Blu-Ray Review:
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
By Jason Gillard
*Screenshots are not from the Blu-Ray source.
Movie
Current Rottentomatoes.com score 85% Fresh: 106 Rotten: 18
Inspired by Ron and Judi Barrett's beloved children's book of the same name, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS follows inventor Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) and brainy weathergirl Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris) as they attempt to discover why the rain in their small town has stopped while food is falling in its place. Meanwhile, lifelong bully Brent (voice of Adam Samberg) relishes in tormenting Flint just as he did when they were kids, and Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell) schemes to use Flint's latest invention--a device designed to improve everyone's lives--for his own personal gain. Mr. T. voices by-the-books cop Earl Devereaux, and James Caan voices Flint's technophobe father, Tim.
When I was a kid, I really loved the book "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". To this day I enjoy the story as well as the artwork in the book. This new movie is loosely based on the book. I realize that with a child's picture book it's a necessary evil to expand the story. But this movie is completely different. This would be a problem if the story and the movie were not good, but in this case they have done a great job. It's nice to see an animated movie go with voice talent that is not a big name. I think you should go with the person who has the best voice and not the person who is the biggest celebrity. The movie is well animated and has lots of comedy. Some of this comedy will probably fly right over the kids heads, but it's good that it's here so the adults will enjoy it as well. I also really enjoyed the designs of the characters. I especially loved Flint's father Tim. He has an eyebrow that covers his eyes. It's quite a funny looking character. The movie has great action and colours that could run a 70's disco party. Overall Sony did a lot of things right with this movie. Do I think it's up to Pixar's high standards, no! But it's getting closer and that can only be good for everyone.
8 out of 10
Video
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs arrives in it's original aspect ratio of 2:35.1. The 1080p transfer is quite stunning, which we have come to expect with CG animated films. The colours in this film border on psychedelic. The transfer does a good job with these lush colours and they pop off the screen. We see bright reds, purples, greens and yellows and they all look fantastic. Textures are fantastic, ranging from wood, to glass, to steel, and plastic and the detail you can see on objects that use these textures are fantastic. When it snows ice cream you feel like you could just reach out and lick it. When Cheeseburgers fall from the sky it makes you hungry because they look so real. They went for a cartoon look to the characters which actually fits with the story quite well. Overhead shots of the town of Swallow Falls look great also! There isn't really anything bad I can say about this transfer. It looks quite stunning and would be a worthy demo disc in your collection.
9.5 out of 10
Audio
For the audio we are presented with an excellent DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless track. Just like the psychedelic colours of the video, the audio is very active and in your face. The rear channels are almost constantly active. Either with some zany sound effects or music bursting through. Dialogue is well done and not once did I have to reach for the remote to hear what someone said. The LFE channel is quite active as well adding weight to other sound effects. A good example of this is where Flint wrecks Sardine-land. When the giant fish bowl is rolling towards screen the LFE channel adds a large rumbling noise that makes it feel like it's running into your living room. Panning from one channel to the next is quite seamless. The audio like I said is very active and the DTS mix does a great job keeping up. Like the video, the audio is demo worthy as well.
10 out of 10
Extras
Commentary Track with Actor Bill Hader and Writers/Directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord
Splat Mode!
Flint's Food Fight Game
A Recipe For Success: The Making of 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs'
Key Ingredients: The Voices of 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs'
Two extended scenes
Early Development Scenes
Progression Reels With Introductions By Visual FX Supervisor Rob Bredow
- From Conceptual Paintings to Final Renderings: The Evolution of Color
- Roofless Restaurant Lighting Technology
- Environmental Clouds Surrounding Giant Meatball
- Making a Spaghetti Twister
- Food Avalanche Elements
- Next is Make it Rain Food
I usually don't recommend commentary tracks unless they are quite good. This commentary track is quite good and if you're a fan of the movie it's well worth a listen. They talk about voice over work, writing the script, the technology of the film and the score. It's a fun track that just flies by as you watch the film. I should mention that "Splat Mode!" is pretty fun for the first minute or so. It allows you to throw food at the screen while the movie is playing and then squeegee it free all from your remote. I also enjoyed watching Key Ingredients: The Voices of 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs'. The reason for this is I had no idea who did the voices for these characters. I always find it interesting to see an actor voicing a character. I also liked A Recipe For Success: The Making of 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs'. This is your standard behind the scenes piece. They discuss casting , the similarities of the original book and the special effects. The progression reels basically take you through different parts of the animation process. They are short but interesting. Overall I think there are some decent extras that are good for adults and kids.
7 out of 10
Overall
Sony has done a great job with this movie. You get an awesome transfer and amazing audio with some decent extras thrown in. If you liked the film it's well worth the purchase.
9 out of 10