Blu-ray, 3D, DVD Release: Frankenweenie

Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Release Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Price: DVD $29.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo $39.99, Four-Disc Blu-ray 3D Combo $49.99
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment


FrankenweenieTim Burton (Dark Shadows) returned to stop-motion animation for Frankenweenie, the full-length movie based on the short live-action film he directed back in 1984.

The story follows young Vincent (Charlie Tahan, Charlie St. Cloud), whose dog Sparky meets an untimely end. Not to be detered, Vincent uses his knowledge of science to bring his best friend back to life. But when other kids in the neighborhood find out and try to do the same to their pets, monsters abound.

Fans of Burton’s work and classic monster films will love Frankenweenie. The black-and-white movie has plenty of throwbacks to those old masterpieces, blended beautifully into this film by Burton’s direction and the screenplay by John August. August and Burton are frequent collaborators, with August writing Burton’s Dark Shadows, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Big Fish.

Frankenweenie also features the voices of Winona Ryder (Black Swan), Catherine O’Hara (Monster House), Martin Short (Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted) and Martin Landau (9).

The movie highly impressed critics. The Atlantic‘s Christopher Orr called it, “Burton’s best film since 1994’s Ed Wood or even 1990’s Edward Scissorhands.” TIME Magazine‘s Richard Corliss called the movie, “the year’s most inventive, endearing animated feature.” And Washington Post‘s Michael O’Sullivan wrote, “Designed to appeal to both discriminating adults and older kids, the gorgeous, black-and-white stop-motion film is a fresh, clever and affectionate love letter to classic horror movies.” At Disc Dish, we can’t agree more.

Rated PG, the film unfortunately didn’t bring in big box-office numbers, grossing $34 million. But Frankenweenie is surprisingly funny and heart-warming, so we recommend you try it at home.

The DVD offers two special features:

  • Frankenweenie Touring Exhibit” about the artistry of the film’s puppets, sets and props traveling the world
  • and “Pet Sematary” music video by Plain White Ts

The Blu-ray/DVD Combo and four-disc Blu-ray 3d/Blu-ray/DVD Combo have those plus these extras:

  • new short film Captain Sparky vs. The Flying Saucers, featuring Victor and Sparky’s home movie
  • “Miniatures in Motion: Bringing Frankenweenie to Life” with a tour of the London set and behind-the-scenes footage of the artists who worked on the film
  • and Burton’s original Frankenweenie live-action short.

You can also see the original short firm on instant video.

Here’s the movie’s cute trailer:


 

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About S. Clark

Sam Clark is the former Managing Editor/Online Editor of Video Business magazine. With 19 years experience in journalism, 12 in the home entertainment industry, Sam has been hooked on movies on since she saw E.T. then stared into the sky waiting to meet her own friendly alien. Thanks to her husband’s shared love of movies, Sam reviews Blu-ray discs in a true home theater, with a 118-inch screen, projector and cushy recliners with cup holders.