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Amazon.co.uk Review
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
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
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.
23 of 23 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.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
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!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Polar Express
Just loved this film, so had to buy it on Blu-Ray. One of the very few "kids" Xmas films that I can watch without getting bored! Tom Hanks's voice over just makes it shine....!!!
Published 3 months ago by Brucie Baby
MAGICAL EXPERIENCE
We first saw this fantastic film a few years ago when it was released for TV, so had to own it in Blu-ray format. Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. Peet
Polar Express
The most fantastic movie ever. I believe!!!! Certainly recommend it. The way it is made is also great as it's so real too. A movie for all the family.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. V. Seymour
Amazing film
I must have watched this film over 20 times with my 5 year old son, who loves it! I will never get tired of it....what ever time of year. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jo Jo
fantastic
what a fantastic film...its definetly one of those films you would want to watch at xmas time..kids love it..the picture quality on blu-ray is fantastic.. Read more
Published 5 months ago by S. piper
an essential part of keeping the magic of believing!
This film is the most magical film for a long time. it tackles the issues of the dreaded i dont believe in father christmas brilliantly. Read more
Published 6 months ago by prettyirisfairywings
Poor order execution
After almost a month I received the Polar Express which I ordered for my little cousin. It not only arrived late but it in the wrong format as well. Read more
Published 13 months ago by alcvr
Great Christmas Film
My son loves this film and I've had to sit through it several times, a very good film, I like it as well.
Published 17 months ago by Daniel Divine
The Polar Express
Arrived later than the other DVD's which I ordered and I did ont get a reply when I raised a query about the whereabouts of the DVD, but arrived eventually and in good condition.
Published 17 months ago by Brussell
Splendid Journey North
This is a great movie and takes you on a magical journey to my homeland in the frozen north. The animation, particularly on Blu-ray, is as crisp and clear as the snowy Arctic and... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Clarence
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