BLU-RAY
REVIEW: RISE OF THE
GUARDIANS
03/10/2013

OVERVIEW: Praised by critics and moviegoers of all ages, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) spectacular and heartfelt adventure RISE OF THE GUARDIANS soars onto Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D™ and DVD on March 12, 2013. Hailed as “brilliant” and “the best family film of the year” (Joel Amos, MovieFanatic.com) with “spellbinding power” (James Verniere, Boston Herald) and “dazzling animation” (Tom Long, Detroit News), RISE OF THE GUARDIANS received outstanding audience reactions and a coveted ‘A’ Cinemascore. DreamWorks Animation’s newest animated adventure has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with a fun-filled and magical story about the legendary guardians—Jack Frost, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Sandman—together for the first time! When the evil Pitch threatens to take over the world, it’s up to our beloved heroes to protect the hopes and dreams of children everywhere. Filled with non-stop action and laughs, it’s a dazzling family film that’s being hailed as “an instant classic” (Nancy Jay, Daybreak USA).
Just in time for Easter, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Pack with UltraViolet™ or single-disc DVD, each of which includes two delightful hopping toy eggs inspired by the ones seen in the film (while supplies last—quantities are limited). The combo pack and single-disc DVD also include special features that take viewers behind-the-scenes to learn more about the magic used to bring the story to life.
SYNOPSIS:
RISE OF THE
GUARDIANS is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group
of heroes – each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil
spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the
world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first
time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children
all over the world.
FILM REVIEW: My son Ralphie and I have a Holiday tradition. Every year a new Holiday movie comes out and he and I make going to review it a date. I know that as he gets older (he just turned 11) he might not look forward to it as much, until one day he might just turn me down, but for now, we’re good. Three years ago I reviewed A CHRISTMAS CAROL, with Jim Carrey which was great, a classic with a twist. Last year we did ARTHUR CHRISTMAS, which was a lot of fun. This year we just saw RISE OF THE GUARDIANS and I have to tell you it was AWESOME! It was just perfect fun for me and seeing that it held wonder with the just right amount of action for my growing boy was just the ticket.
Ralphie: “Rise of the Guardians is an amazing Christmas experience. It will really push the boundaries of your imagination of all holiday creatures or myths or any beliefs. It will really make you feel as if they have their own life and their own personalities more than what you hear about or what you think. Such as Santa, you wouldn't believe him as being an amazing, joyous and very funny Russian person but now you will.”
I’m having a hard time calling Rise of the Guardians a Christmas movie because although the timing is right to call it that and despite Santa or North (Alec Baldwin) to his friends, is front and center in the whole plot, all the other holiday greats are in it. North is, as Ralphie mentioned a funny, joyous Russian. He’s tough, tattooed and built like a brick wall. The Sandman or Sandy is sweet and although he doesn’t speak he finds original and cute ways to communicate what he needs to get across. Then there’s the Tooth Fairy and her little assistants which look a lot like humming birds to me. They not only exchange your teeth for money, they also guard your memories. She’s adorable and joyful and so full of childish wonder perfectly done by Isla Fisher. The Easter bunny (Hugh
Jackman) is not your average bunny. He stands 6’ 4” is buff and tough. Jack (Chris Pine), Jack Frost might not be what you would imagine a Guardian to be. He’s mischievous, a trouble maker and for some reason unknown to himself, kids don’t see him at all. He’s not yet a Guardian but you know he should be. You might wonder what a Guardian is. Well, you see, Pitch also known as the boogie man, has decided to launch an assault on the earth and only the Guardians can stop him. Pitch wants for all little boys and girl to fear him, to have nightmares and so he decides to take their innocence away and once and for all get rid of the Guardians who are here to make sure that innocence, wonder and belief in them will always continue. And so the battle begins. And what a battle it was. There are some scenes that may be dark and maybe even a little bit scary for little ones but I think that you the parent should be the judge of that. The computer animation on this film is truly incredible and the artists didn’t miss a detail. There is one scene when the boogie man is holding something and I kid you not, you could see his scraggly cuticles. I also felt that finally I was able to see the need for 3D technology. From the very opening scenes as Jack is “born” from the ice pond, you truly felt that the snowflakes were falling down on you and during the snowball fights, you couldn’t help but duck.
The Rise of the Guardians is one big adventure to save the innocence of the world’s children. Beautifully animated, beautifully written and excellently voiced. Make this your next favorite Christmas movie.
Review
By Priscilla
BLU-RAY:
The film is
presented in widescreen in a 2.39:1 aspect ration preserving its
theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the
picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good,
a 5.1 Dolby Digital in English that provides a good complement
to the picture. It also includes English,
French
and Spanish subtitles.
VIDEO:
Widescreen (2.39:1) 16x9
AUDIO:
English 7.1 DTS-HD
Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby
Digital, Brazilian Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English
Audio Description
Subtitles - English
SDH, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese
SPECIAL
FEATURES:
Jack Frost Snowball Showdown!—Use your remote to duck and dodge snowballs!
Rock, Paper, Scissors with Sandy—See if you can beat the Sandman in this classic game.
Behind the Magic—Explore the filmmakers’ journey to create Rise of the Guardians’ enthralling look, characters, effects and music:
Dreaming Up the Look
Naughty & Nice: Designing Memorable Characters
Enchanting Effects
Creating an Epic Score
The Man Behind the Guardians—Learn how DreamWorks Animation worked with author William Joyce to bring his novels to life.
Dreamers and Believers—A look at the cast and characters of Rise of the Guardians.
Sandy’s Dream Guide—The Sandman helps interpret your dreams in this interactive guide.
Filmmakers’ Commentary—With director Peter Ramsey and producers Christina Steinberg and Nancy Bernstein.
More Magic (DVD-ROM)—Printable egg holders, coloring sheets and more—perfect for Easter fun!