Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Blue Sky/20th Century Fox Movie •••½ Picture/Sound •••• Extras ••••

Where Blue Sky's Ice Age only hinted at possibilities, the studio's Robots actually succeeds in giving Pixar a run for its money in computer animation. The intricate Art Deco design, inspired by that era's appliances and its visions of the future, is a constant wonder. And the characters are endearing and distinctly individual, with delightful voices from Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry, and Mel Brooks. The orchestral score, which incorporates Blue Man Group's robot-inspired music, is spot-on, too. The digital-to-digital video transfer produces a picture so full of detail, you may wish to see it again just to catch every nut and bolt, and the sound mix immerses you in the movie's fantastic world. Extras include two commentaries, two animated shorts, deleted scenes, several making-of documentaries, interactive games, and an unusually good featurette that takes you from initial sketches to actors' voicings. [PG] English, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1; French and Spanish, Dolby Surround; letterboxed (1.85:1) and anamorphic widescreen; dual layer.