Directed by: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda
Starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Betty White, Jenny Slate
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release Date: August 7, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 87 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Seuss has had a bumpy road on the big screen over the years. I really enjoyed “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey. Though Mike Myers’ turn as “The Cat in the Hat” was barely watchable. Similar to this film, “Horton Hears a Who” was full CGI and was decent but nothing special. “The Lorax” on the other hand is very enjoyable and perfect for kids to enjoy. I originally screened the film in theaters in 3D and I really did enjoy that experience, though watching it on 2D on Blu-ray was still a decent. I thought that this film looks “pretty” in theaters but damn…does it look even better on Blu-ray.
The voice cast is also very impressive. Danny DeVito seems absolutely perfect for the role of The Lorax and easily nails it. Zac Efron and Taylor Swift will both be a big draw to the film with the tweens. Ed Helms is basically the main character besides The Lorax or at least for the first half and he is fun but also easily unlikable. Rob Riggle plays a great baddie and get a lot of laughs.
The 1080p transfer really shines well and I don’t know how but looks so much better than my theatrical experience. Universal delivers a near-perfect video presentation within its original aspect ratio of 1:85.1. The colors were extremely sharp and just overall very pleasant to look at. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track is also very impressive with the score and just overall fun. Easily one of the best audio tracks, I have experiences this entire year! This release also comes in a Blu-ray combo pack covering all plays you can watch this film. It comes with a Blu-ray disc, a DVD disc, a digital copy disc and also an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. Can’t ask for me in that department.
The special features are impressive as well like the film. The directors, Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda deliver one-hell of an extensive audio commentary, definitely won’t keep kids interest though and definitely for the adults. There are three new mini-movies, including “Wagon Ho!”, “Forces of Nature” and “Serenade”. “Making of Mini-Movies” looks behind the scenes on these three shorts. There is one short single extended scene, nothing special here. “O-Hare TV” is the ability to watch “The Lorax” with commercial interruptions advertising O’Hare products. I think this is really cute and fun feature. “Expedition of Truffula Valley” is an interactive tour of Thneedville and the Valley. “Seuss to Screen” is a very short, actually too short look at adapting “The Lorax” from the book to the big screen. There are three kids games called “Once-ler’s Wagon,” “Get Out of Town” and “Truffula Run.” They are all very cute. Lastly there is a sing-along for the song “Let it Grow”.
The plot seemed a little bit confused with all of the additions, but as far as looks go, the 1080p was amazing! The only way I can describe the colors and graphics is 4D. Even my coworkers at Dish said the fabrics and the hair on the animals looked real. Danny DeVito definitely brought a lot to the film as well. All in all I say about at 3.5/5 for adults, but a 5/5 for kids.