Imaginerding: Disney books, history, links and more!: Blu-ray Review

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Monday, March 19, 2012

The Muppets Blu-ray Review

The Muppets (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy + Soundtrack Download Card)

This is the movie that most Muppet fans have been waiting for and this is the Blu-ray title that my family has been waiting for since November 2011.

Growing up in the 1970s, I won't bore you with my love of the Muppet Show, the films or how Waldorf and Statler completely focused my adult sense of humor. But I will tell you how much I loved this movie. A lot!

The presentation and sound on Blu-ray was fantastic. The special features were well done and appropriate for a Muppet movie.

Here are the details on the extras:

The Longest Blooper Reel Ever Made (In Muppet History––We Think) - A laugh out loud look at the actors’ funny gaffs and gags from behind the scenes of making Disney’s “The Muppets.”
Disney Intermission - Groundbreaking Blu-ray feature. Pausing a movie will never be this much fun, as the Muppets take over the screen every time you stop the disc!
Scratching The Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of Disney’s “The Muppets.” Hosted by unit production manager monster J.G., the cast and crew take a behind the scenes look at making Muppet and movie history.
Explaining Evil: The Full Tex Richman Song. Rapping his way through the story of his miserable life, Tex tells audiences why he turned out to be such a rotten guy.
A Little Screen Test on the way to the Read Through. This hilarious footage follows the Muppet gang as they go to their first table reading of the script.
Eight Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary with Jason Segel, James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller 3
The Combo Pack also comes with the popular theatrical spoof trailers
The Complete Soundtrack

By far, the best part of the Blu-ray beside the film is the Disney Intermission. Press pause at any point in the film and watch the Muppets take over the television with their antics and glimpses of the special features. The first time we paused the film, I was amazed. Probably one of the best ideas ever put forth for a home theater experience. Especially if someone in the family is gone for a few minutes.

It was great to see the Muppets on the big screen and to be able to spend some great family time with them on Blu-ray. Don't forget, if you buy the Wokka, Wokka, Wokka pack you get the soundtrack as a digital download. Then you can sing "Man or a Muppet" all of the time!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Lady and the Tramp Blu-ray Review

Lady and the Tramp (Diamond Edition Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)

Fifty-seven years after its initial release, Lady and the Tramp makes it to Blu-ray as part of the Diamond Edition series. Most people have seen this classic Disney film during its previous theatrical, VHS and DVD releases, so you might wonder if the Blu-ray edition is worth it.

Extras on the Diamond Edition Blu-Ray

Surprisingly (or not based on recent releases), there have not been a lot of stunning extras on the Blu-ray releases. With this version of Lady and the Tramp, there are just a few new extras:

Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
Audio Commentary: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
Never Recorded Song: “I’m Free as the Breeze”

Sadly, if you don't own an iPad, then you can't take advantage of one of the biggest extras on the Blu-ray: Disney Second Screen. The Second Screen is an app that you run on your iPad that syncs with the film and offers behind-the-scenes information, concept art and sketches. Diane Disney Miller's segment about her father is charming. The never-before-seen segments were written so far before the film was actually in production that they are interesting historical pieces but don't add as much as I would like.

DVD Extras on the Diamond Blu-ray Edition
As with previous Blu-ray releases, Disney has included the segments from the prior DVD release in 2007 (which went into moratorium in 2007).

Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp
Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard
Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film
PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
“The Siamese Cat Song,” Finding a Voice for the Cats
“Bella Notte” Music Video
Trailers
Excerpts from “Disneyland” TV Shows

As with the other blu-ray releases of Disney animated films, the transfer to blu-ray is spectacular and worth the price. The sound is great and the animation is lush and vivid. Even if you own the DVD release from 2006, this is a great chance to own a hi-definition version of the film.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Rocketeer on Blu-ray, a Review

The Rocketeer. 1991. PG

It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since The Rocketeer exploded across theater screens. Disney had high hopes that a franchise would ensue, but the box office wasn't enough to spur further development. A shame, really, because The Rocketeer would fit perfectly into today's Marvel Universe, even though there is no direct relation.

When we sat down to watch the film, I was surprised that my enthusiasm didn't transfer to my youngest child. He is a major superhero fanatic and I assumed that he would be spellbound. I mentioned that the same guy who made the Captain America movie also made The Rocketeer (Joe Johnston) but he was still reticent. So, I used my parental powers to tell him that he had to watch it for the first 15 minutes or he couldn't play his video game. It barely took ten minutes to get him hooked. Suffice it to say, he was fashioning his own back pack-style jetpack and vaulting from couch to couch after the film. Here is his mini-review:

The Rocketeer was a good movie. I thought it would be bad, but it was actually great. I thought it was going to be bad because Rocketeer sounds like Mouseketeer with a rocket pack. My favorite parts were when the dude flew with the rocket pack.

The Rocketeer was one of the last, big blockbusters from the pre-computer graphics era. It holds up surprisingly well and looks fantastic on Blu-ray. The image is crisp and the sound is crystal clear. I was expecting the kids to laugh at the non-digital special effects, but the physical stunts and effects were so well done, that it came across rather seamless and better than I remembered. There were only a few times when a flying scene looked matted.

Although it is purported as being the 20th Anniversary Edition, there is nothing special outside of the film, itself. There are no featurettes and no making of specials. The only extra is the 1991 theatrical trailer and it looks like it was recorded on a VHS camcorder while in the theater.

This is a definite buy. Considering that most previous releases were panned for being muddy, this is your opportunity to own a great copy of an extremely underrated and exciting film.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Disney's Cars 2 Blu-ray Review

Cars 2 debuts on Blu-ray just in time for the holiday season. Does it fare better on the home theater front than it did in its theatrical release?

Cars 2 (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)

Cars 2 was the critics' whipping boy during its initial theatrical release. We saw it in the theater and enjoyed it, but the film couldn't hold a candle to Thor and Captain America for our family. Cars 2 has a lot of action and is a stunningly gorgeous film, but it seemed as formulaic as any fish-out-of-water story that we had seen before.

When we received our review copy, everyone was excited to watch it. The film was beautiful in the theaters, but seeing it in hi-definition with the blu-ray edition was even more dazzling. By far, the most enchanting parts of the film were the night races in Tokyo.

With a second film in a franchise, the filmmakers are able to let the characters stretch and put them in different situations. Mater really steps up and is the central character, yet it is just gag after gag about his lack of intelligence. The first Cars film was about Lightning McQueen discovering himself. Cars 2 is about McQueen discovering that he is alright with who Mater is.

My major gripe was the violence perpetrated on a few of the characters. We are introduced to a world where cars, boats and planes are living with human characteristics. One character is crushed by a compactor and another one is tortured. It was fairly off-putting to me, but my kids didn't seem to notice. I guess that is what they call desensitization.

Cars 2 is an action film, though and through. Boys are going to love it; spies, chases, explosions and humor round out most of the film. Although, I hear that the Good Ole Boy Network is contacting a lawyer about a defamation suit, or something. Apparently, Mater is not the best image of a Southern person.

It is still puzzling that Disney doesn't seem to offer a standard package with Blu-ray releases. The only extras included are the two short films and the director's commentary. With an initial release, there is probably no need to add anything extra, since the film should sell itself. I hope we have some good documentaries for the 45th Platinum, Smell-O-Vision version. "Hawaiian Vacation" was just as charming as it was in the theaters. The Pixar short film is still a fantastic medium. "Air Mater" was a typical Cars Toon short that follows a day in the life of Mater and the incredible adventure he falls into. As expected, it was a direct tie into the upcoming direct-to-video Planes film. There is some self-deprecating humor at the end of the short, though. My eight year-old has watch "Air Mater" countless times. Not sure what that means...

After viewing the movie on blu-ray, it is definitely one that I am glad to own and that will get repeated viewings in our household. It is obvious that Pixar is able to create gorgeous worlds and they are still the masters of digital animation. It is a compelling story; I just appreciate Pixar more when they are producing more original content and not working on sequels.

Friday, October 21, 2011

On Stranger Tide, A Pirates Review

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides returns to the roots of the series, so to speak. I have enjoyed the series but found the middle two films a little muddy and reaching. On Stranger Tides returns to the formula familiar from the Curse of the Black Pearl. Captain Jack Sparrow still takes center stage and we have a few returning favorites.

This ain't your daddy's little mermaid!

Captain Jack is dragged into a quest for a mystical object that he has no real need or interest. Of course, this leads you to question his motives during the entire movie. The filmmakers introduce some new characters, including a feisty female pirate, mermaids and...

...Blackbeard, otherwise known as Edward Teach!

On Stranger Tides explores the mythos of Blackbeard and places him central to the story. It was a nice touch to see how frightened all of the pirates and sailors were of Blackbeard; especially having visited some of Blackbeard's haunts on the Crystal Coast. I loved the depiction of the Queen Anne's Revenge, as well.

In typical Pirates fashion, the film is full of intrigue, fantastic vistas, amazing stunts and witty repartee. Some might bemoan a fourth Pirates film, but it allows tremendous character development and opportunities for the characters to do what they do so well: be themselves! Even if you didn't enjoy the middle films, On Stranger Tides can be viewed without seeing Dead Man's Chest and At World's End.

As an oddity, another item that seems to be hit or miss with Disney Blu-ray releases concerns the addition of bonus features. With the two-disc Blu-ray combo, there are two short featurettes that are throwaways at best. A movie with such a brilliant cast and amazing technical features would benefit with some behind-the-scenes video. Of course, this is a Pirates film and, for the most part, it is like printing money for the Company.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment provided a review copy of this film.

If you want to read a fantastic book about pirates, check out the Raiders of Castillo del Mar, an ebook written by Shane Lindsey (of Parkeology fame) and his brother Tristan.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Disney's Lion King and African Cats: a Perfect Combination

Disney offers two stunning releases that are perfect together. The Lion King and African Cats share more than just a geography—they are compelling stories about family and survival.

Everyone knows The Lion King. The most successful 2d animated film off all time needs little introduction. Considered to be the epoch of Disney's second golden age of animation, The Lion King has everything that an animated film needs to be succesful: an engaging story, fantastic songs and a great cast of voice actors. Unfortunately, it seemed as if Disney animation only went down from there. Regardless, The Lion King still shines and it is easy to marvel at the beauty of the animation on blu-ray.

As expected, Disney has included some great bonus features. The two that were the most intriguing were about the creation and the enduring appeal of the film. Don Hahn's mini-documentary reminded me a lot of the work he did on Waking Sleeping Beauty. Both features are worth spending time with.

Pride Of The Lion King – Nearly two decades after it began, The Lion King’s legacy lives on through its award-winning music, beloved characters and one of the most successful Broadway stage productions of all time. Take a look back and hear personal stories from the producers, directors, stars Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, and more.
The Lion King: A Memoir – Producer Don Hahn visits with the animators for an intimate look at the creation of this beloved and classic film.

The majesty and beauty of Disneynature African Cats is hard to translate to the written word. From the first scene, you are swept on a journey through some of the most beautiful lands in the world. Seeing the African landscape with intense, swirling clouds and savannas that drift forever in high-definition is breath taking.

African Cats tells the stories of two families as they follow migrating herds and try to survive. Sita is a cheetah with five, newborn cubs. We follow her family as she struggles to protect her cubs and teach them to be self-sufficient. The filmmakers frame the story of Sita and her cubs as one of a single mother raising her children without any outside help. When we first meet the cubs, it is an overdose of cute. They play and Sita patiently watches the savanna. It isn't long before danger starts to creep in and Sita has to abandon the cubs in order to protect them.

One of the differences of the Disneynature series is that the films don't shirk the violence of the natural world. They hint at it and never shows any gratuitous shots. I had some trepidation about watching a film about carnivores but the hunting and kills were all handled tastefully.

The river pride, led by Fang, lives in the same preserve as Sita but shows a completely different lifestyle. The pride is led by a lion with multiple lionesses and cubs. The lionesses hunt and take care of the cubs. Apparently, the only job of the lion is to protect the pride and eat what the lionesses hunt. The pride has a more social dynamic and offers its member more protection. There are still moments when the pride is in danger, but it is obvious that the lions are at the top of the food chain. We learn a lot about the social structure of lions and it is obvious that they have to live together in order to survive.

Both films tie into each other well and help support theories of conservation, family and survival. Together, they make a fun double feature.

Both films were provided as review copies.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Dumbo on Blu-ray: the Extras and Special Features

It can be difficult to review a cherished and well-loved film. What else could I say that wouldn't rehash what so many other writers have done so well? Regardless, the opportunity to own a hi-definition copy of Dumbo is hard to pass up; even if you bought it on videotape and DVD.

Dumbo, a film that has entered the lexicon on so many experience levels, has received the Blu-ray treatment in time for the 70th anniversary of its release (1941). Besides the stunning visuals and sound, this is the same movie that is synonymous with Disney and family entertainment. Allow me to skip any pretense of reviewing the film and look at the bonus features.

After the disappointing release of the Fox and the Hound (with the meddling midquel) that lacked any special features, I am glad to see Disney offer some enthusiastic extras. Disney has included a deleted scene and a deleted song which are introduced by Don Hahn. Don provides some great historical acumen on the pieces and it is easy to see why they were not included in the film. After seeing both scenes, it isn't hard to see how a slightly different Dumbo could have come forth.

Here is the rundown of what is on the Dumbo Blu-ray combo:

Bonus Features:
DVD:

Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale”
Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”
Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo – A journey back to the origins of the film as everybody‘s favorite baby elephant takes wing.
The Magic Of Dumbo: A Ride of Passage – Witness the excitement and magic of Disneyland‘s most popular ride through the eyes of a child.
Audio Commentary with Pete Docter, Paula Sigman and Andreas Deja
Sound Design Excerpt from The Reluctant Dragon
Original Walt Disney Television Introduction

Blu-ray:
Everything on the DVD plus:

Cine-Explore
Disney View
“What Do You See?” Game
“What Do You Know?” Game
“Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette
Animated Short: “The Flying Mouse”
Animated Short: “Elmer Elephant”
Movie Download (Standard Definition & High Definition Versions)
Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale”
Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”
“Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette

What I loved about the Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo featurette was that so many of the bloggers that I read (and feature on the Geek-End Update) were asked to speak about the film. Didier Ghez from Disney History and Paul F. Anderson from the Disney History Institute were just two of the familiar faces. Historian Paul Sigman offers insight as does animator Andreas Deja. It is really a great introduction to the Studio during the late 1930s through the premier of the film.

As I have intoned with most of my other Blu-ray reviews: seeing the film in hi-definition with fantastic audio is worth purchasing the film again.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Disney Blu-ray Review: Fox and the Hound

The Fox and the Hound / The Fox and the Hound Two (Three-Disc 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)

This is an interesting release for the Walt Disney Company. It is the first time that the Fox and the Hound and the Fox and the Hound II have been released on Blu-ray. It also appears as if the only reason the Blu-ray is being released is to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Fox and the Hound, which debuted summer of 1981. The sequel was released in 2006 and was nearing the end of the Company's plans to bulk up their coffers by releasing mediocre direct-to-video (dvd) sequels, prequels and mid-quels.

The only reason to buy this set is to watch the Fox and the Hound on Blu-ray. There is one featurette and it is a gimmicky look at how animals of different species can be friends. You would hope that Disney would have released a treasure trove of documentaries and behind-the-scenes information, since this was one of the most popular animated films done between the Jungle Book and the Little Mermaid. Alas, the only reason to buy the Blu-ray is to secure a hi-definition copy of the Fox and the Hound.

The Fox and the Hound was the film that acted as a watershed between Disney's Nine Old Men and the next generation of Disney animators. This film was a proving ground for many of today's animating legends: Glen Keane, John Musker, Ron Clements and Don Bluth. This was the film that saw Bluth's defection to create his own studio and with him went a large number of experienced animators.

The Fox and the Hound II is a midquel, a film that takes place in the middle of the Fox and the Hound. The animation has that sharpness of modern animation, that sets it apart from its predecessor. It also neglected to catch the attention of anyone in my family, outside of my seven year-old. He claimed that the movie was fantastic while the rest of us gave up on it.

So, for the third time: the only reason to buy this Blu-ray is to have the Fox and the Hound in this pristine, digital state.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Blu-ray Review: Mars Needs Moms

Mars Needs Moms (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo). 2011

This film was routinely slammed by critics during its initial release. Due to the reviews, we decided to pass on the film in the theaters and wait for the home theater experience. When our review copy came in, I wasn't sure if I wanted to sit down and watch it. My youngest was pretty excited about it, so we all sat down to watch it.

Surprisingly, it was a fairly charming film about families, love and respecting each other. The film was produced by Robert Zemeckis, who also did Disney's A Christmas Carol (read my review, here). Both films are computer animated but were originally filmed using full motion capture technology. Zemeckis has always championed this as the future of animation, since any actor can portray a part and a digital image can be placed over the actor. Due to the lackluster response, it looks like this technique might not continue. There is a marked improvement between the two films, as far as the animation is concerned. The characters in Mars Needs Moms were not as lifeless as previous Mo-Cap films.

It is obvious that the film is geared towards a younger audience. The plot and characters are fairly oversimplified and the message is heavy-handed. Kids will enjoy the suspense and humor while parents will enjoy some quality time with their kids. It is also a film that you won't mind watching repeatedly.

This Fall, families will not want to miss the chance to own MARS NEEDS MOMS, the story of a young boy‘s intergalactic adventure to find his Martian-nabbed mother as it arrives into living rooms across the country in a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with 3D, DVD, Movie Download and On-Demand August 9, 2011. From Disney and Academy Award®-winner Robert Zemeckis (Best Director, Forrest Gump, 1994), comes the craziest adventure in the galaxy— complete with out-of this world special effects and jam packed with bonus features, it‘s a thrilling journey that‘s pure fun.

Film Synopsis:
Take out the trash, eat your broccoli — who needs moms anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she's nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. In a race against time and oxygen, his quest to save her knows no bounds. And with some unexpected help, Milo just might find his way back to her — in more ways than one.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Blu-ray Review: Gnomeo and Juliet

Gnomeo and Juliet (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo)

Our review copy of this film showed up while I was at the Destination D event at Walt Disney World in May. Apparently, my wife and youngest son watched the film four times that weekend. I finally got the chance to watch it and I have to admit that it was very enjoyable. And the songs will stick in your head forever!

I asked my wife to review this title since she is obviously more familiar with it!

I have to say that I started watching this with the assumption I was going to think it was ridiculous. I was pleasantly surprised when I found it creative and charming.

Being an Elton John fan would enhance your experience as well. The Gnome-specific lyric modifications to his songs are perfect and I can’t even imagine how they came up with the word pesticide in one of the lyrics. This is a very family-friendly and unique take on the Shakespeare Original. My 7-year old danced all over when he saw it the first time, second time, third time…100^th time. I have to admit that I have even watched it 4 times and enjoyed it each and every time.

Be on the lookout for a “cheeky” gnome and listen carefully for a famous wrestler on the “Terraferminator” segment. Juliet’s Best Friend, a frog named Nanette, and the Flamingo could easily be the most memorable characters. Blatant homage to The Tiki Room music is well placed and unexpected. Just be on the lookout for all the tiny nuances and references, watch it several times and catch them all.

One additional note, I normally find the special features on movies irritating but the special features for Gnomeo and Juliet are really interesting as they dissect the involvement of Elton John during production and the original songs that he and Bernie developed for the film.

Bonus Features:

DVD & Movie Download:

• Elton Builds a Garden

• Frog Talk with Ashley Jensen

• “Crocodile Rock” Music Video, featuring Elton John and Nelly Furtado

Blu-ray:

• DVD Bonus plus:

• 2 Alternate Endings with Filmmaker Introductions

• Deleted & Alternate Scenes with Filmmaker Introductions, including:

o 1 Alternate Opening

o 1 Alternate Scene

o 6 Deleted Scenes

• The Fawn of Darkness, featuring Ozzy Osbourne

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Blu-ray Review: The Incredibles

The 2004 release of The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar-animated film.I say this without a moment of hesitation, even after seeing Pixar's more recent releases Wall-E and Ratatouille. The superhero mythos tied to the 60s-era ideal of the family unit is spellbinding and always draws me in, whether the kids pop in the DVD or it is being shown on the ABC Family channel. This is one of the first non-Studio Ghibli releases that I was truly excited to see on Blu-ray.

It is time to stand up and recite the Imaginerding Blu-ray mantra: Blu-ray and animation are a perfect match. My sentiment over Disney's recent spate of Blu-ray releases is that you need to own the high-definition version and this film is no different. The visuals and sound are stunning and unmatched outside of the theatrical viewing experience. And yes, the film score is pretty spectacular, as well. It always reminded me of some of those wonderful 60s-era spy movies.

As Jeff Pepper at 2719 Hyperion notes, the extras are quite surprising compared to the recent release of Tangled. For The Incredibles, Disney has included a second Blu-ray to hold the majority of the bonus features.

Let's take a look at the BONUS FEATURES:

Blu-ray: Includes The Following All-New Bonus Features Plus All The Classic DVD Features:

The Incredibles Revisited – A roundtable discussion with Writer/Director Brad Bird, Producer John Walker, Story Supervisor Mark Andrews, Supervising Technical Director Rick Sayre, Production Designer Lou Romano, Character Designer Teddy Newton, and Supervising Animator Tony Fucile.
Paths To Pixar: Story Artists – Continuing the popular bonus feature series that viewers have seen on many other Disney•Pixar releases, this exciting new feature showcases multiple Pixar story artists giving viewers exciting insight into their work, their inspiration and the personal paths that eventually led them to a career at Pixar.
Studio Stories: Gary’s Birthday – Trying to make a movie when there are not enough work days and too many birthday parties? This feature showcases how The Incredibles crew solved that problem.
Ending With A Bang: Making The End Credits – Interview with Director of Photography Andy Jimenez and Character Designer Teddy Newton about the process of creating the end credits for the film.
“The New Nomanisan” Island Redevelopment Plan – A guided tour of Nomanisan Island, post-Syndrome, pitching the island as a vacation resort paradise.
Classic DVD Features
The original short film Jack-Jack Attack
Pixar’s Academy Award®-nominated short film Boundin’ (2003 Best Animated Short)

So, do yourself a favor and pick up this ~~fantastic~~ Incredible family film that is full of action, comedy and a great musical score.

That's Tron. He fights for the Users.

Decidedly, the 1982 Tron: The Original Classic was groundbreaking in its original release. Viewing it almost 30 years later and paired with the eye-popping Tron: Legacy, it is still a stand-out film on so many different levels. Surprisingly, Disney has done a very limited release of Tron, previously, and didn't choose to release the film prior to last years Tron: Legacy theatrical release. We had purchased the DVD during the latter half of the previous decade when Disney released it on disc to celebrate its 20 year anniversary. We actually found the last copy at the store. I can only imagine that the response to Tron: Legacy would have been greater if more people had been able to see the original Tron.

With the excitement of Tron: Legacy fresh, we popped our review copy Tron: The Original Classic into the Blu-ray player and the boys were fairly excited to see this older film. The film has held up very well and seemed to progress more quickly than I remembered. It looked great in the high-definition Blu-ray format and only a few key scenes made me think of Jean "Moebuis" Giraud's more airbrush artwork from the 1970s.

The real reason to purchase this Blu-ray is for the extras, even though they are the ones from the 20th Anniversary Release. The standout is the 2002 documentary The Making of Tron by the Kurtti-Pellerin Production Company. Recognize that name? Yeah, the Kurtti is the Jeff Kurtti, one of the most prolific Disney-related authors and a consultant to the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Here is a breakdown of the extras:

Photo Tronology
The TRON Phenomenon
Audio Commentary
The Making of TRON
Development
Digital Imagery
Music
Publicity
Deleted Scenes
Design
Storyboarding
Galleries
Computers Are People Too
Digital Imagery in TRON
Beyond TRON
Original Theatrical Trailer

If you are going to pick up the film, I suggest buying the massive combo pack that includes both films and all of the extras (including the digital download and 3D version of Tron: Legacy).

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Review: Tangled Up in Blu-ray

Tangled (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Did you see this film in the theaters?

I really hope so. If not, then the Blu-ray release of Disney's fiftieth animated film is a definite add to your personal library.

After the disappointing response to The Princess and the Frog, Disney hops back into the territory that they know best with a film about a lost princess, a bad boy, a horse, a chameleon and villains that you love to hate. Alan Mencken returns with a superb soundtrack and the digital artists have produced one of the most gorgeous Disney films ever. And if you need another reason, both of my boys saw the film in the theater and have watched it multiple times on blu-ray. This is a great family film.

After watching my first blu-ray film, I was hooked on the format, especially for animation. The digital, high-definition reproduction is one of the best I have seen. Whereas Bambi was spectacular in its blu-ray release, Tangled shows off the medium perfectly.

Surprisingly, this scene was much better in the theater.

Tangled is a perfect example of how Disney can make a film with broad appeal without resorting to pop culture references that will be dated (uh, yeah, I'm talking to you Shrek). Disney's artists have found the happy balance of presenting their characters realistically and as human caricatures. With animating people, we (as people) are the harshest critics. Innately, we know how a human is supposed to move. Unlike the debacle of Mars Needs Moms, where the realism was creepy (a la Disney's A Christmas Carol), Tangled presents a classically animated form that is able to show profound emotions and action.

Maximus was a fantastic character!

With the amazing extras that Disney has included on their recent release, I was really surprised at the lack of bonus features included with this disc: a few extended songs, deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette and the two alternate beginnings. Really? That's all? Maybe they are waiting for the HD Holographic Smellovision release for some of the extras. Seriously, imagine how good Rapunzel hair smells after being wet and dragged through the forest! I will have to admit that this is one blu-ray that does merit purchase simply for the film.

You will buy this movie, or else!

So, ultimately, Disney has crafted a wonderful film that does its best to stand alongside the greatest company classics. Truly, a modern-day, fairy-tale classic that you will enjoy for years to come.

This blu-ray was provided as a review copy by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

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