Actors: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Number of discs: 5
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Disney-Pixar
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 96 minutes
Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of stars
I recently when through my 3D Blu-ray’s and I realized that “Up” was not among those. “Up” was released in theaters in 3D back in 2009 and since then has never again been presented in that format. I thought that it was a real shame since since this film delivered a really fantastic 3D experience. The 3D works so well with the depth and colors in the film. It really pops out so well and leaves you trying not to blink to miss anything. The film is just so heartwarming and packs such a sweet and unique story. “Up” stands today as one of my favorite Pixar films to date. Luckily, Disney has delivered a fantastic 3D Blu-ray to give this film the respect it deserves. With the film being released a few weeks prior to Christmas, it will make a nice Christmas gift both young and old.
Official Premise: The 3D experience comes home with Disney·Pixar’s “Up,” the uplifting tale from the creators of “Monsters, Inc.” and “Finding Nemo.” In 2009, “Up” was awarded two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. “Up” follows 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure.
This release is presented as a five-disc combo with a Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy. “Up” looks absolutely perfect throughout its 1080p transfer. It is a real step up from the last time I saw this film on Disney Channel. The scenery in the film looks so real that you can almost reach out and grab. The 3D MVC-encoded completely immerses you into the world that Pixar has created and literally takes you up and out along with Carl’s house and his adventures. To go along with the perfect video presentation, Disney has delivered a likewise perfect DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It works so well with Michael Giacchino’s beautiful score and the film’s action.
The special features are split over two Blu-rays. Disc 2 includes a Cine-Explore commentary with Director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson. This is very informative and interesting Picture-in-Picture video commentary. Fans of this film will enjoy to get immersed in this track. “Adventure Is Out There” follows Doctor and cast/crew with more production details and development of the story. “Partly Cloudy” is the wonderful animated short that premiered in front of the theatrical release. “Dug’s Special Mission” is an all new animated short with the film’s lovable and loyal dog. “The Many Endings of Muntz” is an alternate scene focusing on planning the for the film’s antagonist.
Disc 3 starts with a collection of seven fantastic production featurettes. The first is “Geriatric Hero”, which focuses creating the character of Carl. “Canine Companions” looks into Muntz’ pack of dogs. “Wilderness Explorer” dives into the character of Russell. “Our Giant Flightless Friend” looks at how Kevin was created. “Homemakers of Pixar” looks at one of the film’s other main character, Carl’s house. “Balloons and Flight” looks into Carl’s houses wings and Muntz’ zeppelin. “Composing for Characters” is a nice chat with Michael Giacchino. These seven extras run just over 45 minutes. Next up is “Married Life” is is a collection of alternate scenes focusing on Carl and Ellie, one of my favorites. “Global Guardian Badge Game” is an interactive BD-Live kids game. Lastly there is a collection of “Up” promotional spots and worldwide trailers.
