2D Animation

Blu-ray Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Animation on Blu

By Brenden ⋅ December 18, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments

All right, time is running out to get these Blu-ray gift guide recommendations posted so let’s get back to it! I’ll keep the commentary to a minimum here, in order to hasten the process. …Continued…

All-Star Superman Blu-ray announced and detailed

By Brenden ⋅ November 30, 2010 ⋅ One comment

There are about five-million reason to be excited about this next animated release from Warner and DC, chief among them is that it’s an adaptation of one of the all-time best Superman stories ever told! Aside from the story itself, the aspect of the the upcoming All-Star Superman Blu-ray disc that has got me crapping my pants with excitement is the fact that it includes a commentary track. And it’s not just any old commentary track, oh no. THIS IS A GODDAMN GRANT MORRISON COMMENTARY TRACK!!! You heard me correctly. Morrison, the crazy/brilliant/visionary/under-the-influence Scottish writer responsible for the original graphic novel on which the film is based, is going to talk you all the way through the plot, along with producer Bruce Timm. Now, if only DC could convince the him to record a commentary that would clear up what in the hell happened in his Final Crisis and Return of Bruce Wayne books, we’d have something there. …Continued…

Disney’s Bambi coming to Blu-ray

By Brenden ⋅ November 8, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments

I’ve never been a big fan of Disney’s Bambi. But I’ll tell you, with the quality of these recent restorations prepared for the Blu-ray Diamond Editions, I’ll happily sit through any of Disney’s catalogue, no matter my feelings on the subject matter. The transfers have been immaculate to this point, and I suspect Bambi will follow suit. We’ll know for sure in March when the Blu-ray disc hits shops. …Continued…

Animated All-Star Superman Blu-ray teaser, Batman: Year One announced

By Brenden ⋅ September 23, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments

I’m thrilled that DC and Warner’s animation division are taking on Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All Star Superman! I actually just read the 12-issue series and was blown away by both the story and the art. To see even a hint of it translated into animation is like a dream come true. …Continued…

New Studio Ghibli on Blu-Ray: Laputa Castle in the Sky, My Neighbors the Yamadas

By Brenden ⋅ September 13, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment

This is extraordinary news! According to pre-order listings on Amazon.jp, Studio Ghibli‘s next two Blu-ray releases will be Hayao Miyazaki‘s 1986 Laputa, Castle in the Sky and his partner, Isao Takahata‘s 1999 comedy, My Neighbors the Yamadas. …Continued…

Batman: Under the Red Hood Blu-ray Disc Review

By Brenden ⋅ August 11, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments

Man, I love these DC Comics animated films! As much as I’m dying to see Warner and DC branch out and tackle more obscure characters and story-lines from their vast universe of super-hero properties, Batman: Under the Red Hood is a welcome addition to a growing library of wonderful animated adventures based on the dark, gritty world of the caped crusader. And a perfect compliment to the live-action Christopher Nolan films of the last number of years! …Continued…

Oscar nominated animated film The Secret of Kells coming to Blu-ray

By Brenden ⋅ May 3, 2010 ⋅ One comment

If you haven’t had a chance to see the Oscar nominated animated film The Secret of Kells by independent Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, keep your eyes peeled. It will no doubt turn up in your local arthouse cinema shortly. It’s absolutely fantastic, not to mention absolutely gorgeous to look at! If you happen to miss Kells on the big screen, you’ll get a chance to enjoy it at home in high-def in October when New Video Group brings it to Blu-ray! …Continued…

Animated Batman: Under the Red Hood Blu-ray Details, Trailer

By Brenden ⋅ April 27, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments

I’ve been waiting for more news regarding the next DC Universe animated offering from Warner and finally, here it is! A press release outlining the details of Batman: Under the Red Hood just hit my inbox and I’ve got to tell you, I’m excited as hell about this film. These animated offerings from Bruce Timm and his crack team of 80-minute storytellers just keep getting better and better. And I’m sure this one will follow the pattern of providing the tightest superhero stories with the tightest animation this side of anime. …Continued…

1987 Animated G.I. Joe: The Movie Blu-ray Details, Special Features Announced

By Brenden ⋅ April 26, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s now official! Shout Factory has issued a press release with all the details of their upcoming Blu-ray edition of the classic 1987 animated G.I. Joe: The Movie! You know, the one where Duke was supposed to die but in a last minute change to please parents he was miraculously revived? Or rather, you may remember it as the very silly film that introduced the Cobra La crew of flying, slithering and chanting snake people into the franchise mythology. Either way, I’m sure you recall that it wasn’t very good, outside of the fun and very dynamic title sequence. Would that the animation and vibe of the film itself could have lived up to those initial three minutes (see above video!) That said, I’m excited to watch it again for the first time in years. This time in glorious HD and in 16:9 Widescreen! Thank you, Shout Factory! Details below: …Continued…

The Princess and the Frog Blu-ray Disc Review

By Brenden ⋅ March 21, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments

It took a couple of viewings but I think I finally “get” The Princess and The Frog, Disney’s triumphant return to the realm of the 2D, hand drawn animated feature. And after all is said and done, despite the qualities that some might consider weaknesses in the film, I think it’s a remarkable work and worth seeing. …Continued…