Like so many people, I saw Christopher Nolan’s latest masterpiece Inception during it’s opening weekend in the theater. It quickly rushed to the top of my favorite movies, and one of the my first thoughts upon exiting the theater was that I couldn’t wait for the sure-to-be spectacular Blu-Ray release. Not only was I eager to revisit the film again and again, but for the first time in a long time, I was genuinely excited to discover how some of the mind-blowing special effects were achieved.
Well, Warner Bros. has finally released a 3-Disc set, including a DVD of the film, and two Blu-Ray discs. The first Blu-Ray contains the film itself, and the option to view it in “Extraction Mode.” This is a feature in which the film will periodically switch to a behind-the-scenes documentary pertaining to the sequence you are currently viewing. You can also choose to view all of these segments isolated from the film.
There are a lot of great segments in this feature, and I was thrilled to find that most of the sequences I was curious about got a closer look. For example, there is a segment detailing, in full, how they achieved the infamous hallway fight featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Much like 2001: A Space Odyssey, this sequence was shot on a 360 degree rotating set. I assumed it was something like that, but to actually see the sequence being shot from the outside of the set was amazing.
However, they don’t just focus on the obvious big set-pieces. There are also moments in the film that seem more subtle, but in reality, required just as big an undertaking. Whether it be the impossible stairs, the flooding of the castle, or even the gravity-defying maneuvers around the hotel room, almost any moment you would be curious about gets a feature.
The second disc is nothing but special features. There is a pretty cool one called “Dreams: Cinema of the Subconscious,” hosted and directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I don’t usually care for “educational” features that peripherally relate to a film’s theme but not to the film itself. However, this one was really fascinating. It explores all aspects of dreams, and does so in a fast-moving, creative way. There is a lot of great insight from several scientists in the world of dream study, and even some interesting analysis from Christopher Nolan, Leonardo DiCaprio, etc. It’s obvious in watching this feature that it isn’t simply a marketing tool, but a project that Gordon-Levitt was genuinely interested in making, and a topic that everybody involved was interested in exploring.
The other big feature is a motion comic that serves as a prequel to the film. It’s an interesting experiment, but honestly, I’d have rather just read an actual comic. The story was interesting enough, but it was kind of slow moving (literally), and I found myself getting bored, wishing I could just read ahead. Rounding out the disc are several selections from Hans Zimmer’s brilliant score (there is no justice if he doesn’t get at least an Oscar nomination), all presented in 5.1, as well as concept art (I wish there was more), promotional art (some great pieces I had never seen before), and the brilliantly cut together trailers and tv spots.
A masterpiece of modern filmmaking, Christopher Nolan has topped himself in every way. It works as cerebral drama, all-out action, completely original sci-fi, etc. He has combined genres on such an epic scale, this is one of the few Summer blockbusters that I would classify as art. It really doesn’t get much better than this.
The first (and best) part of the Rush Hour trilogy has arrived on Blu-Ray. Released in 1998, this is the film that introduced the world to the comedic pairing of stuntman extraordinaire Jackie Chan with self-proclaimed “motor mouth,” Chris Tucker. In telling the story of two cops with nothing in common, forced together on a case, it was apparent that this film wouldn’t be breaking any new ground. The concept of mismatched partners is obviously an old one. Coming after the likes of Lethal Weapon, Tango and Cash, etc., the only way this film could work is if there is terrific chemistry between the leads. And in this case, there is.
Going into this film, I was impartial to Jackie Chan and I strongly disliked Chris Tucker. Of course, I respected Chan’s physicality, but I still wasn’t on board with him as an actor. And as far as I was concerned, Tucker’s gratingly obnoxious schtick not only ruined The Fifth Element for me, but his film Money Talks is one of the very few movies I’ve actually walked out on. I just didn’t get Tucker’s appeal. But somehow, when put together, they both became instantly likeable. Everything about this production is by-the-numbers, but I still really enjoyed seeing these two interact with each other.
The interplay between them feels natural, and never once does it feel like they are forcing the comedy. While a lot of the humor is racially motivated, a lot of it is genuinely character-driven. This is why I feel the film works. The plot mechanics are irrelevant. This is a movie about these characters and that’s it. The Blu-Ray is presented in 1080p High Definition, and the picture looks great. Because Chan infamously does his own stunts, the camera will often linger on an action sequence, giving the viewer the opportunity to revel in Chan’s movements. Previously, I had only seen the film on a worn-out VHS, and it was nice to see the image cleaned up, and really be able to focus on what was happening.
As far as the extras are concerns, there is quite a lot of material, but it’s not all that great. There is a commentary by director Brett Ratner, who is obviously a fan of the film, as well as his student film “Whatever Happened to Mason Reese?” I hate to put down a student film with obviously good intentions, but this was just awful. Featuring one of the most genuinely unlikeable characters I’ve seen in a long time, I couldn’t wait for this to end.
There are also a couple of music videos, the trailer, and an isolated score commentary. However, the big feature is a documentary running just over 40 minutes called “A Piece of the Action: Behind the Scenes of Rush Hour.” Broken up into several mini-segments, this is a combination of interviews and actual behind-the-scenes footage. Unlike most of these features, it feels strongly under-produced, and serves as more of a fly-on-the-wall type of feature. While I usually enjoy these, this one is unusually boring. They seem to capture the most miniscule, incidental moments, and linger on them. I found myself growing bored very quickly.
Overall, it’s a strong disc on a technical level, but a mediocre one for the extras. The pairing of Tucker and Chan helped this to be a much better movie than it should have been. Unfortunately, the mediocre sequels became a lot more slapstick and the jokes much more forced. However, as a stand-alone film, I strongly recommend this one. You won’t see anything new, but you’ll have a great time.
28 years ago I saw a movie that, for me, would be an inspiration to play with computers and ride motorcycles, to which I do to this day. More importantly I craved to see more of the film in a sequel. It was 1982, the beginning of the video game age and the film, ‘TRON’, was the first to extensively use computer graphics. In that time between then and now, I have waited patiently for this time, when technology could be used to truly envision Steve Lisbergers’ mythos of ‘the grid’. First time director Joseph Kosinski with the creative writing talents of Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (Lost) have stepped into the technology world and brought us ‘Tron: Legacy’.
In 1989, Kevin Flynn, CEO of computer conglomerate ENCOR, disappears mysteriously, leaving behind his son, Sam Flynn alone. For years, speculation into what happened to Flynn leads up to Sam when he is older. A little rambunctious and irresponsible Sam gets a visit from his dad’s best friend Alan Bradley, the creator of the “Tron” program. Alan has received a page (from an old school pager) from the phone number a Flynn’s arcade. Sam being a little curious finds his dad’s hidden workroom under the arcade unlocking the laser….. ZAP, Sam is in ‘The Grid’. Unbelieving where he is, he realizes his dad’s ‘stories’ of this place he now stands in, is real and about to get interesting. After becoming a ‘program’ and issued to play in the games, Sam comes face to face with his dad or whom he soon finds out is his dad’s program, Clu, that looks just like his dad did when he left 20+ years ago. With the help of Quorra, Sam finds his real dad, Kevin, and learns the what, when, and why of his disappearance. This is just the beginning of an extraordinary venture in the electrical world of ‘the grid’.
I had a sit down with Edward and Adam a month ago to chat about the film and everything makes so much more sense. Before filming even started they had a meeting with Jeff Bridges, who reprises his role as Kevin Flynn and Clu as well as the force behind the original film, Lisberger, to pitch this continuing saga. Their main concern was how were these two going to take the idea of two Flynns’? Well now we can look back on the meeting and know they not only had full support but had the blessing and the creative mind behind them the whole way. As a sort of Zen master, Lisberger was the writing teams go to when they would come across many ideas. Lisberger would stop them in mid thought and pluck out that bright spot and help refocus their thought process. It’s a good thing, considering Lisberger and fellow writer Bonnie MacBird created this place we have come to know as ‘the grid’. I applaud Edward and Adam for taking this path and creating something that not only keeps true to the hearts of those of us that saw the original and grew up waiting for just such a story to not only indulge in our fantasy of what ‘the grid’ would be today but open it up to a new generation.
They are definitely not alone. Adam and Edward owe much to the man that would direct this piece, Joseph Kosinski. A true master when it comes to computer graphics himself it is fitting for him to be the one at the helm. The film itself is a masterpiece of computer graphics in architecture and feel. Every shot has a purpose and substance to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more every turn of a cycle, flash of a building or flyby of the new ‘light jets’. Every detail is not left to chance with Joseph on set. Adam and Edward said “Every time we saw Joseph looking at something, he would eye it as if he was analyzing it as a film shot. Even watching TV he could see every angle possible in whatever was being shown and see a better way to shoot it.” Again it shows Joseph has a knack for detail. I, personally, look forward to seeing what he does next.
With all this technology Joseph could have done this entire film in computer animation but that would not be good for this new venture. Of course you have to have Kevin Flynn, Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart, Iron Man) back in ‘the grid’. Jeff is one of those actors who have just gotten better as he ages. Channeling a little of himself in this film, he exhumes the Zen like persona of Kevin. You could see Jeff being calm, cool and collective and truly being a man who has been locked in his own creation and has survived, fighting with the notion that he knows how to make things right in a world that is not perfect as he hoped. Joining Jeff and plying Flynn’s son, Sam, is Garrett Hedlund (Eragon, Four Brothers). Playing in his first true lead role, Garrett is stepping up his game in this film and truly delivers, as a scared man who is searching for something that was lost and trying to right the world in any way he can. Olivia Wilde (House M.D., Year One) plays Quorra, Flynn’s protégé in this world. And whom you find out is more than what she appears to be. Olivia, like Garrett, is assuming the role of making it in films. She not only stands out in character but can move just as well. Some of her fight scenes are a good telling of what may be to come of this fem fatal of an actress. Between what she has done before this film and what she is working on currently, Olivia is a versatile actress on the rise.
Along the path we are treated to some wonderful characters that help to create this world of ‘the grid’. Alan Bradley is back played by the original ‘Tron’, Bruce Boxlieitner (Heroes, Gods and Generals). Seeing Bruce in this film brings back those memories of seeing the original. New characters that steal the show when they are on screen is Caster and Gem, played by Michael Sheen (New Moon, Underworld) and Beau Garrett (Made of Honor, Turistas) respectively. Beau as the siren Gem is stunning in the platinum white attire paired with Michaels’ Caster the two just shows the confidence in being a part of a world that has many facets to it, just like these two actors. And one actor that stands out with the fewest lines, mostly grunts, is Rinzler, played by Anis Cheurfa. Having done my fair share of fight choreography I have seen some amazing body movement over the years. There is a lot of wire work in the film but no matter, it shows the flexibility of this actor, in a world where movement needs to be fluid, Anis gives us a payoff.
Being set in a world that is infinite to be able to bring to life visually what is in one’s head you need a good team. Supervising art director Kevin Ishioka, production designer Darren Gilford and costume design by Michael Wilkinson are that team. Working with many artisans they led teams to create this massive world that started with Lisberger and was carried on with Adam, Edward and Joseph. From the backgrounds to the vehicles to what is being worn are just eye-popping. Radiant styling just makes you want to jump in and experience this electronic world that has been created. The vehicles are of course one of my favorite aspects of reinventing from the original. I jumped on my motorcycle after the screening and just griped and ripped it wishing I had one of those cycles from the film. Adding the light jets and their ability to leave light ribbons like their land counterpart cycles was visually crazy to watch and breathtaking. Add in costumes that many kids are going to want to wear next year for Halloween and you are just craving more at the end of this film. Heck I even want to buy the replica ‘Sam Flynn’ motorcycle suit they are currently producing. Bravo.
I will not leave out one of t
he driving forces in the film, the music of Daft Punk. These two marvels of the digital age of music have created a score that drives the story, like its older brother, the original ‘Tron’. Never overpowering, except for the club scene, the music combinations Daft Punk mixes, are pleasurable to the ear.
If I were to fault anything about the film it would be a detail in the creation of Clu. Having two Flynn’s was hard to swallow at first. But when you see the trailer you are flabbergasted to see this young Jeff Bridges on the screen. The technology today much like ‘the grid’ has advanced so much since 1982 and it definitely shows. The fault is in the mouth of Clu. Watching Clu speak at times was tough as the mouth was not flexing in a natural way, almost cartoonish. This is just a minor detail but a noticeable one none the less.
For 28 years I have waited and am completely satisfied, no ecstatic, no…..I can’t fully put into words how happy I was to see this film. Joseph, Adam, Edward, Jeff, Steve and every person that worked on or had influence on this film should be proud to have formed such a magnificent display of creativity. Producer Sean Bailey took his time and brought the right people in at the right time. A story has been created and portrayed in a way that I enjoy the most, the possibility of more films. There are some questions left unanswered in this film. Some of you will feel jipped. Do not fear. I have a good feeling we will be seeing more of Sam Flynn and ‘the grid’. Just whatever you do, don’t wait another 28 years. Thank you all for all your hard work and dedication.
“SPOILER ALERT”
And now to my personal touch that those who follow my reviews have come to know. I must warn you that there are some possible spoilers to the story. If you do not want to know more about the story line please stop now and come back after you have seen the film.
*Knock knock” Still here? Okay here we go. How does this film affect me is in the relationship between Sam and his dad Flynn and the creation of ‘the grid’. Flynn is a man who is constantly striving for perfection. Always changing and undoing and rearranging till its right. He created Clu to help him with this idea of the perfect digital world. Driven by work and what was possible and not what was right in front of him, Sam. My father at several times in my life had disappeared much like Flynn did. It wasn’t for years till I found him in his work. It was that drive of perfection that drove him to be blind to see me. Flynn does realize his mistake when Sam is brought to ‘the gird’ and meets him again for the first time in 20 some odd years. Of course there are going to be some questions. I had them. Some of them were the same. The most important one we both share is the ‘why’. It’s because of the blindness of creating something perfect, Flynn with his ‘grid’, a place that he wanted to be able to grow and live and breathe and my father with his fashion design and constant drive for the next ‘thing’. For Sam and Flynn it is a little difficult but received that it wasn’t all Flynn’s fault for not coming back. Flynn even acknowledges his work ethic caused him to be trapped. “Perfection is unknowable. It’s right in front of you”, as Flynn discovers during his time on ‘the grid’ and states he would give it all up for one more day with Sam. My father and I had a tough time at first but have since become friends again and are stronger than ever before and I love him dearly for that. He knows he should not have assumed things and taken that ‘one day’ and just called. It is the past now. Like Sam in the end of the film there is tomorrow and the chance to make an impact from what he learned in a short time from Flynn. For my father and me it’s another day to share with each other knowledge, wisdom and love.
You can follow my news, happenings and updates around So Cal on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc. See you around town!
A fun, modern-day adventure follows Dave (JAY BARUCHEL), just an average college student, or so it appears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.
The film begins in 740 AD where we meet Merlin’s three apprentices — Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage), Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina), and Veronica Gorloisen (Monica Bellucci). During the fall of Camelot, Horvath joins with Merlin’s mortal enemy Morgan le Fay but Merlin and Blake are able to stop them before they can raise an army of the dead.
Merlin grants Blake immortality while tasking him with finding the Prime Merlinian (the person who will inherit Merlin’s powers) as they are the only person who can permanently defeat le Fey. Over the next millennia Blake imprisons Morganians, (sorcerers who try to release Morgana), including Horvath, into new layers on the Grimhold while conducting his search.
The film looks visually impressive. The details are spectacular, befitting a movie so dependent on special effects. What really stands out are the blues and reds that are on display when the wizards battle, those particular colors really pop. The black levels are crisp and defined and never wash the actors out.
The movie is very flashy and nice to look at, but the story is just lacking. I thought Baruchell was great as the apprentice and was the right amount of nerdy geek to play the part. Cage was doing more of his crazy stuff which he’s been doing for a while and while it worked, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. I enjoyed Molina, good guy or bad guy he’s is excellent in whatever role he portrays, but the script needed more than just a loose concept that seemed to fill in as the movie progressed.
Bonus Features: Go behind the scenes and on location to learn all about the making of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Blu-Ray: Magic In The City The Science Of Sorcery Making Magic Real The Fashionable Drake Stone The Grimhold: An Evil Work Of Art The Encantus Wolves & Puppies The World’s Coolest Car 5 Deleted Scenes Outtakes And more!
DVD / iTunes: The Making Of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (DVD only) Deleted Scene: Balthazar Recruits Dave
Nightly tree-lighting ceremonies, celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and encounters with a “Who’s Who” of Whoville characters will be part of the celebration, which expands this year to 18 days, beginning on December 11 and 12 and continuing daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011. “Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including holiday promotional offers and information regarding celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will be available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
Check-out this EXCLUSIVE VIDEO with Molly & Max.
Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “’Grinchmas’ has become a true holiday tradition, an event where families can enjoy a slightly irreverent approach to the season while still being thoroughly immersed in holiday spirit. Because we expect very strong attendance during Christmas week, we’re adding five dates to this year’s ‘Grinchmas’ schedule in response to the event’s growing popularity.”
Guests will find an immersive holiday atmosphere. A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered “Grinchmas” winter wonderland and will be lit in a nightly ceremony that will feature a colorfully costumed “Whoville” choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos. Families will also be able to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of snow and building their own snowmen.
“Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original “Whoville” film sets, featured in the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful “Whoville” buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by “Whoville’s” residents re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.
Guests who attend Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” celebration will be able to purchase the “Buy a Day, Get 2011 Free” annual pass, a tremendous value allowing them to visit Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the coming year.
A surprisingly funny romantic comedy, Going the Distance tells the story of what happens when a new couple is forced to make things work from opposite sides of the country. After spending six weeks together in New York, circumstance forces Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justing Long) to maintain a relationship with her back in San Francisco. The film provides an honest examination of this situation, and although I’ve never personally been in a long-distance relationship, I’d imagine it would be a lot like this.
For the most part, this is a pretty light-hearted film, but there are times when the filmmakers do a really good job of conveying the frustration of the situation. The film is relatively predictable, and it follows the path one would expect it to, but it does so in an entertaining way. There is a great ensemble of people in this film, with Jason Sudeikis from Saturday Night Live and Charlie Day from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia doing very funny work as Garrett’s best friends. Christina Applegate is also terrific as Erin’s sister.
Overall, I would say that I was pleasantly surprised by the film. Long and Barrymore have believable chemistry together, and the way things play out feels very natural. The humor is relatable, seldom delving into slapstick, and all of the performances in the film feel like the way real people would talk and interact.
I don’t expect much in the way of extras when it comes to films like this, but these ones were particularly bland. With features ranging from “How to Have a Perfect Date,” to “A Guide to Long-Distance Dating,” I don’t know who they were making these for. It’s not like anybody is going to watch one of these segments for advice on these issues, so I’m not really sure what the point was. Bringing absolutely no insight into the film itself, these features were basically the stars sharing their thoughs on these concepts.
There is also a commentary track from director Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes), a music video from a band in the film called The Boxer Rebellion, some deleted scenes and a look behind the scenes of the soundtrack. However, the only extra I really enjoyed was “The Cast of Going the Distance: Off the Cuff.” Unlike deleted scenes that are simply cut for whatever reason, these are extended takes of sequences that did make it into the film. It’s obvious that there was a lot of improvisation on set, and these segments are a testament to just how funny and creative the actors are. Some of them go on for a really long time, and it feels like an extended look at these characters just having a conversation. I’m sure while they were filming these, they knew that this material wouldn’t make it into the fim, and yet they kept it going, staying commited to the moment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good romantic comedy, this would make a great choice. It doesn’t pander to the audience like so many other films in this genre. The characters feel refreshingly real, and the script is very funny. Give it a try, it’s better than it looks.
An ode to the simple complexities of youth, Rob Reiner’s Flipped works thanks to the sincerity with which he treats the material. I find that movies about “young love” tend to look down on the characters from an adult perspective. However, Reiner obviously respects his characters, and this respect allows him to create a beautifully charming story that truly is (cliche as this may be), “a film for the entire family.”
Set in the 1950’s, Flipped tells the story of Juli and Bryce, neighbors and friends, who find their relationship tested through the years. Flipped is the story of their friendship from the second grade forward. The film itself is a little episodic, but in telling these mini-episodes, we as an audience are able to see the bigger picture that makes each of them such a vitally important figure in the other’s life. Throughout the film, we see the same events play out from each of their own perspectives. Mentally, Juli and Bryce are seldom in the same place at the same time. And yet, their relationship feels natural. Even when fighting, it’s hard to imagine one without the other.
The only real complaint I have about the film is the use of voice-over. In order to convey each character’s perspective, the entire movie is filled with narration. I don’t mind a little bit here and there, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film use this device to this degree. After awhile I found myself getting used to it, but it was a little off-putting for awhile.
Other than that, the film completely works. This is a truly innocent and sweet film, and you can’t watch with any cynicism. Somehow, the film’s charms worked on me, and I was able to lose myself in the simplicity of the era.
Presented in 1080p High Definition, the picture looks fantastic. While this isn’t a special effects film, per se, there are effects to be found, especially in the long shots of the town. It’s all very painterly, and in these scenes, the colors really stand out. These moments are rare, but the fantastic presentation of these images on the Blu-Ray captures the emotion of these sequences beautifully.
The extras on the Blu-Ray are relatively underwhelming. The first one is called “The Difference Between a Boy and a Girl.” This is a short feature that has interviews with the young stars of the film. They seemed to have a lot of fun making the film, and this feature really captures the chemistry they share off-camera. However, it’s not that compelling in regards the actual production of the film itself.
The next extra is the “Anatomy of a Near Kiss.” This is a short, but fun, segment, showcasing the filming of a sequence in which the two young stars are forced to almost kiss. Not only is this a key moment in the film, it turns out that it was a nerve-wracking moment for the actors as well. It was cute seeing these kids forced into this awkward situation. Not that compelling as a behind-the-scenes extra, but fun just the same.
The last two extras are pretty much a waste. One involves Callan McAuliffe, the actor who played Bryce, demonstrating how to make a volcano at home. The last extra involves Madeline Carroll, the actress who played Juli, demonstrating how to properly raise chickens and hatch eggs. These features come from a sequence in the film where they have competing science fair projects involving (you guessed it) a volcano and hatching eggs. In theory, I get why these segments were included, but I can’t really picture anybody wanting to watch them. Overall, these weren’t necessary.
This is the type of movie that adults and kids can enjoy together. Most kids movies these days seem to have a darker edge to it, and that barely exists here. Bryce’s father has a bit of a dark streak to him, but this is barely an element of the film. Other than that, this is a cute, fun little movie that is really hard not to like.
DISNEY’S THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS is an exciting and uplifting movie from director Robert Vince about the power of giving and the true meaning of Christmas in the tradition of Disney’s classic holiday tales. This big city adventure for the whole family reveals the how the legendary friendship of Santa Claus and Santa Paws began.
DISNEY’S THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS comes with a stocking full of fantastic bonus features, including:
· An interactive Animated Pop-Up Book – ‘Buddies’ puppy star Rosebud reads a holiday story featuring new canine friends from The Search For Santa Paws · Sing-Along Mode – colorful lyrics added to the film’s song sequences, so audiences can sing along to the film’s fantastic new songs. · Music Video – tween favorite Debby Ryan (Disney Channel’s Suite Life on Deck) performs a great new arrangement of ‘Deck The Halls.’ · Deleted scenes
The film follows in the tradition of Disney’s classic holiday tales with a heartwarming story about the power of giving and the true meaning of Christmas. An exciting prequel, the movie allows kids of all ages to discover how the legendary friendship of Santa Claus and Santa Paws began – as it is the inspiring original film (in a timeline it precedes 2009’s Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws).
In the movie, when Santa and his new best friend, Paws, discover that the boys and girls of the world have lost the spirit of the season, they take a trip to New York City. But after Santa loses his memory, it’s up to Paws, a faithful orphan named Quinn (America’s Got Talent’s Kaitlyn Maher), her new friend Will (The Game Plan’s Madison Pettis) and a wonderful group of magical talking dogs to save St. Nick and show the world what Christmas is really all about. Do you believe in Santa Paws? Experiencing this sure-to-be holiday classic, full of fun, adventure and a carrying the timeless messages of the holidays, with surely delight the entire family!
The production itself is of decent quality. The Search for Santa Paws also looks and sounds great and there is no indication that this is a straight to video release. The quality is what you would expect from a first-rate theatrical transfer.
This is a truly touching Disney movie. The little girls in the foster home are precious and the dogs are absolutely adorable. The movie teaches kids the real meaning of Christmas and friendship and to appreciate what they have and to never stop believing in the magic of Christmas, which is a lesson that even adults need to learn.
It is a tale that has been told many times in many ways but this holiday it takes on new breath. This is not your grandparents or for that matter your parents Nutcracker. Andrei Knonchalovskiy (Tango & Cash, The Inner Circle) has brought this time old tale to a new generation. Abound with joy for the holidays; venture on a whirlwind of imagination and a twist to the classic of E.T.A Hoffman and the music of Tchaikovsky.
Andrei steps back into main stream movie making with a holiday classic. The twist is celebrated lyricist Sir Tim Rice penning 8 new songs for the film, including the new song “My Secret World”. Along with Elle Fanning (Astro Boy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) as the young daughter Mary, full of imagination and wonder, Uncle Albert played by the incomparable Nathan Lane (Swing Vote, The Producers), and John Turturro (Transformers, Miracle at St. Anna) as the sniveling and conniving Rat King.
Step back to 1920’s Vienne on Christmas Eve. Young Mary and her brother Max (Aaron Michael Drozin) are excited to see their eclectic Uncle Albert (Lane), Albert Einstein whom is late as usual. Their over baring father (Richard E. Grant) is frantic Uncle Albert is late as their eccentric mother (Yuliya Vysotskaya) is to perform for the Royal Opera. Mary shows her displeasure in the family not being together for this special holiday and is comforted by Uncle Albert by the gifts he has brought. One toy stands out, the nutcracker, to which Mary finds extraordinary. To her fancy and imagination she brings the nutcracker to life only to find out he is a The Prince (Charlie Rowe) who has been put under a spell by the Rat King’s (Turturro) mother the Rat Queen (Frances de la Tour). NC, as he likes to be called, Mary, Max and the other toys Uncle Albert gave them set out on a journey to help The Prince overthrow the Rat King’s plot to make everyone become ‘rats’.
The biggest factor in this new telling is Andrei jumping on the bandwagon and making this film in 3D. It has its moments of grandeur but I feel it would be just as good in the regular 2D format. What truly stands out in this film version is the addition of the words Rice has put to such iconic and beloved music as ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s’ and ‘March’. Rice along with Eduard Artemiev has created music that hones in on the passion of Tchaikovsky’s brilliance. I know the purists out there may have a field day with their feeling that Tchaikovsky’s music is sacred and should not be touched but when you hear Lane singing ‘Relativity’ it is quite odd at first, than the words pulsate and become fun and catchy as his singing intoxicates the children and servants. Later in the film, while listening to Fanning sing her heart out in ‘My Secret World’ you are drawn into imagination of Mary and again feel the power words can have on ones thoughts.
Imagination takes the main stage in this film but I cannot hold back in that some ideas were held short of their goal. When it comes to the effects of the film some scenes falter, one such scene is Mary dancing with the snow fairies. With so many advancements in CGI, the scene looks rushed in its animation as you are barely able to make out the figures of the fairies. Then when Mary starts to dance with them, it becomes more obvious time was not spent more on the visual and comes across almost amateurish in its final presentation.
Andrei has been directing for a long time and is very experienced working in vast worlds and with a wide range of actors, so it comes quite a surprise when he takes an unusual vision in this adaptation. His view of the rats as ‘Nazis’ is quite a shock when they first appear on screen and might offend many who see this film. I know this is Andrei taking the more dark aspect of Hoffman’s story and working Tchaikovsky’s music in for the more familiar, but it is still a little alarming. It does get a message across, that tyranny can exist anywhere, just a little hard to swallow and accept when you see these ‘rats’ coming at you wearing a rendition of German WWII uniforms.
The cast does a splendid job with Andrei’s direction and is helped with wonderful costumes designed by Louise Stjernsward. Her vibrant look of the 1920’s, the fantasy of the Christmas tree and the ‘ratified’ land of the Prince truly showcases her talent for reaching in and taking Andrei’s thoughts and present them on the screen. As expressed before the visual effects of the film could have been so much more and this includes some of the physical special effects such as the Rat King’s ‘anger’ face. It comes across very poorly as if they are working on a school project and didn’t spend time truly honing their craft.
Back to the cast; it is full of some of the most seasoned actors out there and allows some new ones to step up. Ella Fanning is quite adorable and in sincere in her portrayal. It is hard to not compare her to the older Fanning, however she stands out and does and admirable job. I can forgive her with the lack of an accent in her speech. Adding the character of Uncle Albert Einstein is an interesting idea but well crafted when you put Nathan Lane in the role. A consummate performer he goes above and beyond in his acting as well as his singing. The only thing I can fault him on is the instances where he is talking directly to the camera. It just translates oddly as it breaks the flow of the film. John Turturro is a pleasure to watch in just about anything he does and this is no exception, his Rat King is deceivingly cute. Even while watching him prance around in song as a tyrannical leader you can’t help but enjoy his performance. Along the travels in the film is a host of well deserving supporting cast that includes Frances de la Tour in the dual role of Frau and the Rat Queen and Richard E. Grant as the father, both of whom play in a major role in the main story.
This film is a delight for the upcoming holiday season. The selection of lyrics to the music may be a little awkward at first but is easily accepted as they do enhance the storyline. Put aside the whole look of the rats and just let Mary, The Prince and their friends take you on a holiday staple.
What really stands out is the message Uncle Albert helps father remember through his interactions with Mary, imagination never goes away. Even though Mary is young and impressionable she knows what is right and wrong, when to be ‘grown up’ when to be a child. That is something we should never lose sight of when we do grow up, it’s okay to play and still be imaginative. She and Uncle Albert remind father that it’s okay to still dream, to be imaginative, to have fun. I can relate in that I had to ‘grow up’ fast, being an only child and having one parent, my mom. My natural father and step dad were in my life, just not on a regular basis. Much like father in the film my step dad was very much a realist and staunch in his way of childrearing. “Don’t do that”, “Why did you”, “What we’re you thinking” still be heard in my head. He had his moments of being imaginative when it came to cars and Disney, something I still hold onto today. My father however and mom were the most imaginative in my life. I get most of my creative aspects by osmosis from my father. Being a fashion designer and owner of his own leather shop he is constantly creating just about anything, something I have always admired about
him. My mom, she’s the pusher, and I mean that with the most sincere and loving way. She has always been my cheerleader and fostered the creativity I have had. Much like Uncle Albert in how he fosters the imagination to grow, my mom would let me go free to go and find any creative outlet I could. She had her moments like the father in the film with reminding me of reality but my imagination was never squelched. Thank you mom, I love you dearly.
Go with your family this holiday season and be a family. Hold each other close and be each other’s cheerleader, mentor, inspiration or whatever you can to allow the joy of the season to take control. Find an afternoon free and go see ‘The Nutcracker 3D’ and enjoy.
Happy Holidays everyone.
You can follow my news, happenings and updates around So Cal on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc. See you around town!
Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol is one intense rollercoaster ride intended more for an intelligent adult audience than past adaptations.Robert Zemeckis director of such greats as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Back to the Future has done a wonderful job at the retelling of this holiday classic.Every scene is absolutely gorgeous and the graphics just stunning!This is no Polar Express, which is also directed by Zemeckis.Instead the film retains the powerful themes and dark scenes more true to Charles Dickens original story.The story is not dumbed down for a younger audience, which may lead to several problems for this Disney picture.Nonetheless, Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol is truly astonishing in every aspect except you may want to leave the young children at home.
Zemeckis has decided to write a script with more realism to the time period with much dialogue that will be over children’s heads.The beginning is quite slow unless you can really follow everything that’s being said.Scrooge is introduced well as Zemeckis spends a decent amount of time getting to know Scrooge’s true character.Much of the dialogue is witty and smart, but it won’t be the dialogue the audience will be focusing on.The imagery is far more overpowering than anything else in the film.
The animation from the beginning is jaw-dropping.I was astonished by every scene, every action sequence and every close-up of every character.I would have completely forgot I was watching an animated movie if it wasn’t for the effects being so amazing causing me to constantly be in awe of every bit of footage being projected.All the shots are incredibly beautiful and grand.No detail was spared here.It was when we take our first flight through the snow covered city rooftops that I found myself totally immersed in the film.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol truly has it all from emotion, comedic relief, breathtaking scenery, amazing acting/voice-acting, and great action to create the best adaptation of this story I have ever seen.To all of those that are skipping this because it’s either Disney or an animated film, HUMBUG. Disney’s A Christmas Carol is available in Disney Blu-ray 3D on an exclusive 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D Disc™, Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and Digital Copy).
Bonus Features: BLU-RAY 3D Disc includes an exclusive 3D bonus feature, plus all the Blu-ray and DVD features:
Mr. Scrooge’s Wild Ride – In this 3D bonus feature, director Zemeckis and the cast explain how 3D made the Dickens novella come to life. The feature explores how 3D technology brought a whole new dimension to the story, from the Ghost of Christmas Past whisking Scrooge through time, to the look and feel of the characters in 19th Century London.
BLU-RAY features include all of the DVD features plus: Behind The Carol: The Full Motion Capture Experience – A feature length picture-in-picture viewing mode takes the audience behind the scenes of motion capture filmmaking.
Countdown to Christmas Interactive Calendar – 25 days of holiday surprises extend the holiday cheer, as viewers come back to discover what each door holds.
Deleted Scenes – Six deleted scenes on the Blu-ray Disc.
DVD features include: Capturing A Christmas Carol – Actress Jacquie Barnbrook hosts a journey through the creative process of Disney’s A Christmas Carol.
On Set With Sammi – Follow Sammi Hanratty, one of the film’s young stars, as she shares a kid’s eye view of an “anything but average” day on the set.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
The original creators of the Broadway production are together again for this new touring production! The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony® Award winner for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin.
Director Rob Roth: “It has been wonderful to bring the entire original design team back together to work on this new production of Beauty and the Beast. As a director, it is rare to have the opportunity to revisit your work 15 years later. Hopefully I’ve grown and developed as an artist, along with my collaborators, and we can bring 15 years of experience to this new production. We have remained very close as a team over the years of producing the show around the world, and it has been so much fun getting together to re-explore and re-invent the show for this new NETworks tour. The theme of ‘Beauty’ is about seeing past the exterior into the heart of someone, and this is reflected in the design for the show, which is about transparency and layers, seeing past one thing and into another.”
Unfortunately for feminism—but luckily for the audience—this production is bookended by two superstar men who snatch their scenes away from their heroine. Of course, no one goes to Beauty and the Beast to contemplate the story’s central love triangle. Disney made its mark on Broadway by mounting over-the-top, lavish productions based on its film properties. So while a strong heroine is all well and good, the real draw is the promise of singing and dancing forks, knives, and spoons. A good-versus-evil fight scene near the end of the show is staged with the kinetic charm and cleverness of old Warner Brothers cartoons, and all of the marauding housewares put in strong character performances.
(click play to see highlights from the show)
The film version was animated and automatically appealed to kids, so the characters didn’t have to act particularly cartoonish. Those responsible for the live version felt compelled to make it appeal to children, too, and made everything goofier to make up for the fact that it’s not animated anymore. The result is that many characters act more cartoonish in the stage version. It’s gotten sillier and broader, with way too many instances of LeFou being smacked around.
And that is why “Beauty and the Beast” as a live musical works so well: it can be appreciated on a variety of different levels. The kids will have plenty of spectacle and special effects, the adults get plenty of romance and comedy. There are even some pretty intense moments here for small children, but of course, everything works out well in the end. After all, this is Disney.
Matt Smith and Karen Gillan star as the new Doctor and his companion in an all-new series of Doctor Who coming to DVD and Blu-ray. After his explosive regeneration, the Eleventh Doctor awakes to discover his TARDIS is about to crash! After falling from the sky, he pulls himself out of the wreckage to come face-to-face with young Amy Pond. The Doctor promises to take Amy to the stars. But first they must divert an alien plot that could destroy the Earth. The Doctor makes good his promise, and Amy boards the regenerated TARDIS, ready to take to the stars on a series of wild adventures that will change her life. As always, wherever the Doctor goes, his oldest enemies, the Daleks, are never far behind. They are hatching a new master plan from the heart of war-torn London in the 1940s. But they are not the only strange creatures the Doctor and Amy must face – there are also alien vampires, humanoid reptiles, the Weeping Angels, and a silent menace that follows Amy and the Doctor around wherever they go.
As for the new companion characters, the lovely Karen Gillan (Amy) and Arthur Darvill (Rory) prove to hold their own with Matt Smith. To me, it was nice to see a different companion dynamic for a change. I liked that Amy and Rory were a couple as it made their scenes more interesting and provided some great drama.
Going back to Steven Moffat, I felt he did a fine job running the show in his debut season, but I do have to admit that none of these episodes compared to his previous scripted work for episodes like “Blink.” With that said, there are some great episodes here especially “Vincent And The Doctor” and “The Lodger.” ‘Vincent’ is arguably the most emotional and touching episode in ‘Who’ history. As a friend of mine said, “it’s the only ‘Who’ episode to make me cry.” As for “The Lodger,” this is a fun, comedic episode in which the Doctor tries to live life as a human to investigate a mysterious flat.
(check out clips from the blu-ray)
The only real downside to this season is the Silurian 2-parter (“The Hungry Earth” and “Cold Blood”) which fell completely flat. Not only was it a missed opportunity to bring back the Silurians in the new series, but the characters in this two parter are just insufferable.
Like the previous four series/seasons of the new “Doctor Who” series, the fifth season is a must-buy set.
Special Features
Meanwhile in the Tardis – Newly filmed scenes written by Steven Moffat telling what happens between the episodes
Doctor Who Confidential – An inside look at each episode
Monster Files – Get under the skin and inside the minds of the new Doctor’s most challenging opponents – A behind-the-scenes look at the villains of Doctor Who, including the freaky Weeping Angels and scary Daleks.
In-Vision Commentaries – If you are a fan of commentary, this one’s for you.
Outtakes
Video Diaries – Go behind-the-scenes with the cast.
