Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell, an overeager 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time - Carl's front porch! The world's most unlikely duo reach new heights and meet fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, the rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life's biggest adventures aren't the ones you set out looking for.

If there is one studio that has been batting a thousand in Hollywood it’s Pixar. While some waver in their excitement for some of their titles, I’ve yet to see one that I didn’t love. They continually deliver fresh stories and don’t seem to follow the Hollywood trends of simply recycling what is popular. Up is one of their best yet and although it seems geared more toward the adult audience in theme, the kids still love it. I’ve watched this two times already on Blu-ray and am continually moved by the story, emotion and grandeur of the production. I just hope the Academy doesn’t turn up their nose to Pixar yet again for the Best Picture category, because this is at least the third time that they MORE than deserve to be considered.

Pixar’s films keep looking better and better. Every time they release a new one you just think they can’t improve on the animation anymore than they already have. But here we are again. The Blu-ray transfer is as flawless as any I’ve seen, and in regards to color detail it may be the best Pixar has delivered yet. The sense of dimension is incredible and the fine detail is everything you’d hope a Blu-ray release would be. Even the included shorts are perfect demo material to show off that new HDTV. The audio mix is also first rate with plenty of rich envelopment from the surrounds and deep, deep punctuating bass. Pixar always does an incredible job with their sound designs and this one never fails to deliver.

Like all of Disney’s recent animated releases, this one is packed to the gills with extras. You not only get the movie in HD with lots of goodies, but you also get a digital copy for your portable device AND the standard DVD release as well. Two Pixar shorts are included on the main disc and there are lots of features that look into the creation of the story, characters and animation. For the kids there are plenty of games and interactive features and for the enthusiast there is a picture-in-picture feature that looks into the making of the film while you watch.

Honestly, if you own a Blu-ray player I can’t imagine not adding this to the collection. Movies don’t get much better and the A/V presentation is nothing short of perfection. Do yourself and your family a favor, BUY IT NOW.