Directed by: Andrew Stanton
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Buena Vista
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Running Time: 132 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Alright, so I think that “John Carter” got a bad rep in theaters. The film is nowhere near as bad as people say. It is a fun sci-fi flick which looks visually amazing. Is it the best plot ever? No, it has it faults but if you are a sci-fi fan it is almost guaranteed to leave you satisfied and if you are like me seeing on the edge of your chair. The actually story of “John Carter” is adapted from “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which was written around 100 years ago. I think Disney and Andrew Stanton did a great job with this film and I really enjoyed it over all. The 3D also looks absolutely fantastic, especially on Blu-ray. It really assists in creating Mars and adds its depth. The 3D also plays really well off the insane action sequences in the film and wonderful visual effects.
Let’s get to the look and feel of the film. It is one of the sharpest Blu-rays that I own in my collection. The 1080p transfer is perfect, absolutely flawless. If that is not enough the audio is also out-of-the-world boasting Disney’s DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track. It is so impressive my couch felt like it was moving during the action scenes. This release not only came with the 3D Blu-ray but also a really 2D Blu-ray, a DVD and digital copy of the film. Disney really aims to please with this release and does not disappoint. Like I said this is one amazing Blu-ray, whether you like the film or not, this will blow you away!
The special features are definitely worth checking out especially if you enjoyed the film. There is an audio commentary from Director Andrew Stanton and producers Jim Morris and Lindsey Collins. It is a fun commentary track and covers a lot of ground on the film. You can enjoy “Disney Second Screen Interactive Experience” if you use your iPad, laptop, or sync the film with your device in order to explore John Carter’s journal. There are ten deleted scenes included with optional Director’s Commentary, running just short of twenty minutes. “100 Years in the Making” is a great feature but a little short, which goes into depth on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ life and the John Carter’s road from book to film. “360 Degrees of John Carter” is a thirty-five minute extensive production diary covering all aspects of the film’s production. Lastly there is are Barsoom Bloopers, which get a few good laughs off. Overall haters will hate but this is a decent movie.