Directed by Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
Featuring Voices by John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi
Oh, how do I love the Pixar? Let me count the ways….Finding Nemo, Toy Story 1 and 2, Up, The Incredibles, and Wall-e. Does Monsters Inc make that list? Monsters Inc was recently released on Blu Ray by Disney/Pixar.
The Movie
In the world behind our closet doors, monsters like Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley( John Goodman) work hard at their jobs, just like any of us. They pack lunches, punch a clock, and have idle chit chat next to the water cooler. The difference in their day jobs and ours is that it is Mike and Sulley’s responsibility to scare kids.
In the world of Monsters Inc, the monster world depends on children’s screams: It is their energy that makes lightbulbs glow and cars drive. Big companies like Monsters, Inc. collect the scream energy, and many monsters work there in shifts.
However, the job isn’t as easy as it used to be. It is getting harder and harder to shock the kids properly, since they are so desensitized by films and television As a consequence, there’s an energy shortage in the monster world.
Sulley, the number one frightener, one day accidentally lets a human child, Boo (Mary Gibbs) into the monster world. Since kids are supposed to be poisonous and carry loads of diseases, pandemonium and chaos ensues
After Mike and Sulley discover that the girl seems quite harmless, they decide to bring her back through her door into her room. But Boo’s presence is more than just a mere accident. Now, Mike and Sulley have to face an enemy within their home and social circle.
Monsters Inc is an energetic, inventive and fun filled romp that explores a subject young and old can relate too: is there a monster under my bed or in my closet? Tell me that when you were a kid, you didn’t take a running leap from the door to the bed because you weren’t quite sure what was lingering in the dark?
The world that the directors and animators create in this film is rich with detail and will have you smiling from ear to ear. Also, the voice work by Goodman, Crystal, and Gibbs as the leads is first rate. Fans of Steve Buscemi and Jennifer Tilly will enjoy their voice work in the film as well.
So, at the end of the day, Monsters Inc is another charming and entertaining film from the inventive minds over at Pixar and is easily going to make a list of your favorite Pixar films.
And, it’s finally on Blu Ray now? So, it’s a no brainer to add this to the collection.
10/10
The Video
Monsters Inc. Is presented in anamorphic widescreen and transferred in AVC/MPEG4. The colors are eyepoppingly vibrant and the overall image is very respectable. I did not notice any instances of grain or artifacts.
10/10
The Audio
Monsters Inc is presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio. The dialogue is crystal clear and easily heard. All of your speakers in your home theater will get a nice workout as the film is nicely mixed and presented.
9/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features
The film and bonus features are presented on 4 discs enclosed in a standard blu ray amaray case.
There are some great bonus features to explore on this release. First up, A commentary with Docter, Unkrich, writer Andrew Stanton and Pixar bigwig John Lasseter are all present for an informative and funny commentary.
A roundtable discussion with Docter and Unkrich is offered, as well as Ride and Go Seek: Building Monstropolis in Japan is a look at the Monsters Inc themed ride in Japan.
The great Pixar short films For the Birds and Mike’s New Car are included. Also on the menu are 5 deleted scenes and storyboard animation. And for your peepers, an art gallery.
On the standard definition side, Designing Monstropolis, Location Flyaround and Monster File that explores the voice talent is offered.
Monsters Only is a collection of music videos and Set Dressing is self explanatory. The bonus feature entitled Animation is a wonderful look at the early animation tests for the film and the characters.
An additional look at the pre-production process is covered in the bonus features Original Treatment, Monsters are Real, Story is King and Back to Work.
All things considered, a smashing collection bonus material
10/10
Overall (Not an Average) 10/10
The Review
The Movie 10/10
The Video 10/10
The Audio 9/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features 10/10
Overall (not an average) 10/10