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Over the last few years, as more and more studios have jumped on the already-crowded digital animation bandwagon, Pixar has set itself apart by producing films that are significantly more grown-up than the rest. Sure, they still have a (generally) kid-friendly sense of humor, but their stories are more mature, their jokes less sophomoric, their artwork more…artistic. In a sea of quick cuts, brainless plots, and fart jokes, Pixar’s grown-up-friendly animated films are a nice big gulp of fresh air.
But while I love the newer, more grown-up Pixar, I often find myself returning to the whimsical old Pixar movies, too—like 2001’s Monsters, Inc.
James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) and his best friend, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal), are well on their way to becoming the most successful scare team in Monsters, Inc. history. Each day, Sulley scares more and more human children, collecting their screams to create the valuable energy that powers the city of Monstropolis. Still, there’s an energy crisis—and if the scare team can’t keep their numbers up, the company could be in trouble.
One night, while Sulley’s helping Mike file his daily paperwork, he discovers a door that’s been left behind. Before sending it back to the vault, he checks to make sure that none of his colleagues are working on one last scare—and, in doing so, he accidentally lets a little girl sneak through the door.
Now, if there’s one thing that monsters are afraid of, it’s human children—and the fearless little girl wreaks havoc on all of Monstropolis. But when Sulley and Mike try to get her back to Monsters, Inc.—and back to her own room—they discover that she could be in danger.
Though it may not be as cultured as Ratatouille or as socially conscious as WALL•E, Monsters, Inc. is still an all-ages animated film. There’s plenty of action and adventure to keep the kids entertained—and wise-cracking Mike is sure to keep them giggling, too. In fact, it might even be more fun for kids than recent Pixar films. But Monsters, Inc. is still smarter than the average animated film. While it has its share of kid-friendly silliness, it aims higher than the same old kids’ comedy—which means that grown-ups will be able to laugh right along with the kids.
The story, meanwhile, is imaginative and adventurous, filled with all kinds of colorful characters. There are big, scaly monsters and skinny, one-eyed monsters with snakes for hair (and guess what—they’re just as afraid of you as you are of them!). There’s adorably energetic little Boo (Mary Gibbs), who’s always getting into something she shouldn’t—just like any regular toddler. And, of course, there’s Mike and Sulley, who are quite possibly the most lovable big, scary monsters ever.
And it’s all presented in Pixar’s ground-breaking animation. From Sulley’s light, fluffy fur to the massive door vault, it’s all animated in stunning—almost lifelike—detail (which, incidentally, is all the more stunning in HD).
With its endearing characters, its talented voice cast, and its playful sense of humor, Monsters, Inc. is an animated film that’s truly fun for the whole family. It’s so much fun, in fact, that it’ll make you wish you had monsters in your closet.
Blu-ray 3D Review:
Blu-ray 3D releases are generally pretty bare-bones. While the 3D release often includes a Blu-ray copy of the film (complete with special features), the 3D disc usually contains just the 3D version of the film and nothing more. But the Blu-ray 3D release of Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. is an exception to the rule.
On the Monsters, Inc. 3D disc, you’ll find more than just the movie and a couple of trailers. You’ll also find a pair of 3D shorts—Pixar classic For the Birds and the all-new Toy Story short, Partysaurus Rex—along with some 3D outtakes and other extras.
Each of the collection’s 3D extras is well worth a look. For the Birds is a lovable Pixar classic, and Partysaurus Rex is a fun-filled new short, starring all of your favorite Toy Story characters. And for more Monsters, Inc. silliness, the outtakes (along with a selection of scenes from Mike and Sully’s company play) are short and entertaining and deserving of a few minutes of your time.
Of course, for a more extensive selection of extras, you’ll want to check out the two Blu-ray discs that are included in the set (more on that below). But the film’s 3D extras add some more all-ages Monsters, Inc. fun to the 3D movie-watching experience.
Blu-ray Review:
With its new four-disc combo pack release of Monsters, Inc., Pixar successfully combines old and new: DVD with Blu-ray, original features with new ones. The set features DVD and digital copies of the film, along with two loaded Blu-ray discs that will make Pixar fans swoon.
In his disc-opening introduction, director Pete Docter points out a few of the set’s highlights—like the new roundtable feature, in which four of the crew members reminisce about the making of Monsters, Inc. But Docter’s brief introduction doesn’t do the set justice. There are hours of extras—including a silly game (which is clever in a way that only Pixar can be), a commentary, and an in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of Pixar’s studios (which is broken down into approximately 300 entertaining parts). In addition to the main feature, there are also two bonus shorts: For the Birds, which played before the film’s theatrical release, and Mike’s New Car, with a must-play commentary by the filmmakers’ sons. There are galleries and trailers and promos—and even a couple of Easter eggs, too. Put it all in one small package, and you’ve got a frightfully good set—one that’s well worth adding to your Blu-ray collection.
