BLU-RAY
REVIEW: BRAVE
11/11/12

OVERVIEW: Disney•Pixar proudly announces the Blu-ray™ hi-def debut of “Brave,” the year’s #1 animated movie and Pixar Animation Studio’s 13th consecutive hit, on November 13, 2012. A breathtaking adventure that has entertained audiences of all ages, the stunning Blu-ray release of “Brave” includes hours of all-new bonus material, extraordinary behind the scenes features, extended and deleted scenes, a mysterious and exciting, new short film, ‘The Legend of Mor'du,” and much more.
An original and thrilling journey set in the ancient and magical Highlands of Scotland, “Brave” follows the heroic journey of the headstrong, young adventurer Merida. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida confronts tradition and defies an age-old custom that inadvertently unleashes chaos, and forces her to discover the true meaning of bravery. The 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition (1 Blu-ray 3D + 2 Blu-ray Discs + 1 DVD + 1 Digital Copy) has something for everyone – from the home entertainment enthusiast who demands the highest quality, state-of-the-art technology offerings, to the family who enjoys the interactive and engaging bonus features that only Blu-ray can provide – making this unique and beautiful film a “must add” to any home media collection.
SYNOPSIS:
“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled
archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy
Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined
to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom
sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive
Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh
(voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice
of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash
chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an
eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is
granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to
harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever
and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse
before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.
FILM REVIEW:
Princess Merida: I want my freedom!
Queen Elinor: But are you willing to pay the price your freedom will cost?
Ah yes, a tale as old as time. Oops, sorry, that’s a lyric isn’t it? It’s from some Disney movie, right? Well, anyhow, the typical rebellious child not wanting to conform to the parents’ wishes much less the established traditions of her people, is what we are dealing with here. But of course what takes this to a different level is the
Pixar/Disney touch. Is it safe to say that anything Pixar touches turns to gold? Well, pretty darn close I would say, but not completely. It’s funny though because a comment I read regarding this movie was saying that it seemed as if people were forcing themselves to like this movie. I can really see that in this case. It’s the Midas touch that makes people default to liking anything Pixar makes even if it really isn’t gold material. This movie was very enjoyable. It’s adventurous, beautiful, and cute to the point of almost having a constant smile on your face throughout. But when placed in the midst of the Pixar collection, this one is not exactly gold . . . silver perhaps. From a different angle however, the fact that it is a Pixar product is what keeps it at silver and not something worse. In simple terms, it’s a good movie but not as good as other Pixar gems.
As you would expect, the animation in this film is top notch. Priscilla pointed out that there was incredible detail in the animation. She also mentioned how the wisps (you’ll know what they are when you see the film) were very reminiscent of one of the ghosts in the Jim Carrey version of A Christmas Carol (which happens to also be a Disney product). I was blown away by Merida’s sharp orange red hair. I know it might sound weird but for me, her hair was the most beautiful aspect of the movie. I would go as far as to say that it’s the best animated hair ever. Yeah, it’s that good! Well, it does help that she is just adorable. I mentioned to Priscilla before the movie even started that I was worried about missing a lot of it due to not picking up the accent that I sometimes have trouble with. Not to worry, it was easy to follow as it should be for the sake of the younger movie goers. The story was easy to follow as well. It is a good solid simple story with a decent amount of mystery and intrigue. The real treat are the characters starting with Miss Gorgeous Orange Hair, I mean Merida (Kelly Macdonald). Her parents were also very entertaining played by Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson. Not bad, right? And then there are the three little brothers that just steal the screen whenever they’re on. And yeah, same orange red hair for those little guys too. For an animated film, it does a good job capturing the early Scottish culture. It is also a good job by the directing team of Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell. Only Brenda has directed another major feature film, The Prince of Egypt, so not bad for this team. And yet another good job was done with the selection of the brief cartoon prelude to the film. It was pure magical goodness that will touch your imagination and your heart.
Review
By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
BLU-RAY:
The film is
presented in 1080P widescreen in a 2.40:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture of both films
is just
flawless, bringing to perfection the excitement of the races
and the richness of the special effects. Not only the picture looks great in
this release, also the sound it is good, a 7.1 DTS-HD Master
Audio (48kHz/24bit) in English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby
Digital that provides a
good complement to the picture. It also includes
English Spanish French
subtitles.
VIDEO:
2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen 1080P
AUDIO:
English
7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French
7.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles -
English, French & Spanish English
SDH
SPECIAL FEATURES:
BLU-RAY - DISC 1 INCLUDES:
“La Luna” Theatrical Short – Fans will love this charming short that accompanied the film in theatres. It follows a young boy on his first night working the family business alongside his father and grandfather.
“The Legend of Mor’du” Short – This rousing new bonus short film will give fans the chance to delve deeper into the legend behind Mordu, as told by the eccentric witch who transformed him.
Brave Old World – Fans will watch as members of the “Brave” production team investigate Scotland, exploring its land, culture, people and dialects. The research they gathered was brought thrillingly to life in the film. Also, fans will hear what actress Emma Thompson (voice of Queen Elinor) thinks of Pixar’s take on her homeland.
Merida & Elinor – With the creation of Merida and Elinor, the Pixar filmmakers delved deep into the relationship between mother and daughter. Highlighting contrasts in character design, clothing, animation, voicing, even hairstyle, watch how the filmmakers explored this most important of relationships.
Bears – Take a look inside the art and design behind the bears in “Brave.” Each of the bears, gentle Mum-Bear and terrifying Mor’du, demanded a different approach to creating their physical appearance and personality.
Brawl in the Hall – A fascinating and hilarious inside look at the process of creating “Brave’s” fighting Scots, through animation, crowd simulation and fight choreography – not to mention a room full of grunting men whose vocal chortles added authenticity to the raucous scene.
Wonder Moss – Fans will explore how “Brave’s” technical artists examined the real Scottish countryside and studied the laws of nature, then turned these findings into computer codes that would blanket Merida’s Scotland in lush moss, lichen and bracken.
Magic –The magic and mystery of Scotland is revealed to fans in this charming feature about the legends – from mystical potions to the will-o’-the-wisps – seen in “Brave.”
Clan Pixar – At Pixar, getting into character is a team effort. From making Haggis to Kilt Fridays to celebrating the Scottish poet Robert Burns, fans will see how the “Brave” production crew truly embraced Scottish themes and customs fueled the Pixar crew throughout the creation of “Brave.”
Once Upon A Scene – A closer look at the evolution of the storylines throughout the production of the film, including alternative openings to the film and many deleted scenes.
Extended Scenes – Three separate scenes are highlighted in their extended form. Director Mark Andrews discusses the decision making process that led to the shortened versions of these scenes.
Director Commentary
BLU-RAY DISC 2 INCLUDES:
“Fergus & Mor’du” An Alternate Opening – Once upon a time, “Brave” had a different opening scene. Eventually cut from the film, fans can see it in its entirety in this bonus feature narrated by the film’s director Mark Andrews.
Fallen Warriors Montage – A selection of deleted shots that were cut from the film late in production are presented to fans in various stages of completion through a video montage narrated by director Mark Andrews.
Dirty Hairy People – Fans will enjoy this uproarious bonus feature discussing the development of “Brave’s” Scots – including the design of their hair, attire, and dirt-crusted physiques.
It is English…Sort Of – This bonus feature helps fans interpret some of the more Scottish lines in the film, thanks to the real Scottish actors who play the key characters and contributed their own dialects and sayings.
Angus – A look at Merida’s most trusted companion, Angus, a mighty Clydesdale.
The Tapestry – Fans will learn the story behind this embroidered emblem of family unity, which was lovingly crafted by “Brave’s” team of artists.
Promotional Pieces – This bonus includes promotional clips for “Brave,” including: “Feast Yer Eyes,” “Relics,” “Clan DunBroch,” “Launch,” and more.
Art Gallery – A selection of breathtaking art from the creation of the film, showcasing characters, sets, scenes and stunning landscapes.
Wee Gaffes – A video montage of simulation, animation and shot bloopers.
Renaissance Animation Man – Get a look at Director Mark Andrews’ love of Scotland, sword-fighting, music and more!
Teasers and Sneak Peeks
BLU-RAY 3D DISC INCLUDES:
“La Luna” Theatrical Short
DVD Includes:
“La Luna” Theatrical Short
“The Legend of Mordu” All-New Short
Director Commentary
Digital Copy of the Film
DVD Copy
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