Now available in 3D Blu-ray, Cars 2 drives some cool animation home in time for gift giving. The world wide theatrical hit making over $550 million took the planet by storm. The number 11 over all in the Disney/Pixar domestic releases Cars 2’s a zany feature with a lot of action and the kind of fun the whole family should enjoy.
In this episode we find Lightning McQueen traveling around the world competing in the World Grand Prix. Stopping off in several foreign cities, McQueen along with his pit crew and Mater the tow truck, finds themselves fending off adversaries and getting caught up in international espionage. But, it’s Mater who puts himself in a quandary when he’s coaxed into a top-secret mission led by master British super spy Finn McMissile and his partner Holley Shiftwell. When Mater gets in over his head, sparks start to fly.
The film features an all-star vocal cast including Owen Wilson who reprises his role as hotshot racecar Lightning McQueen. Larry the Cable Guy provides the voice of Mater (proprietor of Tow Mater Towing and Salvage), Lightning McQueen’s best friend and the heart and soul of Radiator Springs. Bonnie Hunt is back as Sally, the baby blue Porsche 911 Carrera whose motor races for Lightning. Acclaimed actor Michael Caine makes his Pixar debut as Finn McMissile, a top British spy who mistakes Mater for an undercover American agent with a genius disguise. Emily Mortimer brings charm, cleverness and cachet as Holley Shiftwell, a rookie field spy who knows every trick in the manual. Versatile actor John Turturro gives a freewheeling performance as Francesco Bernoulli, the world-renowned Italian racing champ who is Lightning’s chief rival. Tony Shalhoub, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Jason Isaacs, Eddie Izzard, Paul Dooley, Cheech Marin, John Ratzenberger, Franco Nero and Vanessa Redgrave also lend their vocal talents. Real-life Formula 1 racing champ Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon add a touch of authenticity with their cameos in the film.
The 3D movie is very kid friendly and although a young lad’s film, it should make the gals in the family happy as well. I liked the way Filmmaker John Lasseter keeps the action going, adds a layer of adult interest and brings the movie to a show stopping finale. The 3D eye popping effects are very well done and this one has a lot coming at you since it was created in the 3D format for the big screen.
The Bonus Features are not overly abundant but what they do have makes for some additional enjoyment. The 5 disc combo pack with the 3D Blu-ray disc, 2 Blu-ray discs, the DVD of the film and movie download disc has the best value since it includes all the formats.
The bonuses on the 3D blu-ray have the Cars Toon: “Air Mater” in 3D for their extra.
The Blu-ray disc in the combo pack however has a lot more; In addition to the Cars Toon “Air Mater” in 2D, your are treated to the theatrical short “Hawaiian Vacation, the Director’s commentary, Speak Peek: The Nuts & Bolts of Cars Land and World Tour with interactive access to Deleted Scenes, Documentaries, Animation and more from different locations in the movie.
The DVD has the cream of the extras with “Air Mater,” the Hawaiian Vacation and the Director’s commentary.
For fans that are hot on specs of the 5 disc combo pack:
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray 3D: 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio (Feature Film)
Blu-ray:1080p High Definition • 2.39:1 (Feature Film)
DVD: 1080p High Definition • 2.39:1 (Feature Film)
Audio: Blu-ray 3D: English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 5.1 Dolby Digital EX, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Near Field Mix 2.0
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio ES, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Near Field Mix 2.0
DVD: English 5.1 Dolby Digital EX, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Near Field Mix 2.0 Dolby Digital, English SDH Subtitles
Cars 2 is rated G for General Audiences and the movie runs approximately 1hr and 36min, but you can bet that it will be played over and over again.
I like the packaging with the 3D cover, the content and the movie with an overall rating of B+
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
