Directed by: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofía Vergara, Hank Azaria
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
Running time: 102 minutes
Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I have to start with “The Smurfs” was one the biggest surprises of the summer if not the whole year. This film was funny and just down right fun. I know most critics if not all definitely feel the complete opposite but regardless I enjoyed this film. The performances in the film are over the top and fun which adds to the overall feel of the film. On this release it includes not only the 3D Blu-ray (which includes both 3D and 2D versions) but also DVD and digital copy. The 3D on this Blu-ray is phenomenal and really pops out of the screen. The color on video is crystal clear and really sharp. The audio is also notable and really pops with the action and the film’s effects. Besides the effects in the film, Hank Azaria is easily the second best part of the film playing the evil wizard Gargamel.
One of the coolest features, which needs to be recognized is called “Smurf-O-Vision: Second Screen Experience”. It is an application available for download on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. It is a one-of-a-kind experiencing to have the Smurfs sing and dance along with the film. You are also able to interact and engage with the Smurfs throughout the film. This is a really cool feature and this also makes the experience of watching the film much more fun. Another feature that is brand new is the cloud streaming UltraViolet digital copy. This is catching very fast with studios and is going to be the new norm very soon. Recommend you 
checked this two features out ASAP.
The rest of the 3D Blu-ray special features great and this disc is jam packed. First since this is a kids movie, there is an interactive game called “The Smurfs Fantastic Adventure Game” played with the remote control. There is an audio commentary with the director Raja Gosnell. It is very informative and covers a lot of the behind the scenes from the film. There is another audio commentary from producer Jordan Kerner, VFX Supervisor Richard Hoover, and writers J. David Stem, David N. Weiss, Jay Scherick, and David Ronn. Some of this one gets covered in the first commentary but it is still worth a listen. There are about eight minutes of deleted and extended Scenes. They are worth checking out especially “Gargamel Enters FAO Schwarz”. “The Smurfs: Comic Book to the Big Screen” is short running about 8 minutes but information taking us from the beginning to today with the Smurfs.
Like I said this disc is packed with features, some more include
“Smurf Speak: Meet the Cast” is a decent chances to meet the voices from the film. I like when this is showcased in an animated film. One of my favorite features is “Going Gargamel” which really goes into Hank Azaria portrayal of this character. I am very upset with the gag real or “Blue-Pers” as it is called as it runs less than 30 seconds. “Happy Music Montage” is just a montage with music and scenes from the film. There are four “Progression Reels” that cover the lighting, CG Smurf work and the effects. Lastly since this is a 3D film, we have some great 3D trailer for “Arthur Christmas”, “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”, and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.
