Review by John Delia
Many of you have probably seen a short film before the start of a PIXAR/Disney movie. Well here is a collection of 11 of them and two bonus short films never before seen. Look for PIXAR Short Films Collection 3 and you can add this gathering of fun to your library for tots and the young at heart. Now in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, it’s just in time for the holidays as a warm up to your guests at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
PIXAR is very creative and they have a lot of ideas for very good family animated films. Before the likes of Toy Story, Monster’s Inc. Cars and many more they show a warm up cartoon. The following 13 short films show their talent and sense of humor and in many of them their heart and love for family. Sit back and watch some of the best comedy, adventure and love in awesome animation.
The collection includes “Bao†a woman lovingly makes her husband’s favorite dumplings and gets them ready for cooking. But one of her dumplings starts to change into woman’s dream come true. In “LOU†we find young children at recess and things aren’t going to well as a bully is taking their toys and sports balls. But the lost and found box has a plan that will change everything. In the heartfelt story of “Piper†a new chick is born and explores his new world. “Sanjay’s Super Team†a young boy learns a lesson in family values including a new hero. “Riley’s First Date†tells the very cute story of something every father dreads, a boy knocks on the door asking to see his daughter. In “Lava†we find a volcano on the edge of extinction. But there’s hope in the sea below him. “The Radiator Springs 500 ½†The hot rods enter Radiator Springs looking for a race, but the cars are celebrating a special day.
“Party Central†features the gang from Monster’s University and their first “unusual†party at the Fraternity house. In “The Blue Umbrella†the huge rain storm hits the big city and everyone is out under their umbrellas. Protecting his person, the blue one spies a red umbrella and a romance begins. “The Legend Mor’du†finds four sons inheriting the kingdom, but who will rule? In “Partysaurus Rex†the dinosaur from Toy Story feels left out until he’s finally invited to the bathtub.
Two new short features accompany this grouping, “Marine Life Interviews†about two seals sitting on a large bolder in the middle of sea talking about a recent visit by Dory the confused fish. The other very funny film is called “Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool†with the teacher who brings back Lightning McQueen’s desire to race. Wanting more recruits she runs an advertisement.
The Pixar Short Film Collection also contains a Digital Code to allow you to play the short films using the free Movies Anywhere app. The Blu-ray and DVD short films come with a choice for an introduction (on) and commentary (on) or you can choose (off) for either before each of the short films. Did I confuse you? Other features include the English Descriptive Audio option where a voice over will describe the action on the screen. And finally, if you really want to collect the older PIXAR shorts you can join the Disney Movie Club to find out if they are available.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good Blu-ray/DVD for your collection. (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy, Adventure
Running Time: 1 hr. 16 min.
MPAA Rating: G, PG
Video Release Date: November 13, 2018
Language: English (changeable to English Descriptive Audio, French or Spanish)
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: HDMA 7.1
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Number of Discs: 2 discs + Digital Movie Code
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Released Formats: Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD or Blu-ray/DVD pack