Planes:
Fire and Rescue (2014/Disney Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B/B- Sound: B/B Extras: C Film: C-
Planes:
Fire and Rescue is a follow-up to the successful 2013 film
Planes, which was a follow-up/spinoff of the even more
successful Disney/Pixar Cars films. The film was created by
Disney's Toon Studios and was met with moderate success in theaters.
The feature film is a clear cash in on the popularity the automotive
films amongst small children; as it (like the first film) lacks the
depth, detail, and heart of many of the other Disney/Pixar ventures.
Whereas
this reviewer had a tough time piecing together the point of the
first film, this second flight into Planes is even more
disjointed. The story is simple and contrived, as Dane Cook's
character can no longer race (at least at top speed) and in an effort
to keep active (?) and have meaning (?) in his life he joins the
Plane Fire Squad. Of course there has to be the old timey doubter in
the group, this time voiced by Ed Harris, who must see our 'hero'
struggle before proving that he has the right stuff.'
In
the end, that is about the whole story. The film reunites all of the
voice talent from the first film while adding in new comers like
(previously mentioned) Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, and Hal Holbrook.
Planes:
Fire and Rescue is clearly directed at a younger audience without
much substance, losing that wide appeal; something that causes this
film to be economy, rather than first class.
The
technical features are weak for a feature film; whereas it would have
been stellar for a 'straight to home video' release, as a feature
film it displays quite garbled. The picture is presented in a 1080p
1.78 X 1 high definition widescreen image that is bright and
colorful, but lacks the intensity and detail that Disney/Pixar films
normally display; leaving Planes: Fire and Rescue appearing
flat. The background scenery (like the first film) does remain one
of the more standout elements. The sound is simplistic in 7.1 DTS-HD
Master Audio that should have impressed, but instead lacked intensity
as it failed to utilize panning effects and directionality; a well as
remaining weak and subdued in the more action packed sequences.
Dialogue does come through clean and clear.
Extras
are few, short, and not very worthwhile, but may entertain some
younger viewers. Extras Include:
Animated
Shorts
Music
Video
Trailers
Air
Attack
Deleted
Scenes
Chops
TV Promo
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