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Though Pixar’s animators have cranked out hit after hit after hit, grown-up fans of the studio still tend to complain about the various flaws of both Cars and Cars 2. Still, kids can’t seem to get enough of the widely-derided franchise—and young viewers’ undying adoration was enough to inspire a high-flying new addition to the series.
Inspired by the world of Cars, Disney’s Planes stars comedian Dane Cook as the voice of Dusty Crophopper, a lowly crop duster who dreams of becoming more than what he was built to be. Through hard work, dedication, and the help of friends Chug (Brad Garrett) and Dottie (Teri Hatcher), he’s the first crop duster to qualify for the prestigious Wings Around the Globe Rally. But even though legendary flight instructor Skipper (Stacy Keach) soon has Dusty flying his fastest, he still has to face the jeers of his fellow racers.
Originally planned as a home video release, Planes doesn’t exactly live up to the studio’s typically high standards for theatrical releases. Though the animation is on par with that of some smaller animation studios, it doesn’t have the same depth or quality as the usual Disney release—or even the original Cars, which was released seven years ago. It may be colorful and imaginative, but the backgrounds are flatter, and the characters are more cartoonish.
In general, Planes is derivative and stereotypical. The tiny town of Propwash Junction is the film’s answer to Radiator Springs, and the characters tend to mirror those found in Cars: Chug is a less wacky version of Mater, Skipper is a blander version of Doc, and so on. It simply tries too hard to remind viewers that it’s part of the Cars universe—and, in doing so, it ends up forcing comparisons to a much better movie.
Still, this movie wasn’t really made for loyal Pixar followers; it was made for the kids. And while moms and dads may grumble and complain about the lower-budget animation and the ridiculous stereotypes, kids will be content to laugh at the silly characters as they join Dusty on his around-the-world adventures. And, in the process, they’ll learn a lesson or two about determination, dreams, and being a good sport.
To be fair, Planes is still better than the average direct-to-video release. And while grown-ups won’t be awed by the animation or charmed by the characters, younger viewers will enjoy the action of this uninspired but perfectly innocuous Pixar reproduction.
Blu-ray Review:
Planes director Klay Hall is truly passionate about aviation—and there’s a good chance that you will be, too, after working your way through the special features menu on the Planes Blu-ray release.
The Blu-ray does have its share of standard features—including a couple of deleted scenes (with way more talk than actual footage), a cute deleted song by car/plane Franz, and brief introductions to some of the characters. But you’ll also find a couple of features that focus on aviation. Top 10 Flyers introduces viewers of all ages to some of the greatest aviators of all time. Even more interesting, though, is Klay’s Flight Plan, in which director Klay Hall discusses his natural-born love of flying, his background in aviation, his inspiration for the film, and the research involved in making it. Throughout the feature, he tours an aviation museum with his two sons, introducing them—and his viewers—to various classic planes.
It may not be loaded with extras, but the Planes Blu-ray does come with a few features that are worth a look. So, after one of your kids’ inevitable multiple viewings of the movie, be sure to take some time to browse through the special features menu.
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