BLU-RAY REVIEW: 
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
12/14/2014

OVERVIEW: From The “super fun” (Topher Gauk-Roger, CNN), visually-stunning and riotously entertaining blockbuster TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES bursts onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, DVD and VOD December 16, 2014 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film arrives three weeks early on Digital HD November 25. 

The TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray Combo Packs with Digital HD include explorations of the Turtles’ latest incarnations and their sensational appearance in 3D, an extended ending, a look at the making of the hit theme song “Shell Shocked,” along with the music video and much more. In addition, specially marked Blu-ray Combo Packs include two reversible masks featuring all four signature colors of the beloved crime-fighters. Masks are available only while supplies last and quantities are limited. Select retail outlets will also offer exclusive versions of the Blu-ray with collectible packaging, premiums and more.

SYNOPSIS: In this eye-popping reimagining of the legendary heroes in a half shell, New York is under attack by the sinister Shredder, but fearless leader Leonardo, brilliant and brainy Donatello, rough and rebellious Raphael and wild and crazy Michelangelo take to the streets to defend their home with the help of intrepid reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox) and their brilliant sensei, Splinter. Packed with jaw-dropping action and special effects and loaded with the franchise’s signature humor, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES is “fun for the whole family” (Joel Amos, Movie Fanatic). The film also stars Will Arnett, Whoopi Goldberg, and William Fichtner and features Johnny Knoxville as the voice of Leonardo and Tony Shalhoub as the voice of Splinter.

FILM REVIEW:  Cowabunga dudes! Is what I would be saying if Michael Bays new TMNT film lived up to the fantastic memories of the cartoons and comics of my childhood, or if it was at least a great movie in its own right. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Going into this movie, I knew that it was probably not going to live up to the nostalgic recollections of myself and many other movie goers; after all, this is a modern cinematic take on the turtles, and it is also directed by Michael Bay. However, from the first thirty minutes of the film I was cringing and sinking in my chair, eager for the experience to be over.

The movie begins with the classic exposition piece about the turtles and their enemy the Foot clan, and about becoming heroes while giving aerial shots of an animated New York. After this the movie dives right in to focus on the main character, the one we all know and love: Megan Fox as April ONeil. Yup. A movie titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles yet you see more of the yellow jacket-wearing reporter than you do of the titular heroes. Now I understand why the director would do this, add suspense by waiting to reveal the heroes everybody is waiting for, and ground the movie for the audience by starting them off with the more relatable human character of April. The problem stems from Megan Foxs shoddy acting. April ONeil is supposed to be an intelligent and capable woman, but Foxs frequent and unnecessary screaming and rambling speeches sorta put down the character, and her overuse of heavy breathing and gasps was reminiscent of Marilyn Monroes rendition of Happy Birthday.

Will Arnett plays the role of Aprils lonely camera guy, and although he does add some comic relief to the film, sometimes he comes off a bit… creepy. Like when he stared at Aprils butt for instance. Other characters in the film include William Fichtner as wealthy businessman Eric Sacks, who is not a completely horrible character, but his bad puns were excruciating (i.e. Aprils come early this year. I bet he was waiting his whole life to use that one). The main antagonist is Shredder, the evil samurai that has plagued the turtles for as long as I can remember them being on television. Shredder does some pretty badass things in this movie, and does come off as a menacing villain, unfortunately due to this movies love of flashy visuals he looks more like something out of Real Steel than an agile samurai. Also, the villains main plan and the plot of the entire movie is basically a rip-off of The Amazing Spiderman. Im not joking. When I came to this realization I was ready to walk out of the theatre, lest I watch the same movie twice without meaning to. Also, product placement ran rampant throughout the movie, blatantly throwing Pizza Hut, Orange Crush Soda, and Underarmour right in your face.

Luckily, through all of my suffering watching this film, there was one saving grace for the Ninja Turtles movie: The Ninja Turtles. By the grace of God, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo are all intact as fun, funny, and enjoyable characters. Each character is given their own unique personality just like in the cartoons, further exposed by their voice acting and visual flair (i.e. Donny wearing glasses to show he is the smart one) which many have complained about, but I did not find all that offensive. The teenage part of their title definitely shows off with their witty and immature banter, their brotherly disputes, and their love of pizza. Their martial arts moves were definitely enjoyable (though they seemed to prefer punching guys across a room), and their banter had the audience laughing enough to make this film not so dismal. I feel that the movie couldve been a lot better if it focused more on the turtles than everything else. Bay does do a good job of getting to the heart of what the turtles are all about: brotherhood, and good old fashioned butt kicking.

Ultimately, for me, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a disappointment. I walked into the theatre with an open mind, and I was let down by sub-par acting and a washed out plot, not to mention a myriad of other details that my nitpicky-self caught, but Ill spare you any more ranting. If you were a diehard fan of the Ninja turtles in the 80s and 90s, or if you dont like Megan Fox, I wouldnt suggest spending your money watching this movie. But, if you have some kids who enjoy the new cartoon airing on Nickelodeon, or if you casually enjoy the turtles and dont have a deep disdain for Michael Bays directing style, go ahead and give this movie a try. Personally, Im going to pretend the film never happened.

Review By Joshua Tree 

BLU-RAY: The film is presented in widescreen in a 2.40:1 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 (2.40:1) 16x9

AUDIO:
English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, English 5.1 Discrete Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Discrete Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles - English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese

SPECIAL FEATURES:

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iPad®, Android, computers and more.

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consumers instantly stream and download to tablets, smartphones, computers and TVs. Now available in both the United States
and Canada.

Feature film in high definition

Digital Reality

In Your Face! The Turtles in 3D

It Ain’t Easy Being Green

Evolutionary Mash-Up

Turtle Rock

Extended Ending

“Shell Shocked” Music Video

Making of “Shell Shocked”

Feature film in standard definition