Up (Blu-ray)
8:45 AM November 19, 2009
Disney/Buena Vista / 2009 / 96 mins / Rated PG
Blu-ray Release Date: 11-10-09
Reviewed on 11-17-09
It’s tough to believe it’s been almost fifteen years since Pixar studios leapt on the scene with their feature-length debut, Toy Story, and effectively revolutionizing animated films forever. Almost every studio in Hollywood has tried to copy their technique. However, like Walt Disney's traditional animation, no one has ever come close to their magic or incredibly heartwarming story-telling style.
Over a dozen films later, Pixar knocks another one out of the ballpark with UP, a heartwarming fantasy about a Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman (played by Ed Asner), who plans his escape from humanity by tying thousands of balloons to his house.
Jam-packed with extras on a four disc set, this UP promises to take your inner child on a never ending ascent. A perfect gift for any age, Pixar continues to deliver top-notch characters and original story telling that never fails to pull the heartstrings of even the most ardent curmudgeon.
UP released November 10, 2009 on Blu ray for an MSRP of $45.99
(but EASILY found for about $20!)
UP begins simply enough, with its feet firmly planted on earth as we discover the wonder and wide-eyed innocence of Carl Fredricksen and Ellie... die-hard explorer wannabes. As we track their life together, it’s obvious Carl met the love-of-his-life in Ellie -- truly his other half --and when she eventually passes away... a part of Carl dies with her.
As progress continues to encroach on what little life Carl has left with the home he and Ellie shared their whole life, he decides to tie thousands of balloons to his house in the hopes of traveling to South America on a trip he and Ellie had planned to take. As his place starts its ascent, Carl gets a knock at the door by an over eager 8-year-old in search of earning a merit badge.
What happens next involves a fantastical journey with the world’s most reluctant duo -- where a storm lands them in the jungle of Paradise Falls where they meet their new best friend, Dug, a goofy golden retriever who has the ability to speak with a specially designed collar.
Next they run into a flightless bird, whom they name Kevin. Kevin just happens to also represent the golden chalice to the film’s surprising nemesis, Charles Muntz, a veteran explorer who Carl adored back in the day. But in his zeal to capture the rare bird that has managed to elude him for decades, Muntz eventually turned evil. With his attention now focused on Carl, it’s up to the unlikely duo to find a way to protect their new friend Kevin from the evil explorer’s clutches.
As with every Pixar gem, UP is less about the mechanics and visual display (even though they consistently deliver in that department) and more about the art of story-telling. The responsibility firmly goes on the shoulders of Pixar’s progenitor, John Lasseter, a veteran animation genius, who knows the value of character.
Forever remembered as Mary Tyler Moore’s, Lou Grant, Ed Asner can now firmly escape the former identity with his masterful interpretation of Carl Fredricksen. Without giving away too much, UP definitely manages to deliver a well earned tear in the film’s final frames.
VIDEO
The MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer (aspect ratio: 1.78:1) is pristine and virtually untouchable. Nothing to complain about and EVERYTHING to crow about, colors jump off the screen and pull you right into the story. If you keep the lights dim in your living room, it feels as if you’re watching the film on the big screen... with a crispness and vibrancy that is unrivalled by of the Pixar wannabes.
The mechanics of the movie fall a distant second to the story-telling. That’s not to say the mechanics aren’t there. Visually stunning and consistently spectacular, you can’t help but awe in its majesty—whether it’s the simple characterization of Carl’s horn rimmed glasses or the breathtaking view of Paradise Falls.
Considering the mere decade and a half since the genesis of CGI, I’m not sure what more we could want or expect in its continued evolution. Simply spectacular.
AUDIO
The Master Audio 5.1 DTS-HD audio delivers, as expected, giving new meaning to the term "Master Audio". A stickler for detail, you never get the sense you’re watching an animated movie complimented by a rigorous background track that forces you in to the film’s reality. Rather than exaggerate simple sounds like a pack of dogs barking or a house being lifted off its foundation, the audio remains understated. It achieves the level of reality that enhances rather than retracts from the simple story-telling.
Rivals certainly can learn a lot from the Pixar formula including another moving score by Michael Giacchino that could put the biggest Spielberg blockbuster to shame. Again, rather than overstate, this soundtrack does what’s intended by complimenting the masterful story.
Other audio options included are a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track, a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 track, an English DTS-HD 2.0 track and English Descriptive Video Service 2.0. As expected with an international hit like UP, there are also subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.
EXTRAS
Hang onto your boot straps, this four-disc set comes LOADED with extras! It’s almost as if Pixar spends as much time in carving out the extras as they did making the film. Among the more memorable:
• Dug's Special Mission - An all-new animated short that follows the trevails of dog Dug, right before he meets up with Carl and Russell. Not that I’m a fan of ripping off classic characters, but Pixar would be wise to consider spinning Dug off to his own computer animated show, the way they did with the Penguins from less-than-average Madagascar.
• Party Cloudy - Another Pixar short shown in the theatric version on where babies come from. Leaping off the lore of the Stork carrying a baby in a diaper, we discover that babies are actually made by cloud spirits. Unfortunately for one stork
• Adventure is Out There! - A well-worth price of admission research documentary which helped serve as the backdrop of South American jungle. Clearly an uncredited character in the movie, this documentary explores the actual jungle in South America that help inspire the film’s incarnation.
• Cine-Explore – An enchanting look behind the scenes of the Making of UP, featuring interviews with writer and director, Bob Peterson and Pete Docter.
• The Many Endings of Muntz (HD, 4:56) Not since Cruella de Ville has there been a villain as good as Muntz. Why, very simply, because the character didn’t start out that way. Rather than black and white evil (which interestingly enough—is how we first meet him—in vintage footage), Muntz essentially lost his mind in his own zeal.
• Married Life – an expanded look at Carl and Ellie’s marriage, magically told without a single line of dialogue. Inspired by home-movies, this short really expounds my theory of terrific story telling. It’s not about theatrics—it’s all about character and how the filmmakers magically get you to fall in love with their creations.
• Global Guardian Board Game – this requires BD-Live, a function I choose to ignore for the most part, and this remedial board game is clearly geared for the kids under eight—who are probably too young to operate the remote.
• Original Trailers, Promos and more Board Games – oh, and did I mention BD Live!?
MY SAY
Come on, Academy. Here's one of your Best Picture of the Year noms right here! UP is easily worth a spot on your video shelf... along with every other Pixar gem. If you’re waiting for a clunker from these guys, you'll be waiting a VERY long time. Do yourself a favor and pick this one UP and let it take you up, up, and away time and time again.
This Blu-ray comes with my highest recommendation.
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