CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (2009, Blu-ray released January 5, 2010 - MSRP $39.95)
I took one look at the lack-luster design work of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and wrote it off as uninspired pablum. Boy, was I wrong! This is one of the most genuinely entertaining animated films of 2009! And my niece and nephew are here in another video review to tell you all about it!
Yes, it’s another kids review with Max and Olivia. They’re starting to become old pros at this now. Expect to see them hosting a cable show in the next year with a plan to branch out to national syndication in the near future. Sheesh. Who knew you could have so much going for you before the age of 10?
Ha! Funny kids. They absolutely loved it. But so did my sister. And my girlfriend. And I thought it was pretty all-right as well, you know. What it lacks in inspired design sense and nuanced animation (read Ren and Stimpy creator John K’s brilliant technical analysis of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs here) it makes up for in wit and charm. It’s smart and funny in all the right places.
And the Blu-ray is no slouch either! As I’m sure you can imagine in a direct digital transfer, this thing is pitch perfect in damn near every way. Bright, vivid colours, incredibly deep blacks and every bit and byte of computer animated detail represented in gorgeous 1080p. Beautiful! The DTS-MA 5.1 is also a stunner, being one of the more well rounded and immersive tracks I’ve heard so far this year. I would even go so far as to say it’s exciting!
The supplemental features on the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Blu-ray are a blend of extras for the kids and for adults. Kids will enjoy the ‘Flint’s Food Fight‘ BD-Java game and the Interactive “Splat” Feature that allows them to launch digital food at the screen while the movie plays. Adults will appreciate the entertaining commentary track with Bill Hader (the voice of lead character Flint) and co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and the behind-the-scenes featurettes, “A Recipe for Success: The Making of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “Key Ingredients: The Voices of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs“. The set is rounded out by a music video (with a “making of” featurette), extended scenes, early development scenes and 9-minutes of Progression Reels with introductions by visual FX supervisor Rob Bredow. There are also DVD and Digital Copies of the film included.
haha, Olivia is so cute. She and Max make an incredible duo of reviewer. I like watching them. And this movie looks like fun. Should definitely pick this one up.
Soooooo adorable! I’ve been wanting to watch this movie for a while, now I will make a point of it!
Love the hug at the end!