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From Amazon.co.uk
Destined to become a holiday perennial, The Polar Express also heralded a brave new world of all-digital filmmaking. Critics and audiences were divided between those who hailed it as an instant classic that captures the visual splendor and evocative innocence of Chris Van Allsburg's popular children's book, and those who felt that the innovative use of "performance capture"--to accurately translate live performances into all-digital characters--was an eerie and not-quite-lifelike distraction from the story's epic-scale North Pole adventure. In any case it's a benign, kind-hearted celebration of the yuletide spirit, especially for kids who have almost grown out of their need to believe in Santa Claus. Tom Hanks is the nominal "star" who performs five different computer-generated characters, but it's the visuals that steal this show, as director Robert Zemeckis indulges his tireless pursuit of technological innovation. No matter how you respond to the many wonders on display, it's clear that The Polar Express represents a significant milestone in the digital revolution of cinema. If it also fills you with the joy of Christmas (in spite of its Nuremberg-like rally of frantic elves), so much the better. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 55 people found the following review helpful
By AJ SEVERYN
Format:DVD
I read the picture book of the Polar Express some years ago. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is about as Christmassy as you could imagine. The film brings those illustrations to life, and adds wonderful elements to the story. The animation, colour, music and emotions in the story are all beautiful and captivating. It is like a magical dream, and I think the DVD of the Polar Express will rank along such classics like 'The Snowman', 'The Santa Clause' etc as a Christmas perennial family must-see. The two children singing 'When Christmas comes to town' on the back of the train is very moving, the sequence when the girl's ticket blows off the train and through the snowy night is phenomenal, and Josh Groban singing 'Believe' at the end credits is beautiful. A movie for kids, sure, but also a reminder to us grown-ups that being child-like is a quality, not a weakness.
88 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Fantastic film for children and adults alike, even my husband enjoyed it and he doesn't sit through films well. This film puts you in the mood for christmas and makes you believe in the spirt of christmas that you may of had when you were a child. Absolutely love the film and highly recommend it to anyone.
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I took my daughter to see this at our local cinema and it was the very first movie that totally captivated her: She sat bolt upright entranced throughout the whole movie and cheered at the end of the movie.
[...]later when we purchased it on DVD it was exactly the same. She absolutely loves this movie and as a consequence so do her parents. In fact I have not met any parents that haven't raved about this movie and how much their kids love it. That I think puts this movie in perspective. It's a Christmas movie for kids and families and it's a Christmas movie loved by kids and families. Essential Christmas viewing! Believe.
[...]later when we purchased it on DVD it was exactly the same. She absolutely loves this movie and as a consequence so do her parents. In fact I have not met any parents that haven't raved about this movie and how much their kids love it. That I think puts this movie in perspective. It's a Christmas movie for kids and families and it's a Christmas movie loved by kids and families. Essential Christmas viewing! Believe.
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I didn't know what to expect with this film, but as I thought I'd spend some money this year building a collection of classic Christmas films on DVD, I added this one to the list and, thankfully, I opted for the 2-disc version.
At first I was phased by the freakish near-accuracy of the animated figures. Almost human, but not quite. Only the elves and and train drivers are in any way caricatures. All the children, the adults and Santa are meant to be as lifelike as possible. The little girl is amazing in this respect - utterly believable.
Perhaps it's because I still write poetry for children that, even at the age of 61, maybe I still retain a bit of the childish sense of magic and joy that is essential to enjoy this film. Because that's what it is .... magical and joyful. At times, it is sentimental, but this never becomes too sickly. At times there is high drama and genuine tension. There is also mystery and a few images and questions which are deliberately left unexplained so that you either want to watch the film again, or think about them at your leisure. (Who, for instance IS the tramp who lives on the top of the train? Why is the boy asked if he believes in ghosts? ....) Yes, maybe they over-use the 'roller-coaster' ride effect once too often, but it doesn't really matter. What REALLY counts is that this is a film that draws you into its fantasy world and holds you there with 100% assurance so that you can always be confident that what you are watching is a great story with lots of twists and a very satisfying ending.
If you want a truly magical Christmas film, this one deserves to be right up there at the top of your list.
Oh yes - and why is the 2-disc version the best? Because the features explaining how the film were made are fascinating.
At first I was phased by the freakish near-accuracy of the animated figures. Almost human, but not quite. Only the elves and and train drivers are in any way caricatures. All the children, the adults and Santa are meant to be as lifelike as possible. The little girl is amazing in this respect - utterly believable.
Perhaps it's because I still write poetry for children that, even at the age of 61, maybe I still retain a bit of the childish sense of magic and joy that is essential to enjoy this film. Because that's what it is .... magical and joyful. At times, it is sentimental, but this never becomes too sickly. At times there is high drama and genuine tension. There is also mystery and a few images and questions which are deliberately left unexplained so that you either want to watch the film again, or think about them at your leisure. (Who, for instance IS the tramp who lives on the top of the train? Why is the boy asked if he believes in ghosts? ....) Yes, maybe they over-use the 'roller-coaster' ride effect once too often, but it doesn't really matter. What REALLY counts is that this is a film that draws you into its fantasy world and holds you there with 100% assurance so that you can always be confident that what you are watching is a great story with lots of twists and a very satisfying ending.
If you want a truly magical Christmas film, this one deserves to be right up there at the top of your list.
Oh yes - and why is the 2-disc version the best? Because the features explaining how the film were made are fascinating.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By Amy
Format:DVD
Sure the critics are going on about the 'scary looking' computer generated characters and the lack of depth to the story line, but I think that what we have to remember here, is that 'Polar Express' is a Christmas film!
For me, last year it really made the festive season- it is such a breath of fresh air to see a film that is not plagued by violence, swearing or a depressing story line. I think life is stressful enough, let alone at Christmas time, and this film is perfect to divert your attentions and really enjoy the magic of Christmas!
For me, last year it really made the festive season- it is such a breath of fresh air to see a film that is not plagued by violence, swearing or a depressing story line. I think life is stressful enough, let alone at Christmas time, and this film is perfect to divert your attentions and really enjoy the magic of Christmas!
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Wow! I have just bought this for my sister, who incidentaly is 64years young, and I know she will love it. If you love Christmas and all that it stands for, you will love this film. Shed a tear, be thrilled or just soak up the sentiments. A must for ALL the family. I bought myself a copy as well!! Happy Family viewing. Watch it time and time again.
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By Small Scale
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
This is a super film for children. Plenty of storyline, just enough peril, and a sack load of magic for the kids ! My 4 year old daughter absolutely loves it. For the ultimate version, you have to see it in 3D at the London IMAX.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
The Polar Express is an innovative animation that bases itself on several children who are given the chance of a lifetime to go to the North Pole on Christmas Eve via a special train called the Polar Express....The train only has one conductor and no passengers except the drivers....Tom Hanks does a few voiceovers including the conductor whom he looks identical to....The Polar Express has a certain magical christmas feel to it with the Children 's belief of Santa Claus enhanced as they see the elves work their magic in the North Pole....The scenery is exceptional the animation is colourful and very realistic and this Blu-ray really makes high definition look so exceptional with pin sharp detail,fantastic surround sound with a clarity that beats the standard definition version (which I owned myself) beyond a shadow of a doubt.....Look out for the scene of Santa and the reindeers taking off amidst the thosands of elves you will see just how spectacular high definition is as well as getting you into the Christmas mood.......If you want this Christmas Classic with the best picture and sound available then look no further than this fantastic blu-ray version you will not be disappointed.....
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Its good
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS FILM, ITS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS, ALSO, NOT JUST FOR CHILDREN................... YOU WILL REALLY ENJOY IT.
Published 10 days ago by P A Robertson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grandson is polar express mad - all aboard
Good quality DVD; only negative is that we have to dance /pretend to be the waiters in the schene where they serve the children with refreshments on the train ha ha
Published 10 days ago by jackie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful film.
A charming wonderful film about being that age where Santa's being comes into question. The story is good and the computer animation is outstanding. Read more
Published 12 days ago by R W Kidd
5.0 out of 5 stars
Polar Express
Top rating because it is one of my great grandson's favourite movies. I can guarantee a couple of hours quiet time when he's watching it. That is, if I'm not watching it myself!
Published 14 days ago by Mr. P. T. Smith
1.0 out of 5 stars
Waste of money, there's no film
The DVD is an Australian version and the only thing that played was the trailer for piracy - no film. Because of the cheap price, it's not worth the postage to return it. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Mrs. A. C. Crowe
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Polar Express
Bought as present for child -
I loved it and I am sure this will be a classic in years to come-
Loved the idea of making the "character" (train conductor)... Read more
I loved it and I am sure this will be a classic in years to come-
Loved the idea of making the "character" (train conductor)... Read more
Published 28 days ago by Karma Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tom Hanks
Good 3D good childrens stroy well directed and plot well written once you start watching you enter a different world.
Published 1 month ago by EcBowls
5.0 out of 5 stars
ONE OF THE BEST
THIS HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS DVD TO HAVE AND TO OWN. ALONG WITH ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE. WELL WORTH BUYING.
Published 2 months ago by FIONA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fab film
What brilliant film. My son and his cousins (Aged 2, 3, 3, & 5) Adore this film. Although our copy is packed away with the Christmas stuff until December 2013 - My 3 year old... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Polar Express 3d Bluray
I already had this film on DVD but now i have a 3D system i thought i would treat myself as it is one of my fovourite films, and i`m pleased i did as the 3D is great.
Published 2 months ago by multitwerp
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