7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
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 Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0
English, English SDH, French, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.
The Polar Express is a marvel on several levels. As a movie, it's well-made, well-acted (in
an unconventional sort of way), and entertaining to the highest of levels. As a story it's got action,
drama, comedy, and a solid life lesson. It is based on a book, itself an original story that contains
elements and themes we have seen before but combines them in a unique way. As a technical
production, it is oftentimes awe-inspiring, something audiences have never seen before. As a
Blu-ray disc, it's one of the better overall packages I've seen.
How about a nice football?
There is not much to say here except that this is an exceptional transfer. Presented in 1080p and in its theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1, The Polar Express is a feast for the eyes, not only stylistically, but visually in high definition as well. The entire film is a digital rendition and it has been transfered to Blu-ray flawlessly. Filmed in exciting motion-capture technology (see the supplements for more details), The Polar Express never disappoints. It looks a tad soft and dark at times, but these issues are not a fault at all. 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 both presented in digital perfection. The Polar Express is a demonstration-worthy Blu-ray disc, and one you can use to show off to any friend or family member, regardless of age or background.
Nearly as impressive as the video presentation is the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track on The Polar Express. Unfortunately, Warner had once again decided not to include a lossless audio track, but in this case the compressed Dolby track excels at every level. Bass levels are solid, powerful, and deep. Surrounds are active throughout, creating a 360-degree, immersive sound field. My only complaint was that dialogue was sometimes lost in the other sounds and came through slightly muddled, but otherwise this is an impressive track that does justice to the film and fine video transfer.
Warner Brothers has released The Polar Express on Blu-ray with a hefty offering of
supplements. First up is You Look Familiar (480p, 4:11), a glimpse into how
performance
capture technology was utilized in the making of the film, as well as the many roles of Tom Hanks
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.
This was an amazing movie visually. It's hard to comprehend just how far technology has come in my lifetime, and this is a very exciting time to be alive and to be a movie fan. Not only a marvel to behold visually, The Polar Express is also a wonderful family film that captures the wonder and mystery of Christmas from a child's perspective. It's got action, drama, comedy, dancing waiters, and a good life lesson thrown in for good measure. What's not to like? This is a fine presentation from Warner Brothers on all fronts. The video quality is astounding, audio quality is nearly as good, and the supplements are fun, informative, but a little on the short side. The Polar Express is a film every member of your family, both young and old alike, will adore. I can easily and enthusiastically recommend this fine Blu-ray disc.
The Polar Express: Presented in 3-D
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
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2019
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2016
2008
2012
The Signature Collection
1940
2009
Anniversary Edition | The Signature Collection
1953
80th Anniversary Edition
1939
Peter Pan 2 | Special Edition
2002
2012
Special Edition
1996
2014
2021
2010
50th Anniversary Edition | DVD Packaging
1963
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2013
25th Anniversary Edition | The Signature Collection
1991
2020
70th Anniversary Special Edition
1941
60th Anniversary Edition
1951