The most exposure The Iron Giant receives (and has ever received) is an annual marathon on the Cartoon Network. That's more publicity than anything offered by Warner Bros. before, during, and after the theatrical run. If one person a year finds this film during that marathon, then justice has been served.
This is the second time Iron Giant has made it to DVD. It's just as enjoyable as the first time. Everything, from the masterful use of color to the brilliantly conceived and somewhat campy 50s setting, is flawless. This is one of the greatest animated films of all time, and with repeated viewings, it's easier to notice things buried inside.
No matter how much time passes, this never stops being a perfect film. It just gets better, and yet slightly more frustrating. It's impossible to imagine just why this movie didn't garner more attention. It's perfect for families in an era where rather useless "watchdog" groups complain about the violence children are exposed to, yet no one seems to care.
It's not hard to figure out what this films fans see here either. It's a wonderful story containing just about everything you can pack into an 80-minute feature. There's comedy, parody, drama, heart wrenching moments, great performances (Vin Diesel as the Giant), and a predictable yet acceptable ending to put a perfect cap to it all. If you even consider yourself a minor movie fan, this is necessary viewing. You'll never regret it. (***** out of *****)
There's little difference between this transfer and the original disc. Colors are brighter, keeping the proper tones intact. The biggest complaint is still compression, at times too much. Aliasing seems to be a slightly larger problem this time for whatever reason. In addition, the only version available this time out is the 2.35:1 widescreen version, the way it should be. It's not an improvement over the transfer in the original (though the marketing department wants you to think otherwise), just equal. (****)
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Article comments
1 - Triniman
I can't imagine anyone not liking this film. Hollywood is in a slump and I wonder why they don't make more quality films like this one.