FilmEdge reviews Disney/Pixar's THE INCREDIBLES Blu-ray Combo Pack
Review by Scott Weitz
5 Stars
After a long but worthwhile wait since it first bounded into theaters in 2004, Disney/Pixar's energetic THE INCREDIBLES makes its Blu-ray debut today in a 4-disc Combo Pack release which shows off the film's dynamic visual style, superhero action and joyful humor. Director Brad Bird blends the cinematic sensibility of Bond films with the imaginative potential of animation for an Academy Award-winning triumph finally coming home in glorious high-definition.
Bob and Helen Parr (voiced by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter) attempt to raise Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack as a normal family, blending in with the world despite their hidden superpowers. After society forced all the 'Supers' to lead very un-Super lives, Bob is tempted back into heroic action as Mr. Incredible by a mysterious benefactor. When that sponsor turns out to a nemesis from Mr. Incredible's past, the Parr family faces great danger from a new supervillain, Syndrome. The entire family of Incredibles must band together to save each other and the world in this action-packed, light-hearted superhero adventure.
THE INCREDIBLES takes full advantage of two Blu-ray discs with a superb feature film transfer plus interactive and entertaining bonus features (old and new). Pushing the boundaries of animated films in the long line of Disney/Pixar blockbuster hits, Bird's delightfully retro take on cinematic superhero action, memorable characters and deft comedy is a must-see winner all ages will enjoy for keeps.
As one of my very favorite Pixar-made films, I've eagerly awaited to see THE INCREDIBLES on hi-def Blu-ray for years and am pleased to report that the results do not disappoint at all. Brad Bird's CG-animated spectacle looks and sounds fantastic while never losing the story of true family values at the heart of this flying, leaping tale of muscular daring-do and parental mirth. This well-crafted Blu-ray 1080p HD transfer preservers the original feature's 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, but those of you who shy from letterboxed films should stick with it since the kinetic cinematography and lush design work is a stimulating, sumptuous feast for the eyes. Credit is earned by Andrew Jimenez, Patrick Lin and Janet Lucroy for the digital photography, and super-props to Lou Romano and Ralph Eggleston for their production design and art direction, all combining their skills to make THE INCREDIBLES look and play on-screen like no other Disney/Pixar venture. Colors are richly saturated when heroes and villains clash, yet subdued and moody when the Incredibles are infiltrating Syndrome's tropical Nomanisan Island lair. An added salute to supervising technical director Rick Sayre and his team for some terrific special effects (sizzling energy bolts and billowing explosions) which enhance the brilliant animation and direction.
Likewise the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track pumps Randy Thom's dynamic sound design through all corners of your surround system, packing plenty of low-end punch while always maintaining a crisp center dialogue channel — the hallmark of a great mix plus smart design which seats you right in the middle of this immersive animated tale. Speaking of sound channels, composer Michael Giacchino aces THE INCREDIBLES pseudo-sixties, powerhouse sampling of peppy jazz and fist-pumping orchestral bravado, providing the aural cues which embody the pop culture spirit of these semi-retro yet utterly original superheroes. Giacchino's themes and tracks are original yet familiar, echoing the best flavors of John Barry's 007 scores peppered with brassy trumpet hits, lurking harp strings and excellent pacing which allows quiet moments of suspense to set up the fun, bombastic blares of big-action moments. Movie soundtrack fans and aficionados should definitely consider adding Giacchino's score CD to their collection along with Bird's feature film debut on Blu.
As noted, THE INCREDIBLES debut on Blu-ray boasts all-new Bonus Features along with all the extras from the previous DVD release, spanning the first two Blu-ray discs and adding extra viewing value to this goody-packed edition:
•THE INCREDIBLES REVISITED gathers the primary filmmaker leads from all aspects of production to reflect and laugh about the trials and tribulations endured in the four-year making of this Disney/Pixar hit. Enjoy this lively, entertaining roundtable discussion with writer/director Brad Bird, producer John Walker, story supervisor Mark Andrews, supervising technical director Rick Sayre, production designer Lou Romano, character designer Teddy Newton, and supervising animator Tony Fucile. Sitting with the filmmakers who now can look back at their movie with historical perspective is a fun opportunity, and I hope Disney plans more of these with other titles/filmmakers as more of their classic catalogue arrives on Blu-ray editions.
•PATHS TO PIXAR: STORY ARTISTS continues this series of spotlight interviews and insights with Pixar staffers, telling how they got their starts in movie making, and how they contributed to this specific film as part of the team.
•STUDIO STORIES: GARY'S BIRTHDAY offers plenty of laughs while illustrating in simple animation how Brad Bird and the Pixar crew dealt with the stress of filmmaking and the overabundance of individual birthday's by hosting one group birthday party for Gary, who doesn't really exist. We'll let the segment explain why it's Gary's birthday, but this is another prime example of the creative mindset which inspires and fuels these movies.
•ENDING WITH A BANG: MAKING THE END CREDITS investigates the highly stylized 2D animation art which set the visual tone of the film in its early development, then capped off the final result with a zoom-bang bit of clever credits.
•'THE NEW NOMANISAN' ISLAND REDEVELOPMENT PLAN lets viewers take an interactive, remote-controlled tour of Syndrome's Nomanisan Island headquarters, now reclaimed and repurposed as tropical resort which lets the public vacation in mock-superhero mode. While a fun concept, this virtual theme park island provides minimal entertainment value as each destination accessed via your Blu player remote delivers little more than a one-punchline animated clip about turning lethal Omnidroid robots into sushi chefs and massage therapists. FilmEdge certainly wishes this technology had been applied to a more in-depth tour of concept designs, artwork or progression reels of scenes set on Nomanisan in the film.
•The Pixar Animation short which preceded the feature film in theaters, Bud Luckey's sheepish tale Boundin'.
•The animated short Jack-Jack Attack which first accompanied the film's DVD release, now presented in HD. This is backed up with Jack-Jack Attack Exploded, a commentary track for the short by Bird, Mark Andrews, Teddy Newton, and animator Bret Parker who also voiced the babysitter Kari.
•Both the Deleted Scenes collection and Teaser Trailer have been upgraded to HD quality for this release.
CLASSIC DVD bonus features revisit these popular extras either transferred or upconverted for Blu-ray HD playback:
•Two Commentary Tracks accompany the feature film on Disc One: the first pairs director Brad Bird with producer John Walker who do their best to keep up with the story while adding insights about making-of moments and story challenges, plus contributing amusing memories from their experience; the second track lets a gaggle animators explore the artistic and technical side of the film which will be a treat to those who dig the in-depth details of creating such a story.
•Making of THE INCREDIBLES examines all aspects of the production circa 2004, taking you in the story sessions and office meetings at Pixar Studios from Brad Bird's first day on the project to the final theatrical release. Fascinating to watch these artists and their equally imaginative personalities at work for 27-and-a-half minutes.
•Additional specific featurettes peek into the creative process for Story, Character Design, the E Volution of Edna Mode, Building Humans, Building Extras, Set Design, Sound, Music, Lighting, the Tools computer animators use, a bizarre if enjoyable faux cartoon of Mr. Incredible and Pals, a Commentary version of the same hosted by Mr. Incredible and Frozone, a spotlight segment on Boundin' creator answering Who is Bud Luckey?, and somewhat off-topic but quirky Vowellett - An Essay by Sarah Vowell(Violet's voice actor), and an Art Gallery of production images.
•Eleven Easter Eggs found on the original DVD are featured in menu format, ranging from a version of THE INCREDIBLES in sock puppet theater to an animator scarfing down cake for character reference, and a whimsical clip compilation of the numerous button-pushes and doorway transitions in the film all punctuated with a symphony of explosions.
•Publicity Materials for the film include TV interviews with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Frozone and Edna Mode, along 11 Trailers and ads for the movie.
Disc 3 offers THE INCREDIBLES in DVD format, and Disc 4 delivers your Digital Copy of the film for playback on your select mobile device.
REVIEW SUMMARY
While one can easily say that Disney/Pixar animated films look and sound their best (if not better than ever) when released on high-definition Blu-ray discs, it's never been more true that THE INCREDIBLES was made to exploit the HD format of sight and sound best among most if not all the studio's titles.
Enjoyable for all ages, Bird and his team filled this film with minute details, subtle story moments and echoes of a great legacy in 1960s-era movies, music and art which may more readily be appreciated by slightly more mature viewers with a background in these cultural touchstones. Whether digging these references or simply enjoying these choices for the first time, the depth of detail and handcrafted technological magic woven into every fiber of the film stands up to repeat viewings, and likely grow more appreciated every time. This is Disney/Pixar artistry at its finest and funniest, don't miss it!
Likewise the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track pumps 
April 12, 2011