We've had a Blu-ray player for a while now. But it hasn't really affected me as a movie fan until recently because I really saw it as one of my husband's new toys instead of something that would change my viewing habits. Yes, the audio and video aspects of it are amazing, but I saw it as more of an extension of his fondness for the shoot-em-up, high energy, big impact films.
That changed when I heard that Disney was releasing a CG animated movie about my favorite pixie, Tinker Bell, on Blu-ray disc (BD). Due to the fact that it's a new storyline with all new artwork instead of material that was simply transferred to digital form, I figured this would be a great opportunity to jump into this technology feet first.
Since I also felt that the movie itself would skew to a younger audience I could best serve my review by having my own screening with a panel of expert judges, i.e. young school-age kids who know more about computer related things at their tender ages than I ever will. That way I could get their feedback on what the BD experience means to them in light of the fact that there was additional material on this disc as opposed to what's offered on the standard DVD.
What I set out to do and what eventually happened are not quite the same thing. My initial theory, that the movie itself in Blu-ray would not matter to the kids, was on target. It is what it is and what mattered to them was the content, not how it was executed. No surprise there. Nor the fact that the BD games, while I had fun with them, are geared for children. What I didn't expect was the world that this technology would bring to life. I see the magic of having a computer at home and that with its use I am part a global network unlike one I could have ever imagined. Disney upped that using their ideas and Imagineers to build a new galaxy. Naive of me, perhaps. Eye-opening, definitely.
I guess this is as good a place as any to say that if you have already experienced a Disney Blu-ray disc, skip down a few paragraphs to hear about my experiences with Tinker Bell.
Okay, I had my panel of experts in place. They would be coming over to view the movie with me as well as have some fun with all the special features that the Tink BD is loaded with. Keeping that in mind, I figured that I’d better get as much info as possible beforehand. I’m really glad that I did. Here's a handy-dandy hint for the newbies out there. Get pen and paper ready. No, there won't be a pop-quiz later. There is, however, a lot of information to absorb. I ended up taking a lot of notes and you might want to as well.
Article comments
1 - Treasures By Brenda
This is a fantastic review, thank you! I especially enjoyed the reaction of the five-year old girls to the movie, it is exactly what one might hope for and, in my mind, possibly proof that the movie is successful. (Can't help wondering what would have happened if you'd slipped a five-year old boy in there!)
I have written a page about Disney blu-ray movies and have included a link to your review as well as quoted some of your comments. I would be thrilled if you would visit and leave your opinion of the movie.
I think great reviews like this can be of wonderful assistance to parents looking for movie information.
Thank you very much!
Brenda
2 - tink
Hi Brenda!
The original panel was four children, three girls and one boy. We had to re-schedule when two siblings were sick that weekend, one of which was the boy. He had a previous engagement (birthday party) the following week that trumped our screening. None of the girls wanted to invite any boys from their class because they were all "eeewwww" which I think was their version of having cooties.
I'm so glad that you liked the review and am honored that you linked to in on your website.
Thanks for reading.