While the keyword focuses on video, the BluRay format includes lossless audio (DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD). The score by Éric Serra blends orchestral stabs with electronic beats. On a 1080p BluRay, the surround sound mix places you in the middle of the insect battles and chase sequences.
In the landscape of mid-2000s animated features, few franchises attempted the ambitious blend of live-action and CGI that Luc Besson’s Arthur series did. The sequel, Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (originally titled Arthur et la vengeance de Maltazard), arrived in 2009 as a thrilling bridge between the first film and the concluding two-part finale. For collectors and home cinema enthusiasts, the release of Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard 2009 1080p BluRay represents the gold standard of how this visually dense film should be experienced.
This article dives deep into the film’s narrative, its technical achievements, and why the 1080p BluRay format specifically outclasses standard streaming or DVD versions.
Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (released in some territories as Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard) is the second installment in the Arthur film trilogy directed by Luc Besson, continuing the hybrid live-action/CGI family-adventure that began with Arthur and the Invisibles (2006). Combining elements of fantasy, adventure, and comedy, the sequel expands the scale of the conflict between the human world and the miniature kingdom of the Minimoys while deepening themes of identity, courage, and the responsibilities of leadership.
Plot and structure
Characters and performances
Visual style and technical elements
Themes and tone
Audience and reception
Strengths and weaknesses
Conclusion Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard is a visually ambitious family fantasy that broadens the scope of its miniature universe and intensifies conflicts from the first film. While it may not fully satisfy viewers seeking deep character work or tightly woven narrative logic, it succeeds as a colorful, action-oriented middle chapter that delivers spectacle, clear moral themes, and an adventurous spirit geared toward younger audiences and fans of imaginative children’s cinema.
Related search suggestions:
The story of Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) is generally considered the weakest in the trilogy because it serves primarily as a bridge to the final film rather than a complete standalone narrative. Critics and audiences often describe the plot as feeling "half-finished" because it ends on a major cliffhanger, leading directly into the third movie, Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds Plot Summary
The story follows Arthur as he returns to the world of the Minimoys after receiving a distress call carved onto a grain of rice.
Arthur discovers that the SOS was actually a clever trap set by the villainous The Conflict:
Maltazard’s ultimate goal is to escape his miniature world and grow to human size to conquer the "big" world. The Ending:
The film concludes with Maltazard successfully entering the human world at full size, leaving Arthur trapped in his tiny Minimoy form. Is the Story "Good"?
Reception of the storytelling is mixed and often depends on how you view the trilogy as a whole: Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009)
Title: High-Definition Nostalgia and Franchise Fatigue: A Critical Analysis of Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009)
Abstract This paper examines Luc Besson’s 2009 film, Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (often titled Arthur 2: The Revenge of Maltazard in international markets), specifically analyzing the film through the lens of its high-definition BluRay presentation. While the film was a commercial success in European markets, it received mixed critical reception. This analysis explores the dichotomy between the film's technical prowess in 1080p resolution—which highlights the intricate CGI animation of the "Minimoy" world—and the narrative shortcomings that result from franchise expansion. By evaluating the visual fidelity of the BluRay transfer, the film’s pacing, and its place within Besson’s "cinéma du look" style, this paper argues that the film serves as a technical showpiece hampered by structural fragmentation. Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard 2009 1080p BluRay
1. Introduction Released in 2009, Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard is the second installment in Luc Besson’s fantasy franchise, following Arthur and the Invisibles (2006). The film continues the story of Arthur Montgomery, a young boy who shrinks to join the microscopic Minimoys in their battle against the tyrant Maltazard. Unique among the franchise, this film was released theatrically in some territories as a standalone sequel, while in others, it was combined with the third film (Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds) for a limited release.
Viewing the film via the 1080p BluRay medium offers a distinct advantage in appreciating the production design. Besson, known for his visual flair in films like The Fifth Element, utilizes a blend of live-action and CGI. The high-definition format exposes the seamlessness—and occasional limitations—of this hybridization, making the BluRay release the definitive way to assess the film’s artistic intent.
2. Visual Fidelity: The 1080p BluRay Presentation The primary merit of the 1080p BluRay release lies in its resolution of the film’s complex color palette. The film operates on two distinct visual planes: the warm, saturated, golden-hour hues of the live-action human world, and the hyper-saturated, fluorescent, bio-luminescent world of the Minimoys.
On standard definition (DVD), the rapid action sequences in the Minimoy world often suffered from compression artifacts and blurring. The 1080p transfer restores the sharpness of the CGI textures. The rendering of characters like Prince Siamour and the villain Maltazard showcases detailed texturing—from the cracks in Maltazard’s insectoid exoskeleton to the fabric weave of Arthur’s suit. The DTS-HD Master Audio track accompanying the video preserves the dynamic range of Eric Serra’s orchestral score, which is pivotal in maintaining the pacing of the film’s frantic set pieces. However, the high definition also inadvertently highlights the uncanny valley effect of the early-2000s
Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) is the second installment in director Luc Besson’s fantasy trilogy, blending live-action with 3D animation. This sequel picks up three years after the original, with a 13-year-old Arthur (Freddie Highmore) returning to his grandparents' house for the holidays. Narrative and Reception
The story follows Arthur as he receives a distress call on a grain of rice, leading him to believe the Minimoys are in danger. However, the call is a trap set by his nemesis, Maltazard, who plans to use Arthur to cross into the human world.
Critical reception was generally poor, particularly outside of France. Structure:
Critics frequently noted that the film feels like half a movie, ending on a major cliffhanger that leads directly into the third film, Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds Cast Changes:
Several high-profile voice actors were replaced for this installment; most notably, Selena Gomez took over for Madonna as Princess Selenia, and Lou Reed replaced David Bowie as Maltazard. Reviewers from Reel Film Reviews
found the narrative slow, with the first 45 minutes focused on live-action build-up before Arthur ever reaches the Minimoy world. Blu-ray Technical Specifications
The 1080p Blu-ray release aims to showcase the "state-of-the-art" CGI rendering by French house BUF. While visual quality is often praised for its colorful and bright animation, some critics found the lighting and character designs garish. Technical details listed on Blu-ray.com for international versions include: Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (DVD, 2009)
Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) is the second installment in Luc Besson's fantasy trilogy, blending live-action and state-of-the-art animation . For home cinema enthusiasts, the 1080p BluRay
release offers a high-definition way to experience the vibrant, colorful world of the Minimoys. Plot Overview
Arthur is eagerly awaiting the end of the tenth lunar cycle to reunite with Princess Selenia. However, his plans are derailed when his father decides to cut their vacation short. Just before leaving, a spider delivers a grain of rice with a distress signal carved into it. Convinced the Minimoys are in danger, Arthur journeys back to their hidden world, only to discover it may be a trap set by the villainous Maltazard. Technical Specifications (1080p BluRay)
The BluRay release is optimized for high-definition home theaters: Resolution: 1080p High Definition. Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Widescreen). Video Codec: MPEG-4 AVC with bitrates typically around 28.50 Mbps. Often features DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 in multiple languages, including English and French. Special Features:
Common inclusions are "Making Of" featurettes and interactive menus. Cast and Production
The film features a mix of live-action veterans and high-profile voice talent:
Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard: A 1080p BluRay Retrospective
When Luc Besson first introduced us to the world of the Minimoys, it was a breath of fresh air in the world of animated fantasy. By the time Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) hit shelves on 1080p BluRay, fans were eager to see how the director would bridge the gap between the whimsical origins of the first film and the epic conclusion of the trilogy. While the keyword focuses on video, the BluRay
If you’re considering adding this high-definition release to your collection, here is a deep dive into why this specific version remains the definitive way to experience Arthur’s second adventure. The Visual Leap: 1080p High Definition
The transition from DVD to 1080p BluRay was transformative for this film. Luc Besson’s vision relies heavily on the contrast between the live-action "human" world—set in a nostalgic, sun-drenched 1960s—and the vibrant, bioluminescent world of the Minimoys.
Color Depth: In 1080p, the Minimoys' underground kingdom pops with neon greens and deep purples that look muddy on lower-resolution formats.
Texture Detail: You can see the intricate "organic" textures of the characters' clothing and the individual strands of Arthur’s white, spiked hair.
Live-Action Clarity: The scenes featuring Freddie Highmore and Mia Farrow benefit from a filmic grain that feels cinematic rather than digital, preserving the intended aesthetic of the late 2000s. Plot Overview: The Stakes Rise
Picking up after the events of the first film, Arthur is eagerly awaiting the end of the tenth moon cycle so he can return to the land of the Minimoys and reunite with Princess Selenia. However, a cry for help written on a grain of rice—sent by a spider—propels Arthur into a rescue mission that feels more urgent and dangerous than his first outing.
The sequel focuses heavily on world-building, introducing us to "Paradise Alley" and a more urban side of the Minimoy world. While the film serves as the "middle chapter" (leading directly into Arthur 3: The War of the Two Worlds), its pacing is frantic and imaginative. The BluRay Audio Experience
A high-definition picture deserves high-fidelity sound. The 1080p BluRay release typically features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.
Immersive Soundscape: The surround sound is put to work during the flight sequences and the bustling city scenes in Paradise Alley.
Score: Eric Serra’s whimsical and adventurous score is given plenty of room to breathe, providing a grand orchestral backdrop that makes the tiny world feel massive. Why Collectors Still Seek the 2009 BluRay
Even with the advent of 4K streaming, physical media collectors often prefer the 2009 BluRay for a few key reasons:
Bitrate: Physical discs offer a higher bitrate than most streaming platforms, meaning less compression during fast-motion scenes.
Special Features: Most BluRay releases include "The Making of" featurettes and interviews with Luc Besson, offering a glimpse into the complex hybrid of live-action and CGI.
The "Cliffhanger" Factor: Since this film ends on a massive cliffhanger, having the physical copy often means you have the "complete set" alongside the third movie, ensuring a seamless transition during a marathon. Final Verdict
Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard is a visual feast that was ahead of its time in terms of CGI integration. If you are a fan of Luc Besson’s unique brand of European fantasy, watching it in 1080p BluRay is the only way to truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the character designs and the richness of the world-building.
Whether you’re a parent introducing the series to a new generation or a collector of 2000s animation, this disc remains a vibrant staple of high-definition home cinema.
The Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) 1080p BluRay is a notable release for fans of director Luc Besson's fantasy trilogy. While it faced a cold critical reception outside of France, the BluRay edition is often sought for its high-quality CGI rendering and vibrant color palette. Production & Cast Trivia
Recast Stars: Several high-profile voice actors from the first film were replaced. Selena Gomez took over the role of Princess Selenia from Madonna, and Lou Reed replaced David Bowie as the villainous Maltazard.
Hidden Filming Location: Although the story is set in a fictionalized version of Connecticut, the live-action segments were actually filmed on a massive 40,000-square-meter set built in Normandy, France. Characters and performances
Musical Misses: Despite featuring music icons like Snoop Dogg, will.i.am, and Fergie, critics noted missed opportunities for these artists to contribute original music, such as a rap scene for Snoop Dogg's character, Max. BluRay Details & Features
The 1080p BluRay provides a significant visual upgrade, showcasing the detailed digital rendering by the French house BUF.
Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) is the second film in Luc Besson's fantasy trilogy, blending live-action and state-of-the-art 3D animation. Following a successful French debut, the 1080p Blu-ray offers a high-definition experience of Arthur's journey back to the world of the Minimoys. The Film Catalogue Film Synopsis
The story picks up at the end of the tenth lunar cycle as Arthur prepares to reunite with Princess Selenia. His plans are interrupted when a spider delivers a grain of rice engraved with an S.O.S., signaling the Minimoys are in danger. Arthur rushes to the rescue, only to discover it was a trap set by his nemesis, the evil Maltazard, who seeks to cross over into the human world. 1080p Blu-ray Technical Specifications
The 1080p Blu-ray release provides superior visual clarity, highlighting the vibrant colors and detailed character designs of the animated sequences.
Released in 2009, Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard is the high-stakes sequel to Luc Besson's Arthur and the Minimoys. The story follows Arthur as he answers a cryptic distress call, returning to the world of the tiny Minimoys only to discover he has been lured into a trap by his nemesis, the evil Maltazard. Movie Highlights
Voice Talent & Cast: The film features a star-studded cast including Freddie Highmore as Arthur and Mia Farrow as Granny. The animated characters are voiced by iconic figures like Selena Gomez (Princess Selenia), Snoop Dogg, will.i.am, and Jimmy Fallon.
Visual Spectacle: Fans on IMDb praise the "top-notch" animation and creativity, noting it is a visually stunning experience when viewed as part of the original trilogy.
High-Stakes Plot: Arthur must save his own world from a now-giant Maltazard after the villain successfully reverses the magic of transformation. Blu-Ray Technical Specifications
The 1080p Blu-Ray version offers a significant visual upgrade for home theater enthusiasts:
This report provides a technical and critical breakdown of the 2009 film Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard on 1080p Blu-ray. Blu-ray Technical Specifications Resolution: 1080p High Definition. Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen (theatrical ratio).
Video Codec: Varied by region (e.g., VC-1 at 22.52 Mbps or MPEG-4 AVC at 28.50 Mbps). Audio: Typically features English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.
Visual Quality: Reviewers from Le Cinema Paradiso highlight "stunning" sharpness and "gorgeous" color saturation in both animation and live-action. Film Overview
Arthur (Freddie Highmore) is counting down the minutes. After ten moons have passed, the portal to the Minimoys’ world is finally set to reopen. He’s itching to reunite with Princess Selenia and the tiny friends who helped him save his grandfather’s farm. But just as he’s about to make his move, a cry for help arrives on a tiny grain of rice: S.O.S.
In Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009), the stakes shift from saving a home to surviving an ambush.
Directed by Luc Besson, this sequel doubles down on the hybrid visual style that defined the first film—blending live-action French countryside vibes with vibrant, high-octane 3D animation. Seeing this in 1080p BluRay is arguably the only way to do it justice. The jump to high definition brings out the microscopic textures of the Minimoy world, from the velvet sheen of Selenia’s wings to the gritty, insect-inspired architecture of the "Paradise Alley" club.
As Arthur navigates his way back down to his miniature size, he discovers the "S.O.S." wasn't quite what it seemed. The plot takes a darker turn as we realize Maltazard (voiced by Lou Reed) has evolved. He’s no longer just a shadowy boogeyman; he’s a calculating villain with a plan to cross over into the human world.
The film serves as the middle chapter of a trilogy, which means it trades the self-contained closure of the first movie for a high-speed chase and a massive cliffhanger. While the live-action sequences with Arthur’s eccentric parents provide comic relief, the real meat of the story lies in the neon-lit, underground world where Arthur must outsmart Maltazard’s son, Darkos, and figure out how to stop "Evil M" before he reaches full size.
If you're watching the BluRay cut, keep an eye on the fluidity of the animation. In 1080p, the scale feels much more immersive—you can see every blade of grass towering like a skyscraper, making the "Revenge" feel like a genuine epic on a tiny scale.