Up (Combi Pack - Blu-ray + DVD) [2009]

It’s little secret that Blu-rays of Pixar films are among the finest demo material you can lay your hands on for a half-decent home cinema set-up. But perhaps Up is the most impressive of all.

The film itself is outstanding, and only the second to snare a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Telling the story of 78-year old Carl Fredericksen as he embarks, along with boy scout Russell, on a journey he promised his late wife he’d always take, it’s a stunning piece of work. Most memorable is one of the most moving sequences ever committed to animation, which hits you in the film’s first ten minutes, but there’s still plenty to keep you enthralled after that.

One of the most striking features of Up is just how visually arresting it is. The visuals crackle with exceptional levels of detail here, with a broad palette of colours shining through on the stunning 1080p video transfer. This really is reference-quality work, and just from a home cinema demonstration point of view, Up is a flat-out must buy.

But it’s more than that. It’s also one of the most ambitious, at-times original and boldest films to come out of Hollywood in recent times. When most other animation studios are content to stuff their films with cute animals and star names, Pixar continues to take risks, and while Up isn’t a perfect ride, it’s not too far off. A wonderful film, brilliantly transferred to Blu-ray. --Simon Brew

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. Up takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounters wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure – look Up. Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. UP takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounters wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure – look Up.

DVD Deluxe: Theatrical Short, Partly Cloudy
Exclusive Short, Dug’s Special Mission
Home Theatre Maximizer
Director Commentary w/ Pete Docter & Bob Peterson
Feature Documentary, Adventure is Out There
Alternate Scene, The Many Endings of Muntz
Learn How to Take Your Favourite Movies on the Go

Blu-ray Disc:
Cine-Explore
Learn How to Take Your Favourite Movies on the Go
Theatrical Short, Partly Cloudy
All-new Original DVD Short, Dug's Special Mission
Feature Documentary, Adventure is Out There
Alternate Scene, The Many Endings of Muntz




Stills from Up (Click for larger image)

Blu-Ray DVD Audio:

DTS 5.1 HD: English French Dutch, Dolby Digital 5.1 Belgian Hungarian, Dolby 2.0 Audio Described: English

Subtitles: English, English Hearing Impaired, French, Hungarian

DVD Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 English,  Hindi

Subtitles: English, English Hearing Impaired

78-year-old Carl Fredricksen has always dreamed of seeing the rainforests of South America. To achieve this, Carl comes up with the spectacular scheme of tying thousands of balloons to his house and floating around the world. However, upon take-off he realises he has a stowaway; Russell, an 8-year-old who has the same intrepid instinct as Carl.