7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 3.9 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari, Eddie DeezenFamily | 100% |
Adventure | 76% |
Animation | 68% |
Fantasy | 60% |
Musical | 28% |
Holiday | 24% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.41:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
Dutch: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps)
English SDH, French, Spanish, Dutch
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Anaglyph 3D
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
I believe.
It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas. The joy, the spirit, the wonder,
the gathering of loved ones for the year's most anticipated day. It means a little something
different to everyone, but no doubt the day just feels a bit out of the ordinary. More
cheerful, more fulfilling, a little warmer, a bit cozier, and definitely more magical, Christmas is the
one day of the year where the world feels like it's barely moving by; the hustle and bustle of
those days leading up to it play out in stark contrast to the serenity and easygoing spirit that
shines like a beacon of hope once a year on December 25th. Robert Zemeckis' The Polar
Express, based on Chris Van Allsburg's book of the same name, is but one of many
Christmas-themed movies, but it surpasses most of its fellow holiday films not only because of a
unique style of filmmaking (or the 3-D experience of this Blu-ray disc) or the action and
adventure that plays such a prominent role in the film, but because of the film's emphasis on
discovery. Not only does the film feature a physical discovery of sorts as the children board a
magical train dubbed "The
Polar Express" that takes them to
the North Pole to meet with Santa Claus and his elves, but along the way they discover some of
the true meanings of Christmas, too:
the discovery of self, of the heart, of the soul, of friendship, of belief.
All aboard for a ride toward Christmas magic!
The Polar Express steams onto Blu-ray with a 1080p, 2.35:1 transfer, available both in a standard 2-D transfer that is the same as that found on the previous release in addition to the new 3-D presentation that is the highlight of this package. The 3-D imagery isn't as interesting or deep as what was seen in Journey to the Center of the Earth, but it's fairly impressive nevertheless. There aren't all that many "wow" moments that make viewers jump back in their seats, but the movie does create a nice sense of depth, with some scenes looking far more 3-dimensional than others. Even with the glasses on, the effect leaves quite a bit of ghosting and random lines that don't really mesh into the image. Colors are more subdued through the 3-D prism than they are in the 2-D presentation. The first time the 3-D effect really springs to life (perhaps because it is the first truly well-lit scene in the film) takes place the first time viewers see the interior of the Express. The sense of depth is awe-inspiring, an excellent reproduction. A few scenes practically burst out of the television. While the 3-D effect begins to feel routine after a while, it should nevertheless be a big enough hit with kids and adults alike. The 2-D transfer is also impressive. It looks a tad soft and dark at times, but these issues are not necessarily a fault of the transfer. Every frame is a perfect representation of the original final digital print and the result is simply splendid. Scenes ranging from the mundane (face-to-face dialogue) to the fast-paced action sequences (a roller coaster-esque train ride) are presented in digital perfection.
Warner Brothers presents The Polar Express with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that offers a nice improvement over the previous edition that sported a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. There is some truly fantastic bass here that is a clear cut above the previous offering. As the Polar Express pulls up to "Hero Boy's" house in chapter two, the soundstage practically becomes a makeshift train depot, the rumbling tight and concise yet loud and powerful, the moment startling in its clarity and precision. Ambient presence throughout the soundtrack is excellent. The first time "Hero Boy" speaks with the conductor, listeners hear various sound effects all over the stage that are deep, maybe even a bit foreboding, but are excellently placed all over. As the train begins to depart, the moving parts squeal and squeak and churn to life as the train gains steam and powers its way toward the North Pole in a sonically brilliant moment, subdued and underscored by Alan Silvestri's (Romancing the Stone) wonderful music. Dialogue reproduction also excels in this edition. The various high action sequences, particularly a scene featuring the train derailing atop a sheet of ice after a high speed roller-coaster like adventure, are particularly engaging, though not completely engrossing. It's a blast to listen to and a nice accompaniment to the visuals. The soundtrack generally remains focused up front with plenty of support from the rears, though there is never much in the way of loud, discrete rear channel effects. It is still a thorough, complete experience, and while the main attraction on this release of The Polar Express is the inclusion of 3-D visuals, the audio upgrade is just as good and important to the overall experience.
Warner Brothers has ported over every supplement from the previous release of The
Polar Express, and no new supplements have been added. You Look Familiar (480p,
4:11) is first, this feature offering viewers a glimpse into how
performance
capture technology was utilized in the making of the film. Also showcased are Tom Hanks' many
roles
in
the movie. A Genuine Ticket Ride (480p, 13:32) is an entertaining five-part making-of
feature, hosted by two
of
the children audiences meet on the train, including "Know-It-All." After a 2 minute introduction,
viewers are led on
an all-too-brief
journey through the process of making the film. Performance
Capture,
Virtual Camera, Hair and Wardrobe, Creating the North Pole, and
Music represent the five aspects of the filmmaking process that are covered in this
supplement. True Inspirations: An Author's Adventure (480p, 5:28) is a discussion with
The Polar
Express author Chris Van Allsburg. He recounts his upbringing, background as an artist, and
the origins of his stories, including, obviously, The Polar Express.
Behind the Scenes of 'Believe' (480p, 4:24) takes viewers into the recording studio and
offers a brief history of the development into this song, including a chat with singer Josh Groban.
Flurry of Effects (480p, 8:48) is yet another five-part feature that provides a fascinating
real-time comparison showing both the motion-capture acting simultaneously with the final
version of the film. Scenes featured include All Aboard, Hot Chocolate, Hobo
on Top of the Train, I Believe, and Goodbye. Smokey and Steamer
(480p, 7:04), a deleted song from the final film, is presented in its
early, "Michelin Man" phase of development. It was performed by Michael Jeter who passed away
during filming. Josh Groban at the Greek (480p, 4:33) is a live performance by Groban
of the song Believe. Meet the Snow Angels (480p, 2:44) is a brief series of
interviews
with the cast and crew as they describe their fondest memories of Christmas, as well as their
thoughts on
the meaning of the holiday. Finally, a 480p theatrical trailer for The Polar Express and a
THQ Game Demo
(which is actually a commercial for the game and not a playable demo) finish off the
supplements.
The Polar Express has quickly endeared itself to the Christmas movie public and currently ranks among the finest Christmas movies of all time, including A Christmas Story and It's A Wonderful Life. Not only a visual tour-de-force that employes some of the latest and most exciting breakthroughs in moviemaking technology, The Polar Express is also a wonderful family film that captures the wonder and mystery of Christmas from a child's perspective. Featuring action, adventure, heartfelt drama and emotion, dancing waiters, and a strong message about the importance of finding that inner gift that is more precious than anything that might appear underneath the Christmas tree, The Polar Express is a definite winner and a film suitable for every member of the family. Warner Brothers has upgraded this edition of The Polar Express with a fun but somewhat disappointing 3-D presentation (the film also retains the gorgeous 2-D presentation as well) and an engaging Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack. All of the supplements found in the previous Blu-ray release are included for good measure. The Polar Express presented in 3-D comes highly recommended!
2004
2004
2004
2004
Promotional Copy
2004
2004
Exclusive Lenticular + Postcards
2004
Fold-Out Slipcover
2004
Christmas Lights
2004
Ugly Sweater packaging
2004
2004
Iconic Moments
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
Presented in 3D
2004
2004
2019
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2016
2008
Tinker Bell
2012
The Signature Collection
1940
2009
Anniversary Edition | The Signature Collection
1953
80th Anniversary Edition
1939
Peter Pan 2
2002
2012
Special Edition
1996
2014
2021
2010
1963
25th Anniversary Edition | The Signature Collection
1991
Collector's Edition
2013
2020
70th Anniversary Special Edition | DVD Packaging
1941
60th Anniversary Edition
1951