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One of the most intriguing animated films to come out this past year, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie puts on a great show for all ages.  The movie now on Blu-ray in a 3D 4-disc combo pack takes the fun into your living room where you can enjoy it close up.  The 3D imagery has all the depth of field as in the theater version and the HD gives it clarity of both sound and video. It’s kid friendly with a heartwarming tale of love between a boy and his pet.

Direct from the imaginative files of Tim Burton who gave us the fun films Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride, this little jewel entertains big time.  Using his creative technique of stop-motion animation and adding 3D to give it depth isn’t enough for the creature master, this time his scary tale becomes even spookier in Black & White.

Although Burton takes pages from Mary Shelley’s horror book Frankenstein and some other beastly stories, he develops a more family friendly film.  Here he creates his central characters being Victor Frankenstein (voiced by Charlie Tahan) a regular nice young boy and his lovable dog Sparky. The two are nearly inseparable and even at school the boy yearns for his best friend.  His science teacher Mr. Rzykruski (voiced by Martin Landau) has high hopes for Victor who seems to be the most interested student in the class. When they discuss the area’s tendency for lightning, the two make a student teacher connection.

Wanting to please his father (voiced by Martin Short) baseball has become another passion for Victor and Sparky chases balls around the yard for his master.  One day at a baseball game Victor smashes a hit out of the park.  Sparky seeing the ball go into the air breaks his tether and goes after it crossing a highway in the process.  With ball in mouth he starts to return and gets run over by a car. Lost without his able pet, Victor gets an idea from his science class that he can use to bring Sparky back to life.  Taking him from his grave and hooking the dog up to a lightning driven contraption, he succeeds.  When his feat gets discovered by his friend Edgar (voiced by Atticus Shaffer) things start going awry in Victor’s little town of New Holland.

Taking Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein horror story to new depths, adding some comedy, interesting characters and a lot of heart, Burton shows a love between humans and their pets.  I actually couldn’t find anything scary in the film that would bother young children that are old enough to enjoy a Halloween night of unusual costumes.  In a nutshell, if The Nightmare Before Christmas didn’t bother the child, this one has a story that’s a lot tamer.  Please note however, Frankenweenie has been rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements, scary images and action.

I found that the use of black and white as the medium gave the film a softer feel adding some mystery and after about ten minutes into the movie it wasn’t a bother at all.  Since the film plays to audiences of all ages, color would have taken the spookiness out of the storyline making most adults bored with the production.

The audio quality using the 7.1 DTS Blu-ray is extremely good giving the production a theater like feel, especially with a good speaker system.  Even using my HD Television speakers allowed me to crank it up a bit and you can hear the extension of sound across the room. The dialog from the film can be easily understood even during some of the most exciting scenes.  I liked the fact that I could get some use out of my sub woofers making the storm scenes a touch bolder.

As for the video, it mirrors the imagery of the movie theater 3D presentation with an extremely enjoyable dept of field that tends to make you want to reach in and touch the characters.  But, you may want to caution the youngest of children that it’s only an illusion and sticky fingers are not good for the TV screen.  The 1.78:1 aspect ratio fits nicely on HD 16×9 television screens and I experienced no picture loss.  Although the presentation gets a little darker with the 3D glasses, I did not find it distracting because the Black and White format gives the film the intended creepy feel. There is not much popping out at the audience but I found it wouldn’t have added much to the presentation anyway.

The Bonus features are fun and there’s something for both young and old.

• But, first:  Check out the Tim Burton’s charming  “Captain Sparky vs. The Flying Saucers” a cartoon featuring Victor and Sparky making a home movie.  The kids should get a kick out of it and it’s only a couple of minutes long.
• Dads will probably love “Miniatures in Motion: Bringing Frankenweenie to Life” a behind the scenes documentary that lasts nearly 30 minutes and had me intrigued. It was enjoyable listening to Director Tim Burton, Producer Don Hahn and other crew members going over the intricate production aspects that brought Frankenweenie to the screen.
• There’s a 5 minute short “Frankenweenie Touring Exhibit” showing the art and models from the film that may have passed through your town.  If it didn’t it has been recorded and added to both the Blu-ray and DVD for your edification. Production slides, models and more are featured.
• Included in the special features is Tim Burton’s “Original Live-Action Frankenweenie Short”.  This nearly 30 minute live-action short gave Burton the idea to expand it into the full feature film on the video.  The short film is fascinating and fun to watch after seeing the movie from which it was created.
• The Plain White Ts perform a “Music Video” called “Pet Cemetery” that the whole family may enjoy.  It lasts at least 4 minutes.
• Also if you check out the Trailers and Sneak Peeks you’ll find some quick previews of upcoming films Oz: The Great and Powerful, Planes and Once Upon a Time.

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack  (Blu-ray + DVD) — Includes: All 4-Disc bonus features

• “Captain Sparky vs The Flying Saucers”
• “Miniatures In Motion: Bringing ‘Frankenweenie’ To Life”
• “Frankenweenie” Touring Exhibit
• “Frankenweenie” (original Live-Action Short)
•  “Pet Sematary” Music Video performed by Plain White T’s

1-Disc DVD

• “Frankenweenie” Touring Exhibit
• “Pet Sematary” Music Video performed by Plain White T’s

FINAL ANALYSIS:  A cool take on the horror film favorite Frankenstein, Burton style. (B+)

Specifications and additional film information:

• Cast: Charlie Tahan, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Robert Capron
• Directed by: Tim Burton
• MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, scary images and action
• Genre: Adaptation, Animated, Comedy, Horror
• Running Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Street Date: January 8, 2012
• Original Theatrical Release Date: October 5, 2012
• Language: English, French, Spanish
• Format: Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, Plus Digital Copy
• Audio: Blu-ray- 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, DVD- 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Video: Blu-ray- 1080p HD Widescreen 1.85:1 DVD- 1.85:1  Widescreen enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
• Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
• Number of Discs: 4 Discs
• Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

 

The long list of PIXAR films being released in 3D now includes Oscar winner UP a family favorite that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone.  Released in a 5-Disc box set, the package includes a Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Discs (2), DVD and Digital Copy just in time for Holiday giving.  If you already have a 3D set-up or have interest in upgrading to 3D then this would be a good time to get the whole package before it goes back into the Disney vault.

The story behind UP centers on Carl Fredricksen, an old geezer with his dog Dug, who has not left his house since his wife died.  A former balloon salesman, Carl made a lot of children happy before he retired.  Unfortunately the city has grown around his small house, he now sits in the middle of a metropolis between two multi-story apartment buildings and land developers have their sights set on getting the valuable land.

On this day he gets a visit from an employee of the land developer and a tussle pursues causing an incident.  Upset by the altercation Carl does what he knows best, fills his house with thousands of Helium filled balloons to make a unique get-away. Designing a makeshift airship out of his house his plan involves fulfilling a lifelong dream the couple had of moving to a special spot in South America.  Just before he takes off he gets a knock at the door and finds Russell a boy scout offering to do a good deed.  When Carl refuses and the boy ends up on his porch with the house rising into the atmosphere, a very amazing adventure begins.

The film works at all levels from youngster to adult showing the pathos along with the adventure, laughter among the tears. I like the way PIXAR treads tenderly when they deal with the audience’s heart strings. For example the filmmaker uses a short 2D ‘hand drawn’ segment to get the audience involved in Carl and his wife’s early life, her inability to have a child, then her sickness, a funeral and Carl growing old without her.  Not as fluffy as the rest of the film and not adventurous for a youngster the animation does however, bring life’s struggles to the forefront.  This part may take a little explaining for your youngest family member, but it’s also an opportunity to open a conversation with your older children if you so desire.

The colorful adventure that uncovers a mystery, longing desires and a realization that life can change for the better is brilliant and bright.  The video quality with 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray 1080p HD 1.78:1 or DVD Widescreen Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions gives a remarkable depiction of the animated film. Add to this the 3D and you have a home theater experience that should enchant the whole family. The clear depth of field will have your kids wanting to reach into the movie so instructions on 3D should include “no touching the screen.”  There is very little if any pop out animation, but I found that feature unnecessary. With so much of the action centered in the background it wasn’t an issue for me.

The sound quality really makes the adventure entertaining especially on the Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 or even the DVD 5.1 Dolby Digital sound track.  From the special effects sound mixer to the boom operator the production has such high quality that most every HD Television will provide an exceptional experience. The music in UP keeps Carl Fredricksen’s quest alive and upbeat.  And if you have surround speakers hooked up you’ll think you are in the middle of the movie, even more so with 3D.

Probably the best computer animators of all time, PIXAR/Disney have brought astounding family entertainment to the screen since 1995 beginning with an adventure comedy called Toy Story.  The animated film experts have broken all records since their inception and still have a lock on providing some of the best kid friendly films in the business.  It’s hard to point out the top PIXAR film as it’s like trying to choose the best chocolate in a box, they’re all sweet on the outside with a variety of adventurous centers (sorry about that I got carried away for a moment).

The bonus features will probably be a letdown only because they are a repeat from the Blu-ray release in 2011. If you do not own the Blu-ray however, feast your eyes till they pop.

BONUS FEATURES

• “Cine-Explore Commentary”- Director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson present a making up featuring the art, storyboards, character designs, etc. Actually it’s very good and if you are a film buff or student this feature’s a must.
• “Adventure Is Out There”- Director Pete Docter and members of the crew and some special filmmakers go over the development of the film.  Different from Cine-Explore, this one I feel geared more analytical.
• “Partly Cloudy”- One of the better animated shorts, this one features some cool storks delivering anything from babies to snakes in a funny parody on loyalty.
• “Dug’s Special Mission”- This misadventure keeps in tune with the hapless dog Dug from the movie.  The lovable character will make the kiddies want on for their very own.
• “Documentaries”- Includes the following docs surrounding the development of characters and sets: “Canine Companions”, “Geriatric Hero”, “Wilderness Explorer”, “Our Giant Flightless Friend”, “Balloons and Flight”, “Composing for Characters” and “Homemakers of Pixar”.
• “Global Guardian Badge Game”- A kid friendly interactive search game with a couple of levels.
•  “The Many Endings of Muntz”
• “Married Life”
•  “Up Promo Montage”
• “Worldwide Trailers”

FINAL ANALYSIS:  A kid friendly 3D film that even dad will like. (B+)

Specifications and additional film information:

• Cast: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer and John Ratzenberger
• Directed by: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
• MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some peril and action
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
• Running Time: 1 hr 36 min
• Street Date: December 4, 2012
• Original Film Release Date: May 29, 2009
• Language: English, French, Spanish
• Format:  Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD
• Audio: Blu-ray- DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0, DVD- 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Video: Blu-ray- 1080p HD, 1.78:1, DVD- Widescreen Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
• Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
• Number of Discs: 5 Discs
• Awards: Won Oscars for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures
• Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

 

 

 

 

This animated underwater road trip has all the right elements and does an excellent job of hitting its target market.  Now Finding Nemo has arrived for home viewers in another format Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D and I must say the amazing talent at PIXAR has made it eye popping and crystal clear.  Whether you have 3D or there’s one in your future, get the new 5-Disc Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD and Digital Copy loaded with bonus features for the whole family.

Most all families know the tale, but for those who want their memory refreshed the story goes like this.  Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) and young Nemo (voice of Alexander Gould) find themselves living alone together after a fisherman takes Marlin’s wife.  Having to bring his son up without a lot of knowledge about the subject, Marlin finds himself very cautious as to where Nemo goes.

Having been sheltered for so long, Nemo has desires to see the undersea world.  Wandering off from his school one day, the youngster gets netted by some fish collectors. Marlin finds out Nemo’s gone missing, finds a clue and starts looking for him.  Along the way he meets Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) a loony ‘fish-out-of-water’ and the two ocean fish begin an underwater road trip that becomes an unforgettable adventure.

All the voice actors are perfect for their characters and especially Ellen DeGeneres who steals the show as the ditsy Surgeonfish Dory.  Extremely funny I found myself laughing before she finishes a sentence. Albert Brooks has the kind of voice that makes you wonder if Marlin really has a handle on things.  His Marlin wants to be the perfect dad, but he’s also crowding his son Nemo who needs to experience life. As for Nemo, Alexander Gould does an incredible job of bringing the clown fish to life.  The urgency in Nemo’s voice, the worry in the tone and the childish giggle needed for the character are nicely provided by Gould.

Just like most all Disney/PIXAR films there’s always a lesson to be learned and Finding Nemo has one of the best.  Here the advice centers on Nemo obeying parenting and for Marlin never giving up.  It’s this kind of message that makes a family film inspiring, especially since it’s tied in with a cool adventure and a lot of fun related action.  It’s hard to choose which Disney/PIXAR or any animated film shows best, but Finding Nemo’s certainly in my top ten.

Finding Nemo has been nominated for 36 awards and won 35 including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.  Interesting fact: The film took in over $380 million at the box-office in the United States with over $540 million foreign for a total of $921,261,061.  If you calculate the number of viewers using an average ticket price of $5 for example, that would come to over 184 million views of the film. Kind of boggles the mind a bit doesn’t it?

The 3D presentation of this film makes for remarkable entertainment.  Not all 3D has been great or even necessary in a lot of films released over the past few years, so choosing the right one can be a chore. When Finding Nemo was released there wasn’t a surge of the format so it missed the opportunity in theaters until it was remastered in 3D for theaters during 2012.  Now that TV technology has surpassed what 3D was in the past with glasses that give a better depth perception, the format allows the viewer to be ‘part’ of the performance.  The shadows of the past are gone with this clear and bright picture 3D presentation.  The film also has some eye popping elements including reaching out to touch the fish as they swim by or backing away from a spray of water, it’s that good.

The visual clarity of the Blu-ray played on a HD Television gives theater quality to the viewer.  The 1080p with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 fills widescreen televisions without any loss of picture on the edges.  Colorful and bright the movie feels like a live action adventure surrounding flowery reefs, realistic surf and plenty of ocean water with creatures your children will love.  No need to go to an aquarium any time soon as there’s a lot of sea life brilliantly depicted in Finding Nemo.

It’s hard to even question the sound quality with the 7.1 Dolby TrueHD embedded in the Blu-ray disc.  The soundtrack provides an adventurous tone, voices are clear and understandable, and special effects sound has genuine affect on the storyline. If you have the right equipment you’ll even experience some of the soundtrack from both sides and in back of the room.  The sound guys provide the roaring waves, boat horns, bubbles, cracking glass, dental tools, etc. and of course clear dialogue from some of the most notable actors in the business.

The bonus features are plenty with enough additional entertainment for several sittings.  To describe them all would not do it justice so you’ll just have to enjoy the experience yourself.  The following is a list of the bonus features on the Blu-ray disc 1 and Blu-ray disc 2 with several repeated on the DVD.

SPECIAL BONUS FEATURES:
Blu-ray Disc 1

• “Knick Knack” Theatrical Short Film (Rated: G)
• Aquarium
• CineExplore- This ‘making of’ features Directors Andrew Stanton, Lee Urkrich and writer Bob Peterson.
• Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable- The Principle Crew and Producers talk about their experience with the film.
• Reinventing the Submarine Voyage- a visit to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland
• Also: Deleted Scene: “Alt Opening” and “A Lesson in Flashbacks”.

Blu-ray Disc 2

• Making Nemo- An excellent behind-the-scenes documentary covers everything from the concept of Nemo to the research the crew did involving the ocean.
• Exploring the Reef- Takes you on a short trip to a reef
• Studio Tour- What PIXAR’s all about
• Mr. Ray’s Encyclopedia- This interactive educational tool is very good for budding sea explorers.
• Also: “Aquariums”, “Art Review”, “Old School”, “Classic Content”, “Outtakes”, “Deleted Scenes” and “Publicity Pieces”

FINAL ANALYSIS:  An exciting adventure and great family fun. (A)

Specifications and additional film information:

• Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem DaFoe
• Directed by: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
• MPAA Rating: G
• Genre: Comedy, Family, Animation
• Running Time: 1 hr 42 min
• Street Date: December 4, 2012
• Original Film Release Date: May 30, 2003
• Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
• Language: English, Spanish and French
• Format: Blu-ray, DVD, Blu-ray 3D
• Audio: Blu-ray Feature Film: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surrounded, 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Original Theatrical Mix; DVD- Feature Film – 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
• Video: 1080p High Definition DVD Feature Film – 1.78:1
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French
• Number of Discs: 5 Disc 3D Combo Pack
• Distributed by: Disney Home Entertainment

 

A FAMILY

FUN FEATURE

WITH A LOT

OF CHARM

DISNEY’S SECRET OF THE WINGS

Review by John Delia

Children will enjoy this wonderland romp in a frozen forest with their favorite fairy Tinker Bell.  Disney’s Secret of the Wings, the newest in the Fairies collection, has been released in a Blu-ray combo pack and for the first time includes a Fairies feature on a disc in 3D.

This adventure starts in Pixie Hallow showing Tink working with her friends that are making baskets for neighboring winter fairies living in the forbidden winter woods.  Curious about the winter woods, Tink volunteers to help the Animal Fairy take the rabbits to the edge of the frozen forest.  There she sees the rabbits cross a mysterious gateway that changes their fir from brown to white so they can survive the cold. Read more…

THE LION KING

FIRST TIME IN

3D and now on  BLU-RAY

 

I don’t know if you recently had the opportunity to see The Lion King in 3D at your local theater or the original version in 1994 when it came out, but I had the opportunity to see the film in the 3D Blu-ray disc version and it’s amazing.  The Lion King will probably never be replaced as the all time animated entertainment event for me because it has all the action, drama, comedy and values that make it the best for family viewing, and now in 3D Blu-ray. 

 

The movie follows the adventure of a young lion cub Simba who is next in line to be King of the pride.  But his uncle Scar has other plans and sets up Simba to fail leading to his taking of the throne.  Cast out into the wilderness Simba runs into Pumbaa and Timon who help Simba get his strength and courage back.  When Simba returns to the pride a fight for leadership begins.

 

The songs are classics with “The Circle of Life” at the very top.  It’s hard to get most of the songs out of your brain once you revisit them and I still toe tap to “Hakuna Matata”.  But my heart belongs to “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”, especially watching Simba and Nala begin their journey in life.

 

In 3D the movie takes on another level of entertainment.  This super visual mode put me right into the movie showing the characters up close and providing an amazing depth that brought the jungle to my living room.  If you have the 3D television and 3D Blu-ray system it’s the most unique way to see this classic spectacular movie.

 

The Lion King  Four Disc combo pack turns out to be the best buy for now and the future.  This packaging includes the Blu-ray 3D, a regular Blu-ray disc with the feature film and the bonus features, a DVD of the film with it’s own bonus feature and a fourth Digital copy of the feature so you can download it and take it with you inside your laptop computer or other mobile device. 

 

The Lion King has remained my favorite animated film over the years with just a few being it’s equal.  But, even though it has equals, it’s still the top one on my library shelf.  With the new Diamond Collection beginning, the original DVD has a new guest the 3D Version that will sit along side.  This product is among the new Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection a selection of the most prestigious animated classics in the Disney vault.  The collection will be comprised of those treasured titles and will be released through the year 2016.

 

The Diamond titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology. It all starts with The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, both available October 4, 2011.  Look for Lady and the Tramp DE in Spring of 2012.

 

Disney makes it easy to upgrade your collection to Blu-ray by just going to dineyupgrade2blu.com for instructions. You don’t have to give up your old DVD format disc and you get an $8 coupon to use for a discount on that Blu-ray title for which you send in purchase tab.

 

For all you ‘techie’ people let’s look inside the box and find out about the cool technical aspects of this baby.

Video

 

The color, sharpness, contrast and other goodies depend on your system, but if it is high grade you can depend on the discs inside the box to be top notch.  I found the 3D to be extremely well presented in its 1.178:1 aspect ratio a widescreen format that filled the whole screen with pop out quality and no black bars to distract.  Imaging has been greatly improved over the 2004 release of The Lion King with this pristine high definition picture. It’s hard to beat Disney’s Blu-ray for quality of picture including the fine sharpness, contrast, color and black levels. 

 

Audio

 

Featuring AC-3, Dolby Digital Surround Sound my system would have blew the doors off the room if I jacked up the levels to full bore.  Instead I notched the film at a level that would fix my body in the center of all the action without destroying the ‘feel’ of the film.  Sound is at least 50% of any film showing and without good levels the presentation fails. The Blu-ray 3D disc provides (English) a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that easily drives my speaker system.

 

Special Features

 

The special bonus features on the discs are quite good and do have more than 2004’s 2 Disc Special Edition of The Lion King. On the 3D Blu-ray there’s just the film where you will experience 3D to the max.  The Blu-ray disc included in the combo pack has many bonus features, but don’t get rid of your 2004 SE because it has some features this edition doesn’t.

 

Deleted Scenes: 4 never-before-see deleted scenes (6 min)

Bloopers: New funny ‘animated errors’ that make you laugh (1 min)

Deleted Song:  I guess the film was a little too long or the scene was cut, but this special song was not in the original.

The Morning Report:  After you watch the film check this bonus out as it provides a longer sort of alternate version of this scene from the film. (2 min)

Pride of the Lion King: a visit with the crew on the film (36 min)

Sing-a-long mode: The songs from the film are set up with subtitles so the kids (and yourself) will know all the words.

Interactive Blu-ray Gallery: It’s worth the look.

 

The DVD disc includes the bonus:

 

The Lion King: A Memoir- Don Hahn:  Hahn takes you on a journey into the creation of the film introducing the people who helped make it happen.  It’s a wonderful behind the scenes memory not to be missed. (20 min)  

 

Disney Second Screen: The Lion Ling Edition provides a chance to sync your laptop or iPad with your Blu-ray disc to provide additional content you control as your movie plays.  It can be a bit dicey to set up and a little techie to use but once you do,…Revelations!

Final Thoughts

 

For me The Lion King 3D Blu-ray is a no-brainer, but if you are not ever planning on purchasing a 3D system it may not be for you.  However, with the Blu-ray and DVD enclosed in the 3D combo pack, if you are going to purchase the Blu-ray anyway the Combo Pack may be a better deal for any future changes in your entertainment system.

 

Rating System (with best being a 5): Film- 4.5, Video- 5, Audio- 5, Extras- 3.5, Overall 4.5

 

 

 

STEP UP 3D Now on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Disc, DVD and digital download

Starring: Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson, Adam G. Sevani, Alyson Stoner, Harry Shum Jr. and Joe Slaughter

Directed by: Jon Chu

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language.

Now you can have it all with 4 ways to watch the second sequel of Step Up, 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray feature film, DVD and high quality Digital copy.  It’s a great you to get your favorite film so you can watch it in any format.  And even though you may not have #D now, with the wave of the future crashing down around us, it doesn’t hurt to start collecting now.

The film has the usual boy meets girl, they fall in love and a Romeo and Juliet romance begins.  But let me fill you in a little more; in the story we find Moose (Sharni Vinson) and Camille (Alyson Stoner) both characters (and original actors) from Step Up 2 arriving at NYU for their first year looking to further their education.  Walking across campus Moose finds himself dueling with a member of the street dancing team House of Samurai and wins, this puts Moose in a dilemma challenged as to what path he wants to take, school or dance. When Luke (Rick Malambri), the leader of rival team The Pirates, gets his hooks into Moose he makes him a part of his dance squad. From this point on it’s a battle for bragging rights and $100,000.

Dance and music drive this film with the chorography by Jamal Sims, Nadine Ruffin, Dave Scott, Richmond Talauega and Anthony Talauega and music by Bear McCreary.  Dazzeling acrobatics make up most of the themed dances while individual standouts take the floor facing equal opponents during the ‘battle’ scenes.  Kicking up the beat the soundtrack includes the music of T-Pan, Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys, K’naan, Chromeo, Mims, Jesse McCartney, ELECTRIXX, Tania Doko, J. Randall, Busta Rhymes and so many others that would fill this whole article.  The sounds are hip and in tune with the dancing.

Step Up 3D DVD Bonus features are plenty and include a music montage called Extra Movies which features the dancers in the film showing extra steps with more footage that did not make the movie in theatres.  You will also get Making of the Music Videos, 8 Music Videos and more.

Blu-ray Bonus features include all the DVD extras plus a feature called Born From A Boom Bos: A Luke Katcher Film, and 8 deleted scenes.

The Step Up 3D Blu-ray combo pack is available on Tuesday December 21 and in time for holiday giving.  You can’t miss it as the box cover is in 3D.

“NOW IN 3D BLU-RAY”

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment debuts its first Blu-ray™ 3D release with Academy Award®-winning director Robert Zemeckis’ (Best Director, Forrest Gump in 1994) unique interpretation of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey (Yes Man, Horton Hears a Who, Bruce Almighty) as multiple characters including the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. Rounding out the stellar cast are Gary Oldman (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Collin Firth (Love Actually, The Accidental Husband, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Robin Wright (State of Play and Forrest Gump).

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).

Also available on 1-Disc Blu-ray and 1-Disc DVD

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.
• • Deleted Scenes – Three deleted scenes on the DVD.

Story:

From Walt Disney Pictures comes the magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale – Disney’s A Christmas Carol, the high-flying, heartwarming adventure for the whole family. When three ghosts take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas – but he must act on it before it’s too late. Complete with spirited bonus features, this exhilarating and touching Disney classic is destined to be part of a family holiday tradition, adding sparkle and heart to all Christmases yet to come.