First, I loved the movie. My complaint is not with the film but with the so called digital copy that is indicated as included on the cover. The "Digital Copy" included with this blu-ray can only be used on a Sony PSP when installed via a Sony PS3. I often preorder these family movies because I want to have the digital copy for my son to watch on my laptop or iPod. Had I known that this digital copy would not work like every other digital copy I've purchased; I would not have paid retail. I will certainly be thinking twice before purchasing another Sony blu-ray with a "Digital Copy." Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs [Blu-ray 3D]
Very good movie, liked it in the theater. I wanted to post this right away, though. Buyer Beware, digital copy works only on PS3 to download to PSP. I'm very disappointed. This is in fine print on the back of the case. Deceptive on Sony's part. Really reduces value of Blu ray in my book.
***This is a review for the 3D Disc that plays with shutter-active glasses.***
I was so happy when I got my first retail 3D movie in the mail today.
This movie played perfectly with my Samsung LN46C750 LCD TV, and Samsung BD-C6900 blu-ray player and the Samsung 3D Starter Kit SSG-P2100T which has the battery operated glasses, and the Onkyo HT-S3300 3D system.
I did not notice any "ghosting" as mentioned in other reviews in the Monster vs. Aline's movie which I have and did see a little.
I am so happy there was a new movie to watch with my TV setup, I wish the Big TV guys would stop matching the new movies with purchase of a new TV system, like Panasonic has done with Coraline & Ice Age 3.
I did not see this movie in theaters when it was out the for whoever disagrees about the new 3D technology must not own one. I was lucky to be able to upgrade because of a home robbery. This is a great new technology that I can now enjoy at home, as close as possible the the 3D movies in theaters today! I will be buying every new 3D movie that comes out or is on pre-order as soon as I can find out about it.
The only "down side" I can think of about this movie, is that the menu of the Blu-ray did not have the special 3D viewing or just normal 2D view with nothing special.
SPECIAL FEATURES included on this disc are:
* BD Live
* Open Season 3D Sneak Peek
* Monster House 3D Sneak Peek
* A Recipe for Success: Making of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
* Key Ingredients: The Voices of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
* 2 Extended Scenes
* 2 Early Development Scenes
* 5 Progression Reels with Introductions by Visual Effects Supervisor Rob Bredow
* "Raining Sunshine" Music Video
* Behind the Scenes of Miranda Cosgrove's "Raining Sunshine" Music Video
It looks like it does not have the Sing-A-Long nor the Flint's Food Fight Game nor the Interactive "Splat" Button (Throw Food at the Screen While You Watch the Movie!) as are on the 2D Blu-ray Disc.
In 2009, the animated film "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" was released in theaters. Adapted from the popular book from 1978 by Judi Barrett and illustrations by Ron Barrett, CWACoM took three years to develop and feature animation by Sony Pictures Animation.
The film adaptation and direction is by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (both are executive producers of the popular CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" and also the MTV animated series "Clone High"). Music is by Mark Mothersbaugh ("Fanboys", "Mama's Boy", "Lords of Dogtown") and the film is produced by Pam Marsden (producer of "Dinosaur" and "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas").
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" received positive reviews from critics and debuted at #1 in the box office, raking in $180+ million worldwide. Now the film gets its first Blu-ray release and includes the Blu-ray, the DVD and a digital copy (a code is provided to download a digital copy from the PlayStation Network) for those who own a Sony PSP or Playstation 3 System.
AUDIO & VIDEO:
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is featured in 1080p High Definition and I know that Pixar and DreamWorks animation gets a lot of attention for their animated work but Sony Pictures Animation has done a remarkable job with this film.
The picture quality on HD is absolutely vibrant and colorful. Water and liquid effects look absolutely terrific and realistic while the detail of the town Swallow Falls during its normal appearance of a seaside town to a town filled with food and sporting different scenery.
In fact, things look absolutely amazing during the second half as we see solid animation being utilized throughout the film. From the outdoor mayhem to the overall details of the various foods (especially when larger) causing destruction around the town area, it looks absolutely great. Awesome picture quality for this Blu-ray release.
As for the accompanying DVD, the DVD is featured in 16×9 Full Screen (1:78:1) and also anamorphic widescreen (2:35:1).
As for audio, the Blu-ray is featured in English and French 5.1 DTS-HD MA and Spanish 5.1. Dialogue is clear and understandable through the front and center channel, music definitely sets the mood as it plays from the front channels but good use of special effects such as the clouds rumbling, the sound of thunder, flying vehicles flying through the clouds through the surround channels. Good use of LFE for nice low rumbles coming from the subwoofer.
Fans of the film will enjoy the immersive soundtrack from this film as there is very good use of the various channels throughout the film, especially during the film's latter half.
The accompanying DVD is presented in English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital.
Subtitles are featured in English, English SDH, French and Spanish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" features special features in High Definition and Standard Definition. Audio is in English stereo and subtitles are in Spanish:
# Directors' Commentary with Bill Hader - In this audio commentary, you can listen to Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Bill Hader talking about the film. A fun commentary with humor and also good insight by the director's about how their personal enjoyment of things in their childhood ended up in the film and more.
# Interactive "Splat" Button - While watching the film, you can throw food at the screen using Flint's Food Throwing Machine.
# A Recipe for Success: The Making of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs - (10:50) Interviews with the voice talent and crew about the film. Discussions about the original book, the music, visual effects and more.
# Key Ingredients: The Voices of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs - (12:39) Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller talk about working with the talents and the talents talk about their experiences providing the voices for the characters. Interviews with Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Mr. T, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Al Roker and Bruce Campbell.
# Flint's Food Fight Game - Enhanced for Blu-ray- In this game, you can use your remote to help Flint stop the food storm cooked up by the F.L.D.S.M.D.F.R.
# Extended Scenes - (2:36) Featuring "Elevator Joke" and "Twister-Early Cut with Awesome Food Fight" extended scenes.
# Early Development Scenes - (5:47) Featuring Flint's Letter to Super Scientist Vance LeFleur and Early Storyboard Version of Twister. Featuring the voice acting but these scenes are in sketch format.
# Progression Reels with Introductions by Visual Effects Supervisor Rob Bredow - (8:09) Visual Effects Supervisor Rob Bredow showcases the color script and explains what the reference paintings are and how the color is compared and how the final cut matched the original production design. Also, discussion of a new software used for lighting and using global illumination.
# Interactive "Raining Sunshine" Sing-A-Long - (3:45) For those who want to sing along with Miranda Cosgrove, a sing-a-long karaoke track is included. Using your angle button, you can switch the icon from cheesburger, ice cream, a meatball and more.
# "Raining Sunshine" Music Video by iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove - (3:45) The music video.
# Behind the Scenes of Miranda Cosgrove's "Raining Sunshine" Music Video - (2:17) Interviews with Miranda Cosgrove in regards to the making of the music video.
# Make It Rain Food - (:32) A trailer for fighting hunger (using clips from the film).
# DVD-Rom Link To Exclusive Online Fun
JUDGMENT CALL:
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is an enjoyable family film. The children will love it and even the adults. The film is well-written and Sony Pictures Animation really went all out in making sure this film looks visually appealing. Artistically, the animation and artistic backgrounds are just spectacular.
As mentioned before, there is so much positive press for Pixar films and also DreamWorks animated films but Sony really pulled off an awesome 3D animated film with "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". Definitely a unique presentation in terms of characters but it's just the overall look of the film with its vibrant colors and look that gives a fresh feel for this film.
And on HD, the film looks and sounds incredible. There are a good number of interactive special features and with the Blu-ray coming with the DVD and a digital copy of the film, that's another plus as well.
It's important to note that "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is not just visual and audio eye candy, the film features a solid performance by the voice talent and most of all, a solid screenplay that remains faithful to the popular book. A lot of humor (safe for children) and for the most part, a fantastic family film that both children and adults will enjoy.
This is possibly the best animated film not made by Disney/Pixar and if anything, Sony Pictures Animation did a wonderful job and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what film they will be animating next because what they did for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" looks magnificent.
Overall, this is a solid Blu-ray release that is just worth having in your collection and a release that is great for the entire family. Highly recommended!
NOTE: It was announced by Sony during CES that in conjunction with the release of their 3D hardware, they will be releasing "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" in 3D Blu-ray later in 2010. - Family Movie - Animation - Blu-ray - Blu-ray 3d'
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