice review, David. You had me a bit worried at first, but your feelings mesh with the word of mouth I'd heard about it.

Glad you both enjoyed it, and we're looking forward to it as well, and I'll keep the slow first act in mind.

[Paul Heroy]

Watched this a few months ago on streaming. It's the kind of movie my wife absolutely loves - silly/cute/animals - and like you I had some trepidation about it. Agreed about the slow start but that ultimately it was nicely done. 

[AVSBrian]

Thanks for the warning about the slow start. Good to know. 

Wonder if it will
Be available in 4k

[David Vaughn]

Watched this a few months ago on streaming. It's the kind of movie my wife absolutely loves - silly/cute/animals - and like you I had some trepidation about it. Agreed about the slow start but that ultimately it was nicely done.

Glad you enjoyed it as well. 

[David Vaughn]

Thanks for the warning about the slow start. Good to know.

Wonder if it will
Be available in 4k

4K production pipeline is very full, so if you don't get it in the queue, you'll be waiting a while. The only sure way to get a 4K release is if Craig Peer buys the Blu-ray

[SRW1000]

4K production pipeline is very full, so if you don't get it in the queue, you'll be waiting a while. The only sure way to get a 4K release is if Craig Peer buys the Blu-ray

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Thanks Dave. After your recommendation that we give it another go, we wound up enjoying it too. Nice review buddy..

Regards,

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Thanks Dave. After your recommendation that we give it another go, we wound up enjoying it too. Nice review buddy..

Regards,

Thanks for chiming in Ralph.