DAPs Magic Disney News – by Mr. DAPs
Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is the spirited teenage daughter of Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Elinor (Emma Thompson). She also happens to be Pixar’s first princess. Her mother tries to teach her to be a lady but Merida instead loves archery and loves adventure. Elinor wants Merida’s life to be one of composure and control and Merida wants the opposite. This conflict eventually leads to Merida running away and finding a witch who will can help her solve her problems. As so often happens, the magic has a cost and Merida soon finds herself on an adventure with her mother that changes them both. Brave is not only the an adventure involving bears, clans, and bows and arrows. It is also the story of mother-daughter growing and bonding.
Picture and Sound:
Brave: Ultimate Collector’s Edition looks and sounds great. This really is no surprise with Pixar. They continue to surpass themselves in their ability to take animation to new levels. Merida’s hair stands out to me as I write this. Her hair is absolutely amazing. It is such a far cry from early computer animation. Now the hair looks real. The sound is equally amazing and will fill your living room wonderfully if you have a good system. Oh, and I really enjoyed the music/soundtrack that accompanied this movie as well.
Bonus Features:
The bonus features for Brave is included on two blu-ray discs. Here is a breakdown of what was included:
- La Luna Short Film
- The Legend of Mordu Short Film
- Audio Commentary
- Extended Scenes
- Brave Old World
- Merida & Elinor
- Bears
- Brawl in The Hall
- Wonder Moss
- Magic
- Clan Pixar
- Once Upon a Scene
- Alternate Opening
- Fallen Warriors
- Dirty Hairy People
- It is English…Sort Of
- Angus
- The Tapestry
- Promotional Pieces
- Art Gallery
Overall, this is a very satisfying collection of bonus features. Some favorites that stood out to me from it included La Luna. I love these types of shorts that just defy expectations and this is definitely one of those. The audio commentary is also quite interesting. Even more interesting is that director Brenda Chapman isn’t part of this offering. Either way, it is still worth listening to and definitely offers some perspective on how Brave came to be. The rest of the bonus features add up to create a picture of what it was like to make this film. It goes into story development, scenes that didn’t make it (yet received a surprising amount of treatment to their animation), and even some sword fighting!
Brave: Ultimate Collector’s Edition is a time where it definitely has a solid product that is worth paying for to get the extra content.
Overview:
Brave: Ultimate Collector’s Edition is really a solid edition. It includes the 3D Blu-Ray Disc (yes, you may not have it yet but what about the future?), the Blu-Ray Disc, the Bonus Features disc, the DVD, and the Digital Copy. The movie itself is a fun movie with lots of humorous moments and a poignant message. It isn’t Pixar’s greatest flick, but it isn’t the worst. It does have some rather intense scenes that probably are a bit much for younger children. Some of the humor might be a little off color for some children too so parents, pre-screen and use discretion. It won’t be a big deal for some, but for others… it might be. I really enjoyed the setting and the overall story but there did seem to be some plot points that could have been flushed out some more. After listening to the audio commentary, I kind of wonder if there were too many captains for this ship and that is perhaps why it didn’t reach its full potential. So with all that said, I enjoyed Brave and give it a hat nod. I would encourage you to go out and get this as the bonus features really do add a lot.
Press Release:
THE #1 ANIMATED FILM OF THE YEAR!
BRAVE
Debuts November 13, 2012 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack
Featuring Hours of Exciting All-New Bonus Material Including
the Never-Seen-Before Animated Short “The Legend of Mor’du”
Burbank, Calif., August 22, 2012 — Disney•Pixar proudly announces the Blu-ray™ hi-def debut of “Brave,” the year’s #1 animated movie and Pixar Animation Studio’s 13th 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.
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.
I. 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 andgrandfather.
· “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 thefilm. 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 thesefindings 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 ofcompletion 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
II. COLLECTOR’S EDITION: 3-DISC BLU-RAY COMBO PACK
(BD Feature + BD Supplemental Material + DVD)
III. 1-DISC DVD
Street Date: November 13, 2012
Direct Prebook: September 18, 2012 – Distributor Prebook: October 2, 2012
Suggested Retail Prices: 5-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada (SRP)
3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada (SRP)
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada (SRP)
Feature Run Time: Approximately 95 minutes
Rated: PG (bonus not rated)
Technical Specifications (applies to film content only):
Blu-ray 3D Feature Film = 1080p High Definition
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Sound: 7.1 and 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
English 5.1 Dolby Digital
English 2.0 Near Field Mix
French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles
English Commentary 2.0 Dolby Digital
Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Sound: 7.1 and 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
English 5.1 Dolby Digital
English 2.0 Near Field Mix
French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles
English Commentary 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD Feature Film
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 (Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions)
Sound: English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
English 2.0 Near Field Mix
English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
English Commentary 2.0 Dolby Digital
About The Walt Disney Studios:
For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The WaltDisney Company (DIS: NYSE) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Touchstone Pictures and Marvel. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!. For more information, please visit www.disney.com.
