PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr
MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Like “Cars 2,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” got unfairly raked across the critical coals this summer. Having recently seen all three of the previous films, I saw a new life breathed into the franchise with this film. This movie is more straightforward, giving us Jack Sparrow’s story as he tries to find the fountain of youth, fighting mermaids and zombies in the process. jack is less of an ambiguous characters, and I liked that. It was nice to leave Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly behind for this one.
Less convoluted and with a shorter running time, “On Stranger Tides” gave use a brighter look into a fun swashbuckling film. Director Rob Marshall had some fun with this film and gives us the best “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie since “The Curse of the Black Pearl.”
The combo pack includes a DVD and Blu-ray, which both feature bloopers and a LEGO animated short film. Features exclusive to the Blu-ray include “Disney’s Second Screen” which allows you to explore the film from your iPad or computer and an audio commentary with director Rob Marshall.
THE LION KING
Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr
MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5 stars)
After this fall’s re-release of the post-converted 3D “The Lion King” in theaters, the movie became the most successful animated film of all time. And there’s no question as to why... it’s simply a great film for the whole family. Any parent who hasn’t seen the film hundreds of times with their kids on VHS or DVD hasn’t been doing his or her job.
The story roughly follows “Hamlet” as Simba, a young heir to the throne as king of the jungle, is sent into exile when he believes he’s responsible for his father’s death. His evil uncle takes over the pride, and Simba must return and take his place as rightful ruler.
“The Lion King” is one of the last great animated films from Disney’s 2D department. It’s a brilliantly animated movie that balances hard action and powerful drama with knee-slappingly funny moments. The comic relief from Timon and Pumbaa are legendary now, and they are one of the last traditional Disney sidekicks to live beyond their own film.
“The Lion King” has secured its place in movie history as a great film, and it’s now available in the finest format for home viewing. Even if you have the worn-out VHS or the scratched-up DVD, get your hands on the Blu-ray (or available 3D Blu-ray) to enjoy it in its beauty.
The Diamond Edition combo pack includes the DVD with a featurette “The Lion King: A Memoir – Don Hahn.” The enclosed Blu-ray also includes this feature along with four new deleted scenes, new bloopers, a deleted song, and extended cut of “The Morning Report,” “Pride of the Lion King” featurette,” Disney sing-along mode and an interactive Blu-ray gallery.
AFRICAN CATS
Blu-ray Review
by Kevin Carr
MOVIE: *** (out of 5 stars)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **1/2 (out of 5 stars)
After traveling the world for “Earth” and diving into “Oceans,” Disneynature narrows its focus with “African Cats.” This new nature documentary follows the lives of multiple cat species in Africa as they try to survive. The main focus is on warring lion prides as well as a family of cheetahs, though several other lesser cats show up in cameo roles.
I do enjoy these Disneynature presentations, which offer beautiful cinematography and a story that brings the footage together. The narrator this time around is Samuel L. Jackson, whose edgier tone strikes a chord with the subject matter. Rather than trying to encompass the entirety of the world, “African Cats” has a more leisurely pace. It takes its time telling the story, but doesn’t overstay its welcome. The film runs a comfortable 89 minutes, which should keep the interest of the younger kids.
Like the previous Disneynature releases, there’s the real dangers presented in the animal world. But even with such a strong focus on predators, the film is relatively bloodless and appropriate for all ages. If you’ve seen “The Lion King” and want to watch the real thing, give “African Cats” a chance.
The combo pack includes the DVD with the featurettes “Disney & Nature” and “Save the Savanna.” The Blu-ray includes filmmaker annotations through the film, plus the Jordan Sparks music video “The World I Knew.”
