Archives for November 2012

Disney•Pixar proudly announces the Blu-ray™ hi-def debut of “Brave,” the year’s #1 animated movie and Pixar Animation Studio’s 13^th consecutive hit, on November 13, 2012.  A breathtaking adventure that has entertained audiences of all ages, the stunning Blu-ray release of “Brave” includes hours of all-new bonus material, extraordinary behind the scenes features, extended and deleted scenes, a mysterious and exciting, new short film, ‘The Legend of Mor’du,” and much more.

An original and thrilling journey set in the ancient and magical Highlands of Scotland, “Brave” follows the heroic journey of the headstrong, young adventurer Merida.  Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida confronts tradition and defies an age-old custom that inadvertently unleashes chaos, and forces her to discover the true meaning of bravery.  The 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition (1 Blu-ray 3D + 2 Blu-ray Discs + 1 DVD + 1 Digital Copy) has something for everyone – from the home entertainment enthusiast who demands the highest quality, state-of-the-art technology offerings, to the family who enjoys the interactive and engaging bonus features that only Blu-ray can provide – making this unique and beautiful film a “must add” to any home media collection.

What I Think-
Brave explores the age old struggle between daughters and their mothers.  Daughters usually think their mother’s are too strict and just don’t understand and that is exactly how Merida feels about her mother in Brave.  The queen wants her daughter to act properly, not use weapons, and follow the proper rules.  But Merida has other ideas.  She is a smart, tough, and headstrong young woman who wants to be independent.  She loves that her father taught her how to use a bow and arrow.  As a woman who was once a feisty, independent young woman I could totally relate to Merida’s struggles wanting to be her own person and make her own choices.  But as a mother of 2 daughters I can also see her mother’s point of view wanting to see her daughter make the right choices.  Merida wishes that her mom would “change”.  What daughter hasn’t wished her mother would “change” every now and then.  But in Merida’s case the spell she got from the witch changes her mother in a most unexpected way.  My favorite scene is when her mother is first learning how to be a bear and catch fish.   I love how in the end Merida learns to appreciate her mother and at the same time her mother learns to appreciate the young woman Merida has become.  They learn to see things from the other’s point of view which is a wonderful thing.   Watching Brave with my daughters reminded me to give them a little more room to make more of their own choices but I also think it helped them realize that I just want what’s best for them.  Brave is a wonderful family movie for any family, but I especially recommend it for mothers and daughters to watch together.

The exciting home entertainment debut of “Brave” will be available in multiple ways, containing exciting all-new bonus features that extend the breathtaking movie experience.
ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITON:  5-DISC COMBO PACK

(BD 3D + BD Feature + BD Supplemental Material + DVD + DIGITAL COPY)

  BLU-RAY – DISC 1 INCLUDES:

• “La Luna” Theatrical Short – Fans will love this charming short that accompanied the film in theatres.  It follows a young boy on his first night working the family business alongside his father and grandfather.

• “The Legend of Mor’du” Short – This rousing new bonus short film will give fans the chance to delve deeper into the legend behind Mordu, as told by the eccentric witch who transformed him.

• Brave Old World – Fans will watch as members of the “Brave” production team investigate Scotland, exploring its land, culture, people and dialects. The research they gathered was brought thrillingly to life in the film.  Also, fans will hear what actress Emma Thompson (voice of Queen Elinor) thinks of Pixar’s take on her homeland.

• Merida & Elinor – With the creation of Merida and Elinor, the Pixar filmmakers delved deep into the relationship between mother and daughter. Highlighting contrasts in character design, clothing, animation, voicing, even hairstyle, watch how the filmmakers explored this most important of relationships.

• Bears – Take a look inside the art and design behind the bears in “Brave.” Each of the bears, gentle Mum-Bear and terrifying Mor’du, demanded a different approach to creating their physical appearance and personality.

• Brawl in the Hall – A fascinating and hilarious inside look at the process of creating “Brave’s” fighting Scots, through animation, crowd simulation and fight choreography – not to mention a room full of grunting men whose vocal chortles added authenticity to the raucous scene.

• Wonder Moss – Fans will explore how “Brave’s” technical artists examined the real Scottish countryside and studied the laws of nature, then turned these findings into computer codes that would blanket Merida’s Scotland in lush moss, lichen and bracken.

• Magic –The magic and mystery of  Scotland is revealed to fans in this charming feature about the legends – from mystical potions to the will-o’-the-wisps – seen in “Brave.”

• Clan Pixar – At Pixar, getting into character is a team effort. From making Haggis to Kilt Fridays to celebrating the Scottish poet Robert Burns, fans will see how the “Brave” production crew truly embraced Scottish themes and customs fueled the Pixar crew throughout the creation of “Brave.”

• Once Upon A Scene – A closer look at the evolution of the storylines throughout the production of the film, including alternative openings to the film and many deleted scenes.

• Extended Scenes – Three separate scenes are highlighted in their extended form. Director Mark Andrews discusses the decision making process that led to the shortened versions of these scenes.

• Director Commentary

 BLU-RAY DISC 2 INCLUDES:

• “Fergus & Mor’du” An Alternate Opening – Once upon a time, “Brave” had a different opening scene. Eventually cut from the film, fans can see it in its entirety in this bonus feature narrated by the film’s director Mark Andrews.

• Fallen Warriors Montage – A selection of deleted shots that were cut from the film late in production are presented to fans in various stages of completion through a video montage narrated by director Mark Andrews.

• Dirty Hairy People – Fans will enjoy this uproarious bonus feature discussing the development of “Brave’s” Scots – including the design of their hair, attire, and dirt-crusted physiques.

• It is English…Sort Of – This bonus feature helps fans interpret some of the more Scottish lines in the film, thanks to the real Scottish actors who play the key characters and contributed their own dialects and sayings.

• Angus – A look at Merida’s most trusted companion, Angus, a mighty Clydesdale.

• The Tapestry – Fans will learn the story behind this embroidered emblem of family unity, which was lovingly crafted by “Brave’s” team of artists.

• Promotional Pieces – This bonus includes promotional clips for “Brave,” including: “Feast Yer Eyes,” “Relics,” “Clan DunBroch,” “Launch,” and more.

• Art Gallery – A selection of breathtaking art from the creation of the film, showcasing characters, sets, scenes and stunning landscapes.

• Wee Gaffes – A video montage of simulation, animation and shot bloopers.

• Renaissance Animation Man – Get a look at Director Mark Andrews’ love of Scotland, sword-fighting, music and more!

• Teasers and Sneak Peeks

  BLU-RAY 3D DISC INCLUDES:

• “La Luna” Theatrical Short

  DVD Includes:

• “La Luna” Theatrical Short
• “The Legend of Mordu” All-New Short
• Director Commentary