With The Rise of the Planet of the Apes landing a top spot at the box office this week, we’re focusing on animal themed films. So if you’re stuck for ideas this weekend, why not try out one of the following:
Planet of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution Collection
What better way to get into the spirit of the latest instalment, than to go right back to the beginning? Comprising five films from the franchise, this quintuplet of Blu-ray Discs includes the original Planet of the Apes movie starring the legendary Charlton Heston, alongside sequels Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape From the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. Providing imaginative entertainment for fantasy fans of all ages, the collection also includes audio commentaries from the original actors as well as a variety of features examining the project’s political undertones and marketing. Behind-the-scenes insights into make-up, casting, set design, life on the set and shooting locations complete this mammoth box set.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille arguably boasts some of the finest quality animation ever committed to the big screen, thanks to the wizards at Pixar. Telling the tale of wannabe chef Remy (who just happens to be a rat) this family friendly tale follows his quest to be the most renowned chef in Paris with the help of hapless kitchen porter Linguini. Well written and lavishly entertaining the BD serves up a bountiful plate of extras including extensive commentary from director Brad Bird and producer Brad Lewis, as well as deleted scenes, interviews with cast and crew, picture galleries and a look at the production design and animation techniques.
Piranha 3D
Do you want more bite from your scary movies? If so then look no further than Piranha 3D, directed by Alexandre Aja and available in stunning BD3D. The small community of Lake Victoria is once again swamped with an influx of students hoping to party away the six weeks of Spring break. But this year, something deadly is lurking in the waters and it has a taste for human flesh. Blu-ray.com praises the 3D image quality in their review saying, ‘it’s a solid and exceptionally fun 3D transfer that’s got just the right amount of punch to wow viewers and compliment the craziness’. Special features include deleted scenes, director commentaries and a huge documentary that runs 30 minutes longer than the movie itself, providing a substantial amount of information on the casting, special effects, stunts and soundtrack.
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us your favourite animal movies, or tell us what else you’ll be looking forward to watching on Blu-ray this weekend.
