BLU-RAY
REVIEW: RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN
08/02/09
OVERVIEW: A
tough-talking cab driver joins forces with otherworldly
siblings to stop a global disaster in Race to Witch
Mountain, coming to Blu-ray™ Hi-def and DVD on August 4,
2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Inspired
by the classic Disney adventures Escape to Witch Mountain
and Return from Witch Mountain, this all-new movie is packed
with spectacular effects, action,and family-friendly
thrills.
SYNOPSIS:
Las Vegas taxi driver Jack Bruno (Dwayne
Johnson) sets off on the adventure of a lifetime when two
mysterious teens ask him to drive them deep into the Nevada
desert. Jack agrees to take siblings Sara (AnnaSophia Robb)
and Seth (Alexander Ludwig) to Witch Mountain, a shadowy
government outpost devoted to studying inexplicable
phenomena – including UFO sightings. But his young
passengers are no ordinary teens. With a ruthless adversary
on their trail, Sara and Seth display astonishing
supernatural abilities and Jack becomes a reluctant hero as
he helps them evade their pursuer. As Witch Mountain reveals
its long hidden secrets, Jack discovers that his passengers
are the only key to saving the world!
FILM REVIEW:
I always
have supported the remake or re-imaging of an old film.
Even more knowing that it was a good film. It is always
exciting
to see how a classic film will look in contemporary times. That
is why I was excited to watch "Race to Witch Mountain", a
re-imaging of the 1975's film "Escape to Witch Mountain"
which was based in the science fiction novel written by
Alexander Key. "Race to Witch Mountain" reunites
director Andy Fickman and Dwayne Johnson, who previous
worked in Disney's film "The Game Plan".
Going into this film the
only thing that I was able to recall about the original
film's plot was that two aliens kids needed to get to the
Witch Mountain, and that they were being followed by someone
really bad. That's it! No more! How they got there , who
helped them get there, no idea. Neither was I interested in
knowing, so I didn't google it. I wanted Andy Fickman to
tell me that part. After watching the film, I just have to
say that he surpassed my expectations for "Race to Witch
Mountain. A movie that I found to be highly entertaining,
making it a thrilled ride for the entire family. Even the
dog will have fun with this one.
So what I like about the
movie? First that the screenplay was well developed. What do
you mean by well developed? Well, I found most of
situations, involving the main cast well explained, there
were not to many under the sleeve A's to get the main
characters out of trouble. At least I did not felt that my
intelligence was being offended. Of course there were a
couple of situations that were hard to explain, however
those were follow either by a good action or special
effect scene, so they got and easy pass.
I also like the special
effects, They were not at the level of a Summer blockbuster, but there
couple of scenes that were at that level. I think most
people have seen one in the trailer, it is when one of the
siblings stop a car with his power (good stuff). This one
looks even better in the theater.
The cast selection was a
good one by Andy Fickman. Ciarán Hinds plays a believable
Federal agent totally focus in accomplishing his mission at any
cost. And of course Dwayne Johnson who continues to connect
with audience like any other. His charisma and his big smile
that sticks in peoples mind, making him hard to dislike.
Overall the film has the
main ingredients that makes for a highly entertain family
adventure experience. If the Chihuahuas were able to make noise
for Disney last year, there is not reason to believe that
"Race To Witch Mountain" can't do the same and why not even
more.
BLU-RAY:
The film is
presented in 1080P widescreen in a 2.40:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just
flawless, bringing to perfection special effects of
the film. Not only the picture looks great in this release,
also the sound it is good, a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
(48kHz/24bit) in English, Spanish and French that provides a
good complement to the picture.
In terms of Special Features,
the Race to Witch Mountain Blu-ray
doesn't include much. It only includes a few deleted scenes
and 3 minutes of bloopers. The only featurette that is worth
watching is "Which Mountain", in here Director Andy Fickman
reveals the film’s hidden references to the original movies,
Escape to Witch Mountain and Return from Witch Mountain.
This release also includes
DisneyFile Digital Copy, which enables Race to Witch
Mountain Blu-ray
owners to receive a digital version of the movie in their
choice of iTunes or Windows Media formats. DisneyFile
Digital Copy is a fast and easy way to enjoy your favorite
Disney movies, anytime, anywhere on your Mac, PC and/or
compatible portable device.
VIDEO:
2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen 1080P
AUDIO:
English
5.1 DTS-HD (Dolby Digital) Spanish and French 5.1 .
Subtitles - English Spanish
French Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Deleted Scenes
- With commentary by director Andy Fickman
Bloopers -
Dwayne Johnson and the cast crack up over on-set mistakes.
BACKSTAGE DISNEY:
Which Mountain? - Director Andy Fickman reveals the
film’s hidden references to the original movies, Escape to
Witch Mountain and Return from Witch Mountain.
D-Box -
Viewers equipped with a D-BOX™ Integrated Motion System will
be able to experience a whole new dimension while watching
this movie.
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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