Pixar DVDs have done it again. "Up" is possibly the best animated movie of the year and it could even be considered the best movie of the year, live action or animated. And Disney has once again produced an outstanding package, with a bonus Pixar DVD and Digital Copy. The blu-ray is simply mind-blowing, but Disney has taken care to produce a top-quality Pixar DVD and digital copy as well, within the constraints imposed by the two standard-def formats. The soundstage too is simply amazing, whichever version you choose to watch.
The story is original and takes the viewers on a rollercoaster (sorry, balloon) ride to a little known corner of the world. We can identify with the lead character, as we are all adventurous in our minds, but time and monetary constraints do not usually allow us to explore such regions of our world. There are plenty of thrills and spills on the way and perhaps no live action feature could do justice to a story of this nature. All the characters, man or animal, are lively. The dialogue is witty too. The supplements are good, though not exceptional. There are some moments which may be somewhat scary to very small children, so parents should watch it along with them.
This is not only a film for kids, it is a film for all ages. And I mean it also in the sense that it will stand the test of time, long after we are gone. The 3-D version will eventually find its way to homes via the new 3-D blu-ray standard, but until then this Pixar DVD release will do just fine. It will lift you up every time you view it - and you can view it many times. This movie is a `blind' purchase - you don't need to think twice before hitting the order button. It should be in every home video library, to be cherished for generations to come.
Pixar DVDs - Monsters Inc - 2 Disc Collectors Edition
Admittedly, I am a fan of Pixar's work. Their artists have done some incredible animated features over the years. Between the "Toy Story" movies and "A Bug's Life," they have managed in a short time to build an impressive track record. Their shorts are also among the best ever produced. So my expectations going into this movie were very high.
The story concerns the monsters in your closet. The theory being that their world runs of the energy produced by children's screams. Sulley (John Goodman) is number one at getting screams. His main rival (Steve Buschemi) will do anything to gain the top spot. Oh, and they consider the touch of a human child to be toxic.
While not as instantly relatable as "Toy Story," the movie builds on the talents of Goodman and Billy Crystal (Mike) to bring you into this make-believe world as Sulley and Mike try to get little Boo back through the closet door to the safety of her bedroom.
Disney/Pixar has presented this well on Pixar DVDs. Both Widescreen and Pan & Scan versions are available on the first disc. The second disc has games, outtakes, an award winning animated short, and a fun (easy to find) Easter Egg.
All in all, if you enjoy Pixar DVDs work, or animated features in general, this is a must have for your collection.
This Disney Pixar DVD sold 7 million copies in the first week with 5 million Pixar DVDs being sold on the first day. This caught retailers off guard and back orders run short of stock. Monsters Inc is a fantastic Pixar DVD for the whole family to watch over and over again.
Toy Story & Toy Story 2 - The Ultimate Toy Box
If you're an "extras" hound like me, " Toy Story & Toy Story 2 - The Ultimate Toy Box"; is the promised land. Hands down the best goodies of any Pixar DVD to this date. Oh yeah, and you get two excellent movies too! :)
I won't spend time on the movies themselves, except to say that they're two of the most entertaining films ever made. Instead, let's focus on why to get the 3- Pixar DVD set instead of the 2- Pixar Pixar DVD is truly impressive. You'll find fully-animated deleted scenes; funny & interesting interviews with cast, crew, animators, etc.; an absolutly hysterical debate on "Who's the best character?" with Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and the whole cast; some very detailed explanations of the techniques used to create the movies; and so much more. I've spent over three hours on Disc 3 alone so far, and there's a lot more to go!
There are even cool hidden features. For example, on Pixar DVD 3 choose 'Toy Story 2.' Under the 'Story' section, choose 'Jesse's Song.' On the next screen that appears, press the 'Left' arrow key on your remote control & you'll see a question mark. With the question mark highlighted, hit 'Enter' for a outtake with an introduction by the directors. The sound & picture quality on all three Pixar DVDs are the best I've seen on DVD. Helps when the whole movie was CREATED digitally, eh? :)
All in all "The Ultimate Toy Box" is the best Pixar DVD set around, bar none. Well worth the extra money!
