| Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database. |
|
|
| Polar Express, The |
|
| Two-Disc Special Edition |
Genre: Computer Animation
Reviewed In Issue 104 (Jan 2006) Of Widescreen Review®
Stars:
The Voice (And Performance Capture) Talents Of Tom Hanks & Michael Jeter |
|
| |
|
|
| Special Features |
| The theatrical trailer is included on Disc One of this two-disc set. Disc Two begins with a fascinating four-minute featurette which explains how Tom Hanks stars as the boy, the father, the conductor, the hobo, and Santa Claus. Next take A Genuine Ticket To Ride (five featurettes at approximately two minutes apiece) and learn about Performance Capture, Virtual Camera, Hair And Wardrobe, Creating The North Pole, and Music. There are five stocking stuffers (hidden goodies) to be found in the menus. Next, meet author Chris Van Allsburg (five minutes); listen to Josh Groban sing a live performance of “Believe” at The Greek Theatre (five minutes); take a five-minute behind-the-scenes peek at creating “Believe” with Glen Ballard, the writer of the song, and singer Josh Groban; take a Polar Express Challenge; and Meet The Snow Angels (featurette). Finally, there is a THQ game demo, an additional song (the characters Smokey and Steamer—played by the late Michael Jeter—performing “It Takes Two”), and DVD-ROM content. |
|
| DVD General Information |
|
| (Studio/Distributor): |
Warner Home Video |
| (Catalog Number): |
38954 |
| (MPAA Rating): |
G |
| (Rating Reason): |
Appropriate for all ages
|
| (Retail Price): |
$29.95 |
| (DVD Type): |
Two DVD-9 Discs |
| (Widescreen Edition): |
Yes |
| (Full Screen Edition): |
No |
| (Anamorphic Widescreen): |
Yes |
| (Running Time In Minutes): |
100 |
| (Color Type): |
Color |
| (Chaptered/Scene Access): |
Yes |
| (Closed Captioned): |
Yes |
| (Regional Coding): |
1 |
| (Theatrical Year): |
2004 |
| (Theatrical Release): |
Yes |
| (Direct-To-Video Release): |
No |
| (DVD Release Date): |
11/22/05 |
| (THX® Digitally Mastered): |
No |
|
| |
| WSR Narrative Review |
| |
Story Synopsis:
Dreams become reality when a young boy—who no longer believes in the magic of Christmas—takes a golden ticket ride on The Polar Express. Based on the book and paintings by Chris Van Allsburg. (Suzanne Hodges)
DVD Picture:
Faithful to the look of Chris Van Allsburg’s original picture book animation; the anamorphically enhanced 2.38:1 DVD picture exhibits pleasing, beautiful imagery with glowing lights and foggy grays that provide mood and intrigue to the storytelling. Viewers will be fascinated with the motion capture-animated imagery. Textures and attention to detail are astounding. The picture is clean and solid, with little pixel breakup and no distracting edge enhancement. This DVD does a fine job in delivering this holiday classic. (Suzanne Hodges)
Soundtrack:
While generally quiescent in nature, the Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack is recorded and mixed very well, with good imaging around the room and pristine detail. Dialogue sounds so natural, and effects are so believable, closing your eyes it is easy to assume this is a live action recording. The deep bass of the Polar Express train permeates the room, using each of the front three full-range channels and the LFE to create a wall of force that you will hear and feel. The surround channels, unfortunately, are not used as effectively as they could for off-screen and atmospheric effects. That is all that stops this track from joining the ranks of the elite. (Danny Richelieu)
This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
Subscribe Now!
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
