Monsters, Inc. (UK Import) Blu-ray Review

Disc 1 Size: 36.2 GB
Disc 2 Size: 20.5 GB
Film Rating: G
Region: ABC (Free)

Video

Monsters, Inc. comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 video presentation, and let me tell you, this is one of the most amazing Blu-ray releases I have ever encountered, simply gorgeous and stunning. Detail was absolute perfection, from the tiny details in the environments to the textures of the characters. Colors were also absolutely fantastic, popping and vibrant at all times, if there is any animated release to demonstrate Blu-ray, this is it!

I found myself in awe more than a few times, and while I no longer get the ‘wow’ factor that that came when first adopting the format, this presentation made me feel like this was the first time I had seen a Blu-ray disc in motion. The DVD can’t compete whatsoever, there is so much more to be seen and any fan of the film should upgrade without hesitation. 10/10.

Audio

A 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is included and sounds absolutely stunning. Dialogue is clear like never before, and the film’s effects will transform your home theater into whatever scene you are viewing. The effects are so dynamic and aggressive, there is no way one could be disappointed. I was also impressed with the fantastic direction used, feeling like you are in the room when an announcement is made over the intercom or hearing helicopters fly over your head. This track is beautiful and top notch, and I didn’t expect anything less. 10/10.

Extras

Disc 1:

Introduction by Director Pete Docter (HD)
As featured on various high-def releases, the Director of the film introduces the Blu-ray, basically reassuring you of your purchase. It’s quite neat actually.

Filmmakers’ Round Table (21:35) (HD)
Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich, Darla Anderson, and Bob Peterson reflect on the film and share their fun memories working on the film.

Monsters, Inc. Ride And Go Seek: Building Monstropolis In Japan (7:59) (HD)
Go behind-the-scenes of the new Disneyland Japan attraction, includes interviews with thew crew involved in creating the ride.

For The Birds (3:29) (HD)
The funny and popular Pixar short ‘For The Birds’ in beautiful high-definition.

Mike’s New Car (3:48) (HD)
An animated short involving Mike and his new car.

Audio Commentary
with Director Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich, Andrew Stanton and John Lasseter.

Disc 2:

Roz’s 100 Door Challenge (BD-Java Game)
Interactive trivia game, very dull but at least it’s new.

Pixar Fun Factory Tour (3:47) (SD)
John Lasseter shows off the Pixar Studio.

Story Is King (2:03) (SD)
David Silverman introduces the story-board artists, Story Supervisor Bob Peterson explains the job of a story-board artist.

Monsters Are Real (1:32) (SD)
The crew and cast talk about the monsters’ fear of children in the film.

Original Treatment (13:40) (SD)
The original pitch for the film.

Story Pitch: Back To Work (4:36) (SD)
Bob Peterson pitching a scene.

Banished Concepts (Intro SD) (Concepts HD)
Includes an introduction by Co-Director Lee Ulkrich, the following concepts are featured:
Assistant Sulley (2:15)
End Of Day (2:22)
Bad Scare (2:51)
Scream Refinery (1:06)
Original Sulley Intro (1:00)

Storyreel (5:14) (HD)
The storyreel version of the Boo bedtime scene.

Final Color (5:14) (HD)
Watch the final version of the Boo bedtime scene.

Split-Scene Comparison (5:14) (HD)
See both the storyreel and final color versions of the Boo bedtime scene via split-screen comparison.

Art Gallery
Includes Characters, Color Script, Concept Art and Posters.

Designing Monstropolis (2:52) (SD)
David Silverman explains the design process.

Set Dressing Intro (3:22) (SD)
Set Dressing Supervisor Sophie Vincelette shows how they create the sets.

Location Flyarounds (7:26) (SD)
See the many Monstropolis locations and get to see them without the characters taking up the screen.

Cast Of Characters. (5:54) (SD)
The crew explains the recording process, as well as thoughts from the cast.

What Makes A Great Monster (1:28) (SD)
The art department shows off the many ideas of monsters, as well as the evolution of the characters.

Animation Process (3:14) (SD)
The crew shows the steps in animation.

Early Tests (8:05) (SD)
Early animated look at Mike and Sulley.

Opening Title Animation (2:09) (SD)
The crew talks about the decision to add a fun intro rather than a scary one.

Hard Parts (5:02) (SD)
The crew talks about creating new ideas for Monsters Inc. and being original.

Shots Department (2:16) (SD)
The crew talks about simulation, and the challenges that came with it.

Production Demonstration (HD)
Includes intro, storyreel, layout, animation and final color.

Monster Song (3:17) (SD)
Go behind-the-scenes with Billy Crystal and John Goodman as they sing ”If I Didn’t Have You.”

Sound Design (4:16) (SD)
Gary Rydstrom explains the sound design process.

The Premiere (:59) (SD)
Footage from the premiere of the film.

Theatrical Trailers & TV Spots (HD)
Two theatrical trailers, four TV spots, International inserts, Multi-Language clip reel, toys, and outtakes and Company Play are included, which was featured at the end of the theatrical release.

Wrap-Up (:46) (SD)
Conclusion of the Pixar Studio tour.

Monster TV Treats (1:13) (SD)
TV vignettes for the film, during all diffferent types of events. Baseball, football, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Ponkickies 21
Interactive Japanese game, includes a random rock paper scissors game.

“If I Didn’t Have You” Music Video (1:12) (HD)
A music video featuring clips from the film.

On The Job With Mike & Sulley (2:33) (SD)
Mike & Sulley talk to a reporter about their jobs.

Welcome To Monsters, Inc. (:56) (SD)
Introduction for new Monsters, Inc. employees.

Your First Day (3:38) (SD)
An overview of the company.

History Of The Monster World (1:36) (HD)
Bud Luckey draws and narrates a history of the schism between man and monster.

Blu-news Summary

The Blu-ray release of Monsters, Inc. was the first time I have seen the film in a couple of years, and it was absolutely fantastic to be able to revist the film in 1080p high-definition. I actually enjoyed the film much more this time around, I always felt it was mediocre among Pixar films overall. Mediocre in Pixar films is not mediocre among all films though, as Pixar is levels above all other animation studios. The film is very funny and unique, and still very heart-warming at the same time. If you haven’t seen the film yet, what are you waiting for?

The Blu-ray release is jaw-dropping to say the least, bringing an ultimate package filled with tons of extras and even exclusive Blu-ray features. The video and audio presentations are perfection, and one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen or heard. The Blu-ray release is ‘A Must Own.‘

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Hannah Montana: The Movie Blu-ray Review

Disc Size: 39.0 GB
Film Size: 22.1 GB
Film Rating: G
Region: A

Video

Hannah Montana: The Movie comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 video presentation. I have to say I was expecting an oversaturated bubble gum pink and colorful presentation, but instead we get a more natural looking film with rich but subtle colors. The film’s look varied by scene, sometimes being sharp and detailed, and other times a bit more soft and flat.

There was a thin layer of grain present throughout the majority of the film, and black levels generally held up good. The soft look of the film surprised me a bit though, sometimes making scenes look a bit more dull and flat. It wasn’t too bad though, and the transfer certainly has more positives than negatives. Fans of the film should be pleased with this Blu-ray effort. 8/10.

Audio

A 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is included and I have mixed reactions. If you forget this is a 7.1 track, it’s actually pretty good. the additional two speakers have minimal use throughout, they are active during any song in the film but very quiet in the mix. The audio is a bit more quiet than your average mix to begin with, so it helps to turn up the volume a bit more than usual on your receiver when viewing the film.

Dialogue was clear as can be, front and center. There are certain songs dialogue that aren’t as impressive, due to the mixing of the song, and the obvious major editing of the vocals. There are also songs that sound very good and bring the oomph I was hoping for, such as ‘Hoedown Throwdown’, ‘The Climb’ and ‘You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home.’ ‘The Climb’ was one of my favorite audio moments in the film, with each instrument playing getting a bigger feel of separation and quality, the vocals also felt much more natural and really showed off the high-def audio track.

The film’s effects are generally very front heavy, although they do expand more into the surround area at times. The track was far from disappointing though, and fans of the film will be very pleased with the upgrade in clarity and overall quality. 8.5/10.

Extras

Disc 1:

Audio Commentary
with Director Peter Chelsom

Deleted Scenes (10:36) (HD)
Four deleted scenes are included, with each deleted scene explained.

Music Videos (SD/HD)
“The Climb” – Official Music Video (SD)
“Back To Tennessee” Official Music Video (SD)
‘You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” (HD)
“Let’s Get Crazy” (HD)
“The Climb” (HD)
“Bless The Broken Road” (HD)
“Crazier” (HD)

The Hoedown Throwdown Home Experience:
Everybody Now… /Learn The Moves (14:40) (HD)
The story of the Hoedown Throwdown, plus learn how to do the moves. Choreographer Jamal Sims and some of the cast show how to do the Hoedown Throwdown.

Find Your Way Back Home (15:07) (HD)
Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Emily Osment all show you some of their favorite places from their hometowns.

I Should Have Gone To Film School – With Jason Earles (15:19) (HD)
Jason Earles goes behind-the-scenes of making the film. It features a good amount of behind-the-scenes footage, although the making of is explained for kids to easily understand.

Fun With Hannah And The Gang (3:53) (HD)
Bloopers from the film.

BD-Live:
Radio Disney
Currently unavailable.

Country Store
Available during the film or directly. During the film this feature will allow you to select Hannah Montana items throughout the film and purchase them later.

Disc 2:
DVD copy of the film

Disc 3:
Digital Copy of the film

Blu-news Summary

Hannah Montana: The Movie is a very average but fun family film, the more family content on Blu-ray the better and this one definitely shines when compared to many available. The film is very cheesy and bubbly, but there’s nothing wrong with that, especially for younger audiences. it’s a film that will have your younger kids laughing, your tweens possibly crying of joy, and you surprised it wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be.

The Blu-ray release is good, not amazing, but I’m glad the Blu-ray is given the deluxe treatment when it comes to this release, also including both a DVD and Digital Copy for your kids to take on the road or watch in their bedrooms. The video presentation was pleasing, the audio was nice, and the bonus features were aimed at kids but still enjoyable overall. This disc is ‘Highly Recommended‘ for fans, ‘Recommended‘ for those with tweens and children, and ‘A Solid Rental‘ for those who haven’t seen it but are curious.

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