Pixar can seemingly do no wrong when they take inanimate objects and spring them to life. Cars is the next in line after their resounding success with Toy Story and the like. While it’s not as funny nor does it carry the wide appeal, it’s a fine little animated effort with heart and the expected charm.
A loaded cast, including racing greats, leads this fast paced “learn to care about others” story. Lightning McQueen is the typical sports star of the day (only a car) who ends up in a small dying town in need of some help. The predictable narrative is enough filler for the sharply written one-liners and loads of small visual gags spattered throughout.
The film feels like it has a focus on marketing at times, introducing characters for a brief moment to make a quick joke and then disappearing. Whatever lands them on a toy seems good enough here. Those that are developed, including Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), are genuinely memorable, fun, and always likeable.
It’s also surprising to see the accuracy of the races. The physics, camera angles, and animation look stunningly real. Given that the cars have mouths and eyes, that’s saying something.
Pixar seems to be aiming younger with each release, as the small amount of brief humor that would go over a kid's head but appeal to an older crowd seems to be dwindling. That’s not to say adults won’t enjoy Cars, but it would be nice to have that appeal back. This is another success for Pixar regardless, and they consistently prove their worth. Cars is yet another resumé-worthy piece. 
Unsurprisingly, this is a stunning, flawless translation to the hi-def format. Cars is a masterwork of home cinema, with unheard of clarity, sharpness, and detail. This is what the HD format is all about.
For the extremely fussy, some minor compression can be found if you’re looking for it during brief long shots. However, these moments are minor enough that only the most die-hard videophiles will take note. Everyone else will be staring dumbfounded by the amazing reflections, captured flawlessly by the added resolution. 
Likewise, Cars can pump out some intense audio. The race sequences are more immersive than a live broadcast of the sport could ever wish to be. The movement captured in the five channels is remarkable. Bass during crashes delivers the added punch to complete the mix. This is, like the video, a flawless presentation.
Extras are sparse, and the menu can occasionally be confusing. The same content is spread over multiple menu sections leading to unnecessary frustration and the menus have the tendency to glitch. Trying to find features such as Inspiration for Cars (16:02) can be a challenge.
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