Blu-Ray Review: ‘Elf’ Given Collector’s Edition Treatment For Holiday Season

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CHICAGO – There’s no better studio at repackaging already-available product than Warner Bros. and they have taken the truly-great “Elf” and given it the lavish Collector’s Edition treatment just in time for the 2010 holiday season. The Will Ferrell family comedy has held up remarkably well in the seven years since its release and makes a perfect selection for what could be called the WB space-killers of enormous Collector’s Editions that have also included “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the “Harry Potter” movies, “A Christmas Story,” and more.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0

It makes logical sense that Christmas movies would make a great fit for collectible-driven special editions since the holiday thrives on basically-useless knick knacks and it’s a time of year where it’s easier to forgive ourselves our obsession with silly things related to our favorite movies. When it comes to “Elf,” the possibilities are endless and Warner Bros. has gone with a fun group of collectibles that will make fans of all age smile.

The question when it comes to “Elf: Ultimate Collector’s Edition” is whether or not to use the collectibles or save them. Should you put the Buddy gift tags on your presents this year? Should you hang the stocking over the fireplace? Should you put a picture in the “Elf” magnet frame and throw it up on the fridge? Listen to the CD sampler? While a lot of Collector’s Editions come with collectibles to sit on your desk or even in the tin in which they came, this one feels more practical than most. You’re almost encouraged to get it before the holiday and use it this season.

Elf: Collector’s Edition was released on Blu-ray on October 26th, 2010
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

You should be warned that the collectibles are the ONLY reason to buy this edition. There’s not one element of the actual Blu-ray that’s new and so you’re essentially paying around $20 more for a nice tin and the physical product. It seems a bit odd that WB couldn’t scrape together one on-disc featurette or piece of bonus material and, to be honest, the Blu-ray itself is a bit of a disappointment.

The HD transfer is just okay and sometimes even less than that and the organization of the featurettes can be frustrating. The film includes “Focus Points,” which allows specific behind-the-scenes featurettes to play while you’re watching the film but it keeps bumping you back from movie to featurette instead of playing picture-in-picture. It’s hard to believe but it feels like even though the “Elf” Blu-Ray is only two years old that it’s already a bit outdated considering the lightning speed of development on the HD market.

WB has made millions finding ways to repackage films that most buyers already own. It’s about time that “Elf” joins the Collector’s Edition club.

Special Features:
o “Elf” CD Soundtrack Sampler
o Festive Holiday Stocking
o Gift Tags
o Magnetic Picture Frame
o Focus Points
o Commentaries by Will Ferrell and Director Jon Favreau
o Deleted/Alternate Scenes
o Behind the Scenes
o Elf Karaoke
o Theatrical Trailer

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By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com