Actors: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Kara Hayward
Directors: Wes Anderson
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 94 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to Wes Anderson’s films, they are this different brand of cinema. There is really nothing like them and they are definitely not for everyone. I am a big fan of all of his work, whether it is “Rushmore”, The Royal Tenenbaums” or even “Fantastic Mr. Fox (which might even be my favorite). This film is so unique and enthralling and leave you literally glued to the screen and hesitating to blink. The young stars of this film really steal the show, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward. They are mesmerizing on the screen. Rounding out the amazing cast is Bruce Willis (“Die Hard”) as well as Academy Award nominees Edward Norton (“American History X”) and Bill Murray (“Lost in Translation”) and Academy Award winners Frances McDormand (“Fargo”) and Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton”). Fans of his work, should not miss it and those looking for something original and different should definitely check it out.
Official Premise: Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom follows two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm begins to brew off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside-down and changed forever.
This release is very impressive within its Blu-ray/DVD/UV Digital Copy combo pack. I am a big fan of the Ultraviolet streaming service and I know I will be taking advantage of that aspect quite a bit. The 1080p transfer is extremely impressive and meets Wes Anderson standards and showcases Robert D. Yeoman’s wonderful cinematography. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track believe it or not is the star of the show. The sound is practically flawless and works perfectly with the score and dialogue. The downfall of this release though is the special features. There are only a few dull short featurettes including “A Look Inside Moonrise Kingdom,” “Welcome to the Island of New Penzance,” and a “Set Tour with Bill Murray.” Come on Wes Anderson, we know you can do better? Where’s the commentary track and actually meaningful special features?
