Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		5.0

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray Movie Review

Worth the upgrade? That depends on how 7.1 lossless audio and a few new extras sounds to you...

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown February 9, 2013

How does Pixar do it? How does a single studio churn out so many wondrous animated films, with so few exceptions? I once thought it had something to do with raw talent. John Lasseter's innate ability to assemble the best artists, technicians, writers and directors in the industry; master storytellers and visionaries of the highest caliber. But with so many critically acclaimed feature films under the animation studio's belt -- not to mention its array of award-winning animated shorts -- I suspect something far more sinister may be powering the Pixar empire. Arcane rituals? Dark magic? Blood-soaked sacrifices to a Lovecraftian god? Only Lasseter's inner-circle knows the true nature of the studio's connection to the Abyss, as anyone and everyone who has pursued such answers has never been heard from again. Still, so long as the Pixar wizards continue producing smart, sharp and infectiously funny family flicks like Monsters, Inc., and so long as the abomination that is Cars 2 remains an isolated freak of nature, I personally don't care what beast, demon, or fiend they invoke.

In the bustling city of Monstropolis, children's screams are a precious commodity. Their shrill shrieks not only power the entire electric grid, they create jobs for countless Monsters, Inc. employees and provide a slew of tentacled beasties with all the creature comforts a hard-working monstrosity could ask for. Unfortunately, children have become more difficult to frighten over the years. Rolling blackouts are just the beginning of what Monsters, Inc. CEO Henry J. Waternoose (voiced by James Coburn) sees as a sign of tough times to come. Thankfully, he has Scarers like the blue-furred James "Sulley" Sullivan (John Goodman) and cyclopean prep-man Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) to keep enough screams on tap. However, when Sulley accidentally allows a little girl to wander through her closet portal, he changes the fates of Monsters, Inc. and Monstropolis forever. After realizing she isn't a threat -- monsters learn at an early age that children are toxic and their touch is deadly -- Sulley has to convince Mike to help him return the girl to her world, avoid the Child Detection Agency (the CDA for short), and keep her presence a secret from rival Scarer Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi), a deceitful chameleon with an agenda all his own.

Monsters, Inc. is blessed with a brilliant premise; one that deconstructs fundamental childhood fears, transforms a city of toothy titans into a city of sympathetic Everymen, and brings enough comedy, action, adventure and heartfelt sweetness to the table to make its buddy picture all the more effective. Goodman, Crystal and crew bring their all to their voice sessions, creating genuine... erm, human beings with a penchant for fur and scales rather than the horned caricatures they could have been. Sulley and Mike aren't just cartoon characters, they're endearing would-be heroes and loyal companions. Their fellow monsters are used primarily for gags, sure, but the whole of Monstropolis has a familiarity that feels oh so right. Pixar's animation helps of course, weaving so many tiny touches and clever easter eggs into each locale that surprises lie around every corner (even for those of us who've seen the film more than a dozen times). The jokes earn laughs, the banter never falls flat, the adventure remains tense, and the third act's climactic chase scene is as exciting and invigorating in 2013 as it was when Monsters, Inc. debuted some twelve years ago. And while I'm edging dangerously close to hyperbole, not a second goes to waste. Seemingly tangential subplots have satisfying pay-offs, minor characters aren't rendered expendable, and the writers rarely indulge in the sort of pop culture references that undermine the potential of other modern animated films.

Pixar's canon is full of memorable characters, but the central trio in Monsters, Inc. represents a perfect mesh of heart (Sulley), spirit (Mike) and soul (Boo). Compared to the sometimes smarmy wildlife that frequents the Ice Age and Madagascar franchises (and others like them), the Monsters, Inc. gang actually warrants the love their fans afford them. Selflessness isn't a learned trait here, it's an inherent one. Relationships aren't contrived, they're natural and convincing. Conflict isn't derived, it's discovered. Humor isn't forced, it flows from an already mesmerizing story rife with opportunity. Even the animation stands out. While it's a bit dated in light of the strides made in Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up and Brave, the characters and environments are so easy on the eyes that it never really matters all that much. Tech-heads may grumble at the way a snow cone glances off Sulley's back, but anyone with an affinity for film or animated classics will simply shrug their shoulders and roll with the punches. Likewise, irritable animation critics may complain about the occasional stockiness of Boo's movements, but cinephiles will reach for another tissue and brace themselves for Sulley's heart-wrenching farewell.

Concept, execution, screenwriting, art direction, voice acting, comedy, animation... literally everything about Monsters, Inc. contributes to its success as an unforgettable film. Parents will be as enthusiastic about the proceedings as their children, and kids of all ages will be caught up in the adventure no matter how many times they've seen it unfold. If you haven't already introduced it to your brood, be sure to pick up Pixar's classic monster romp and share it with your entire family.

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Monsters, Inc. returns to Blu-ray with the same striking 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video presentation featured on the original 2009 release. Not that I'm complaining. Monstropolis is a colorful cityscape indeed, and Disney's palette never falls short. The varied blues and purples of Sulley's fur, the slick-scaled greens of Mike's hide, and the vivid reds and oranges that populate their adventure look fantastic, granting the image a power and stability the Blu-ray edition's long-outmoded DVD counterpart fails to achieve. Black levels are equally remarkable, dipping deep without sacrificing background clarity in the slightest. Contrast remains bold and beautiful from beginning to end, edge definition is ever crisp and sturdy, and fine detail is impeccable. Moreover, I didn't see a single significant artifact, color band or other such oddity at any point in the image. My lone complaint? Sulley's thread-thin shoulder fur is a breeding ground for aliasing. The problem presumably traces back to the original source, mind you, although it's possible such pixel-thin lines wreak havoc simply because of the relative limitations of 1080p resolution. Fortunately, it doesn't amount to a major eyesore, and only makes a nuisance of itself on rare occasions. Ultimately, Monsters, Inc. continues to be treated with the utmost respect and love, yet again, and fans will be most pleased with the results.

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

In 2009, Monsters, Inc. made its Blu-ray debut with an outstanding DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. And, some four years later, that track still holds up. Disney wasn't content to simply recycle an old mix, though -- however enveloping and electrifying it may be -- and the 2013 Blu-ray release of Monsters, Inc. features a rousing Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround track. For the most part, the lossless mixes are eerily similar, save the additional rear channels, which help create a slightly more seamless soundfield with more nuanced pans and directional effects. But an upgrade is an upgrade, and the studio is welcome to squeeze every last ooh and aah out of me that they can manage. Beyond the additional rear channel support, everything is as it should be. In the third act of the film, whirring conveyor lines assault the listener with breathtaking aggression, clattering doors can be heard from every angle, and Mike and Sulley's banter remains crystal clear in spite of the chaos erupting around them. There are other standout scenes as well. The pair's banishment and subsequent encounter with the Abominable Snowman in a roaring blizzard, their battles and escapes from Randall, their run-ins with the overzealous CDA, their first walk down the streets of Monstropolis... I'll stop before I rattle off every scene in the film. The quietest moments are backed by exceptional fidelity, LFE output is powerful enough to leave a lasting impression on the most uncrackable sternum, and rear speaker activity is as involving as the aforementioned scenes deserve. Need I even address the soundfield? Immersion doesn't even begin to describe the absorbing 7.1 experience Disney has in store for audiophiles of all ages.

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Compared to the initial 2009 Blu-ray release of Monsters, Inc., Disney's 3-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray release features the addition of a pair of new, exclusive extras -- an extended 3-minute Monsters University Sneak Peek and Partysaurus Rex, a Toy Story short -- and only leaves one extra on the production bay floor: "Ride and Go Seek," a promotional tour of the Monsters, Inc. attraction in Tokyo. In other words, no big loss... and no big gain. Partysaurus Rex and the Monsters University promo are certainly welcome additions, but many of the recycled DVD extras on Disc Two are still presented in SD (and still have their share of issues). It all amounts to an excellent supplemental package, though, no matter how you slice it, so I doubt anyone will get too worked up about it. Especially when the new release offers an upgrade to 7.1 audio.

• Toy Story Toons: Partysaurus Rex (Disc 1, HD, 7 minutes): Featured before the recent theatrical presentation of Finding Nemo 3D, Partysaurus Rex finds everyone's favorite neurotic toy dinosaur letting loose and living a little.
• Sneak Peeks (Disc 1, HD, 14 minutes): Includes a new Monsters University's extended 3-minute promo, the Monsters University trailer, and previews for The Little Mermaid, Wreck-It Ralph, Planes, Mulan and Mulan II.
• Audio Commentary (Disc 1): Director Pete Docter, co-director Lee Unkrich, writer Andrew Stanton, and executive producer John Lasseter dig into Monsters, Inc., its genesis, characters, storyline, and cultural relevance. Along with the requisite technical details, they briskly plow through the film's themes and finer narrative points, making their analysis particularly engrossing and their informative discussion a welcome addition to this release.
• Filmmakers Round Table (Disc 1, HD, 22 minutes): Filmed at the Hidden City Cafe, the fabled Pixar hotspot, Docter, Unkrich, producer Darla K. Anderson, and story supervisor Bob Peterson laugh their way through an amiable chat about their work at Pixar Studios, their contributions to Monsters, Inc., and the development and eventual release of the film. Both thoughtful and informative (and peppered with concept art, sketches, and early renders), this newly produced Blu-ray exclusive is well worth any fan's time as it offers a personable introduction to the clever minds responsible for one of Pixar's finest.
• For the Birds (Discs 1, HD, 3 minutes): Still one of my favorite Pixar shorts, this amusing animated gem involves a group of mean-spirited birds getting their much-deserved comeuppance when they pick on the wrong victim.
• Mike's New Car (Disc 1, HD, 4 minutes): Mike gives Sulley a tour of his brand new car in this fun short culled from the original DVD release of Monsters, Inc.
• Roz's 100 Door Challenge (Disc 2, HD): An interactive employee placement exam that finds the perfect role for applicants at the Monsters, Inc. facility. However, it's more of a trivia game than a personality quiz, so the setup is a bit misleading.
• Pixar Fun Factory Tour (Disc 2, SD, 4 minutes): John Lasseter hosts a tour of the "new" (now eight-year-old) Pixar Studios offices. It's a bit bizarre and borders on random, but kids will probably get a kick out of it.
• Story Featurettes (Disc 2, SD, 22 minutes): A quartet of pre-production featurettes. "Story is King" showcases the Pixar Story Department, "Monsters Are Real" gives the cast and crew a brief opportunity to discuss the monsters and their world, "Original Treatment" focuses on an early pitch for the film (one that features a version of the tale that pales in comparison to the final film), and "Back to Work" sees Peterson pitching a scene to the production team.
• Banished Concepts (Disc 2, HD, 10 minutes): A collection of five abandoned scenes that open with an introduction by co-directer Lee Unkrich. Some of the deletions feature finalized animation, but most are comprised of animated storyboards and early pre-viz inserts.
• Storyboard to Film Comparison (Disc 2, HD, 16 minutes): Watch a single scene's original storyreel, its finalized rendering, or in a split-screen comparison of the two.
• Designing Monstropolis (Disc 2, SD, 5 minutes): Another initially awkward featurette with co-director David Silverman (on a scooter, no less) that nevertheless manages to effectively explore the efforts and ideas that produced Mike and Sulley's city.
• Set Dressing (Disc 2, SD, 3 minutes): A dry look at the virtual props and cameras used to bring several Monsters, Inc. locales to animated life.
• Location Flyaround (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): This series of extended environment pans and 360 degree interior spins show off some of the film's streets, rooms, and locations. The quick tours would have been great had they been presented in high definition, but the animators' finer textures and more minute details are lost in the featurette's standard definition haze.
• Monster File (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): A two-part EPK that introduces the film's monsters, delivers interviews with the voice actors, and looks at the animators' character designs.
• Animation (Disc 2, SD, 26 minutes): Six segments are included. "Animation Process" explains how Pixar produces its films, "Early Tests" finds Mike and Sulley models being run through their paces, "Opening Title Animation" touches on award-winning illustrator Geefwee Boedoe's title sequence, "Hard Parts" reveals the challenges the filmmakers faced, "Shots Department" shows how the animators spot-checked tricky hair and fabric shots, and "Production Demonstration" allows viewers to watch a scene develop through four stages of animation: storyreel, layout, animation, and final color.
• Music & Sound (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): A pair of featurettes that examine the film's sound design and Billy Crystal and John Goodman's rendition of "If I Didn't Have You."
• Release (Disc 2, SD, 17 minutes): This section includes footage from the film's premiere, two theatrical trailers, four TV spots, an overview of the changes made to accommodate international releases, a multi-language clip reel, a merchandising featurette, and the outtakes that appeared during the theatrical release's credit sequence (thankfully presented in high definition). Of note, the HD outtakes are actually about five-and-a-half minutes long, not seven as it states in the features menu.
• Monsters Only Section (Disc 2, SD, 12 minutes): A few additional featurettes from the standard DVD round out the main package. "New Monster Adventures" offers a collection of TV vignettes, two non-interactive animated activities produced for a Japanese television show, and a "If I Didn't Have You" music video; "Behind the Screams" is an interview with Mike and Sully about their work for the company; and "Orientation" serves up a trio of animated videos -- "Your First Day," "History of the Monster World" (drawn and narrated by animation legend Bud Luckey), and "Welcome to Monsters, Inc." -- created for new Monsters, Inc. employees.
• Art Gallery (Disc 2, HD): Nearly 900 pieces of concept art -- including character designs, color tests, early renders, and more -- make this a thoroughly extensive art gallery.
• Wrap-Up (Disc 2, SD, 1 minutes): A farewell from the filmmakers.
• Standard DVD Version of the Film (Disc 3, SD)

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The new 3-disc Collector's Edition release of Monsters, Inc. isn't as tempting as its 5-disc 3D counterpart, but it isn't without its allure. Of course, only audiophiles with a 7.1 audio setup and those who have yet to purchase the 2009 Blu-ray release will find the Collector's Edition worth the price of admission, unless two relatively minor extras are somehow irresistible. Upgrades and double dipping aside, Monsters, Inc. features a strong video presentation, a terrific Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround track and a treasure trove of special features. If you've never made the plunge, there's no time like the present. I would just recommend going with the 5-disc 3D version, which offers more bang for your high definition buck, or even the previously released 2009 edition, if 3D doesn't interest you and 7.1 audio isn't in your future. Regardless of which version you choose, though, be sure to choose. Monsters, Inc. deserves a place in your collection.