I wish I didn't have to write this review. Not because the film's bad. In fact, it's because it's so good, that there are far too many methods of praising this masterful performance, and if I can only sum up this DVD with these two words: buy this.
The DVD (or Blu-Ray disc, depending on which format you're watching it on (I opted for the latter =])) is less of a feature-length film, and more of a compilation of short-yet-brilliant motion pictures. Thirteen of them, to be exact. The box to the 'Pixar Short Films Collection' arrogantly-yet-accurately describes each of the 'film's chapters as "sensational", and you know they're on to something when this is one of the subtlest ways of describing the film's brilliance.
Being an active member of a very successful forum, I'm going to quite frequently walk into a debate about a computer game (the forum - ONM - is based around said genre of entertainment) where the software in question is too short, and one forumyte criticises it for this, while somebody else pops up with the infamous "quality>quantity" statement. Every single time, I feel compelled to disagree. You might not want something really long and boring, but surely you'd only expect something really terrific to last for longer? And it's in this aspect where I must commend Pixar: they've combined both factors into one exceptional collection of genuine classic masterpieces.
Three things I was very impressed by in the film are resemblances it bears to 'The Jungle Book'. Not the art style, not the audio score, not the length, but rather the consistent change of theme, the brilliance of each character and the awesome review value. You may remember in my review of 'The Jungle Book', I was pleased at how the film changed its mood, lacking repetition and, subsequently, any boredom the audience may gain. This factor is ever-present in 'Pixar Short Films Collection', as the DVD is technically thirteen completely different events superglued together with an affordable price tag plastered onto it (bear in mind that to legally see these films would require the purchasing of all of Pixar's feature-length films, and even then you wouldn't have them all). It's extremely accessible and all emit a different-yet-vivid Pixar charm.
There are some generally lovable and amazing characters in each of these films, and all are memorable and unique. It's often simple to realise a certain character's personality without them even speaking, as facial impressions and body movement are utilised with great talent. You'll genuinely feel for the smaller extra-terrestrial organism in 'Lifted', the qualities of the birds in 'For The Birds' are instantly-comparable to those of humans, Wally B. is portrayed as a very mischievious and intimidating character, André bears great similarities to Donald Duck (and apparently Mickey Mouse) and even Geri, a single character, manages to display two very, very different personalities.
When it comes to the visual quality, 'Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One' is generally appeasing. The first four short films are not the most gorgeous-looking things in the world, but they were very advanced for their time and still emit a sense of charm. However, the following nine performances can be stunningly pretty.
So far, so utterly brilliant. Probably the only gripes I have with 'Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One' are that 'Mater And The Ghostlight' aren't very good, while the Blu-Ray version - which I am reviewing - isn't the most advanced of all Blu-Ray discs. A lot of space could still be used in this, and it's a pity that there are no more bonus features than the ones provided, although you still have to appreciate them. The bonus features include a number of (humourous) shorts based around Luxo and Luxo Jr., for the 'Sesame Street' programme. These are entertaining, if insignificant Pixar films, and boost the DVD's boasting of thirteen films to seventeen. There are also some commentaries which are worth rewatching the film for, and an interesting history on Pixar, which isn't long enough to bore you, yet not so short that it's not worth having.
So what now? Something totally amazing like 'Pixar Short Films Collection' comes along, I've watched it several times, made use of all the bonus content and have nothing left to watch. I guess we could always wait for Volume Two, but if the short history is anything to go by, then it will be at least another decade before we see the next instalment. I suppose 'Ratatouille's 'Your Friend The Rat' is a start...
Five Out Of Five.
The DVD (or Blu-Ray disc, depending on which format you're watching it on (I opted for the latter =])) is less of a feature-length film, and more of a compilation of short-yet-brilliant motion pictures. Thirteen of them, to be exact. The box to the 'Pixar Short Films Collection' arrogantly-yet-accurately describes each of the 'film's chapters as "sensational", and you know they're on to something when this is one of the subtlest ways of describing the film's brilliance.
Being an active member of a very successful forum, I'm going to quite frequently walk into a debate about a computer game (the forum - ONM - is based around said genre of entertainment) where the software in question is too short, and one forumyte criticises it for this, while somebody else pops up with the infamous "quality>quantity" statement. Every single time, I feel compelled to disagree. You might not want something really long and boring, but surely you'd only expect something really terrific to last for longer? And it's in this aspect where I must commend Pixar: they've combined both factors into one exceptional collection of genuine classic masterpieces.
Three things I was very impressed by in the film are resemblances it bears to 'The Jungle Book'. Not the art style, not the audio score, not the length, but rather the consistent change of theme, the brilliance of each character and the awesome review value. You may remember in my review of 'The Jungle Book', I was pleased at how the film changed its mood, lacking repetition and, subsequently, any boredom the audience may gain. This factor is ever-present in 'Pixar Short Films Collection', as the DVD is technically thirteen completely different events superglued together with an affordable price tag plastered onto it (bear in mind that to legally see these films would require the purchasing of all of Pixar's feature-length films, and even then you wouldn't have them all). It's extremely accessible and all emit a different-yet-vivid Pixar charm.
There are some generally lovable and amazing characters in each of these films, and all are memorable and unique. It's often simple to realise a certain character's personality without them even speaking, as facial impressions and body movement are utilised with great talent. You'll genuinely feel for the smaller extra-terrestrial organism in 'Lifted', the qualities of the birds in 'For The Birds' are instantly-comparable to those of humans, Wally B. is portrayed as a very mischievious and intimidating character, André bears great similarities to Donald Duck (and apparently Mickey Mouse) and even Geri, a single character, manages to display two very, very different personalities.
When it comes to the visual quality, 'Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One' is generally appeasing. The first four short films are not the most gorgeous-looking things in the world, but they were very advanced for their time and still emit a sense of charm. However, the following nine performances can be stunningly pretty.
So far, so utterly brilliant. Probably the only gripes I have with 'Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One' are that 'Mater And The Ghostlight' aren't very good, while the Blu-Ray version - which I am reviewing - isn't the most advanced of all Blu-Ray discs. A lot of space could still be used in this, and it's a pity that there are no more bonus features than the ones provided, although you still have to appreciate them. The bonus features include a number of (humourous) shorts based around Luxo and Luxo Jr., for the 'Sesame Street' programme. These are entertaining, if insignificant Pixar films, and boost the DVD's boasting of thirteen films to seventeen. There are also some commentaries which are worth rewatching the film for, and an interesting history on Pixar, which isn't long enough to bore you, yet not so short that it's not worth having.
So what now? Something totally amazing like 'Pixar Short Films Collection' comes along, I've watched it several times, made use of all the bonus content and have nothing left to watch. I guess we could always wait for Volume Two, but if the short history is anything to go by, then it will be at least another decade before we see the next instalment. I suppose 'Ratatouille's 'Your Friend The Rat' is a start...
Five Out Of Five.
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