Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – Blu-ray Review
The Flick:
Sony Pictures Animation isn’t the studio most movie nerds think about when it comes to 3D animation awesomeness, but maybe it should be. I don’t want to upset any Pixar enthusiasts that might be reading this, but Sony has previously hit the jack pot with Surf’s Up, and Monster House. Both of those flicks were really solid entries into their animation canon, and now fans can add Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to Sony’s list of killer films.
Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) is an inventor that can’t quite hit the mark when it comes to inventing something useful. Ever since he was a young boy he dreamed of someday changing the world with one of his inventions, but every time he unveiled an invention it backfired on him. When Flint’s dad Tim (James Caan) flexes his mighty unibrow and demands his son give up on his failed inventions and come to work with him in the family owned sardine and tackle shop, Flint decides to give inventing one last shot. Somehow the invention works and Flint’s little town puts the burden of their survival on his shoulders.
I was really impressed with the animation on this picture as well as the 3D. The voice cast was awesome, the sound was stellar, and the story held my interest. Mr. T’s voice was a pleasant surprise as the town cop Earl, and Neil Patrick Harris, Bruce Campbell, Anna Faris all did a phenomenal job.
It’s not everyday that you get to see a spaghetti tornado or an ice cream snow storm. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is quality family entertainment with the type of visuals that spark imaginations. My kid came home after this picture and went into his room, but not before telling me that he was headed to his lab to work on a new invention. A good film can entertain you, but a killer film can inspire you. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was positively a killer film.
The Blu-ray:
Audio/Video
The audio on this disc is crisp, clear, and sounded killer on my home theatre system. The video is simply amazing. I’m not sure I’ve seen a blu-ray that looks this good before. As the format progresses it really is amazing to see how beautiful the transfers look from the comfort of your own home. Every single detail is striking to look at on this disc making it a must own flick.
Special Features
A Recipe for Success: The Making of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: This is a pretty standard featurette that highlights the creative process behind the flick. I enjoyed finding out about the connections to the book, and surprisingly my kids did as well.
Raining Sunshine Sing-A-Long: Kids and adults alike get to sing-a-long with Miranda Cosgrove’s catchy kid’s tune.
Behind the Scenes of Miranda Cosgrove’s “Raining Sunshine” Music Video: This is exactly what it sounds like, a look at the making of the music video.
Key Ingredients: The voices of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: This feature introduces the voice talents behind the beautifully animated characters.
Early Development Scenes: VFX supervisor Rob Bredow takes viewers through a beginning-to-end look at how the animation in the flick was created. Solid and interesting feature.
Commentary: Bill Hader provides a funny insight into the flick.
Interactive “Splat” Button: My kids LOVED this feature. Exclusive to blu-ray only, this feature allows you to throw food at the screen using the remote control. My kids laughed and had a great time using this brilliant entertainment tool.
Flint’s Food Fight Game: Another blu-ray exclusive this is an interactive food fight game that will keep the kids occupied for quite a while.
The disc also includes Extended Scenes, Early Development Scenes, a Digital Copy, and a DVD copy of the flick as well.
The Flick: Rating: 
The Blu-ray: Rating:
i havent seen the blu ray but ive seen most of the big kid movies the past few years (nemo, bolt, etc) and this is the funniest ever! couldnt stop laughing! if ure looking for the perfect family flick i couldnt suggest a better one than cloudy with a chance of meatballs
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