Blu-ray Review: Great Collection of Pixar Shorts Released in HD

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CHICAGO – The second volume of shorts created by the most influential and creatively important studio of the last twenty years was recently released on Blu-ray and it’s undeniable that a few of these mini-films are simply better than their full-length competition. Some Oscar-nominated and some including beloved characters, this may not be as obvious a holiday choice as “Brave” or “Finding Nemo,” but “Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2” is one of the best family Blu-ray releases of the holiday season.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Collecting shorts that have often played in front of new theatrical releases since 2007, this volume includes Oscar nominees like “Presto” and “La Luna” along with several shorts that expand upon the universes of beloved Pixar films like “Ratatouille” (“Your Friend the Rat”), “WALL-E” (“BURN-E”), “Up” (“Dug’s Special Mission” & “George & A.J.”), “Cars” (“Air Mater” & “Time Travel Mater”), and “Toy Story” (“Hawaiian Vacation” & “Small Fry”). Some of the shorts here are a bit flat (like both “Cars” ones) but the set is worth a pick-up just for “Presto,” “La Luna,” “Day & Night,” and “Small Fry” on their own. Consider the rest bonus material.

As for actual bonus material, what’s here is fantastic, offering a glimpse into the creative growth of Pixar legends by presenting short films by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Pete Docter. And all 12 of the shorts include commentary tracks. It’s a great collection from an amazing studio that has taken some flack lately after critical disappointments in “Cars 2” and “Brave.” This set alone proves that this studio still matters.

Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2 was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 13, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

Synopsis:
Disney and Pixar present an incredible new collection of 12 short films, featuring multiple Academy Award nominees (Best Short Film, Animated: Presto, 2008; Day & Night, 2010; La Luna, 2011) and a host of family favorites. Join the celebration of imagination with this must-own collection, packed with unforgettable animation, fantastic stories and captivating characters. Plus, enjoy all-new extras that share how Pixar’s storied talent got their start including student films from acclaimed directors John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Pete Docter!

Click here to buy “Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2”

Special Features:
o Filmmaker Commentaries
o The Short Student Films Of Pixar Directors, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Pete Docter

“Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2” was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 13, 2012.

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