...truly a feast for the eyes.
Audio:
The sound, too, Dolby Digital 5.1, is superb. Channel separation, frequency range, dynamics, all are first rate.
Extras:
Now comes the interesting part. Buena Vista offer the film in two screen formats: The original theatrical widescreen, approximately 2.13:1 in ratio, and a specially recomposed full-frame, 1.33:1. But, surprise, the full-frame picture occasionally reveals more image on the top and bottom of the screen than the widescreen picture and with only a small loss of information at the sides. So, for the first time, I can tell you with confidence to go for either the standard or widescreen formats, and neither is likely to disappoint. Both screen sizes are located on disc one, with a choice of one or the other on the opening menu.
More good news: As part of BV´s bonus features, there is access to two different sets of outtakes coincident with the closing credits. How can you have outtakes in an animated cartoon? It´s a joke, of course, but watching these bugs goof up like real actors is a kick, and along with Randy Newman´s delightful theme song they make up one of the best parts of the show.
Accompanying the film is the 1997 Academy Award-winning animated short feature, "Geri´s Game," like "A Bug´s Life" produced by Pixar Films. It is a pleasure in itself. And a final bit of joy: Although the good folks at BV insist on putting all of their FBI warnings and such at the beginning of the disc, the user can now skip through them via the remote button. Be still my heart!
Parting Thoughts:
If you´ve seen "Antz" and liked it, you´ll love "A Bug´s Life." If you saw "A Bug´s Life" in a theater and liked it, you´ll love it even more on DVD in its larger screen format. Even if you´re an old grump about cartoons as I am, you´ll enjoy "A Bug´s Life." Like looking through a kaleidoscope, there´s always something new and fascinating to see. Add surround sound and you´ve got a sensory treat that´s hard to resist.
The sound, too, Dolby Digital 5.1, is superb. Channel separation, frequency range, dynamics, all are first rate.
Extras:
Now comes the interesting part. Buena Vista offer the film in two screen formats: The original theatrical widescreen, approximately 2.13:1 in ratio, and a specially recomposed full-frame, 1.33:1. But, surprise, the full-frame picture occasionally reveals more image on the top and bottom of the screen than the widescreen picture and with only a small loss of information at the sides. So, for the first time, I can tell you with confidence to go for either the standard or widescreen formats, and neither is likely to disappoint. Both screen sizes are located on disc one, with a choice of one or the other on the opening menu.
More good news: As part of BV´s bonus features, there is access to two different sets of outtakes coincident with the closing credits. How can you have outtakes in an animated cartoon? It´s a joke, of course, but watching these bugs goof up like real actors is a kick, and along with Randy Newman´s delightful theme song they make up one of the best parts of the show.
Accompanying the film is the 1997 Academy Award-winning animated short feature, "Geri´s Game," like "A Bug´s Life" produced by Pixar Films. It is a pleasure in itself. And a final bit of joy: Although the good folks at BV insist on putting all of their FBI warnings and such at the beginning of the disc, the user can now skip through them via the remote button. Be still my heart!
Parting Thoughts:
If you´ve seen "Antz" and liked it, you´ll love "A Bug´s Life." If you saw "A Bug´s Life" in a theater and liked it, you´ll love it even more on DVD in its larger screen format. Even if you´re an old grump about cartoons as I am, you´ll enjoy "A Bug´s Life." Like looking through a kaleidoscope, there´s always something new and fascinating to see. Add surround sound and you´ve got a sensory treat that´s hard to resist.
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]7696[/release]