When Brave arrived on our doorstep late one evening, we immediately unwrapped it and popped it in the DVD player. We enjoyed the movie so much in theaters, the wait to get re-acquainted with old friends from the movie was unbearable (yea, I went there).
Brave, Pixar’s first ‘Princess’ film, tells the story of Merida and her family as neighboring clans arrive to compete for her hand in marriage. Along the way Merida and her mother have to come to terms with their roles and responsibilities. On the surface, its’ a story you would more likely expect to come from Disney, but with all Pixar films, there is more to the film than just a princess and a castle. The familiar theme of needing to look below the surface to see what’s real intertwines nicely with the family conflict aspect of Brave.
I was impressed with the quality of research, production, and depth of world building that went into the movie. These are worlds I would love to visit (although I’d miss my modern comforts). What I love about the DVD is the opportunity to really dive into those elements via the extras.
So I was happy to find Brave’s DVD/Blu-Ray combo packed with special features that take you through much of Pixar’s production process. You’ll also enjoy the new short, The Legend of Mordu, which combines 2D and CG animated scenes.
Pixar’s Brave is definitely worth adding to your family’s collection and at up to 46% off the retail price at Amazon, it’s a steal today.
Details of the DVD are available below the jump:
I. ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITON: 5-DISC COMBO PACK
BD 3D + BD Feature + BD Supplemental Material + DVD + DIGITAL COPY
BLU-RAY – DISC 1 INCLUDES:
· “La Luna” Theatrical Short – Fans will love this charming short that accompanied the film in theatres. It follows a young boy on his first night working the family business alongside his father andgrandfather.
· “The Legend of Mor’du” Short – This rousing new bonus short film will give fans the chance to delve deeper into the legend behind Mordu, as told by the eccentric witch who transformed him.
· Brave Old World – Fans will watch as members of the “Brave” production team investigate Scotland, exploring its land, culture, people and dialects. The research they gathered was brought thrillingly to life in thefilm. Also, fans will hear what actress Emma Thompson (voice of Queen Elinor) thinks of Pixar’s take on her homeland.
· Merida & Elinor – With the creation of Merida and Elinor, the Pixar filmmakers delved deep into the relationship between mother and daughter. Highlighting contrasts in character design, clothing, animation, voicing, even hairstyle, watch how the filmmakers explored this most important of relationships.
· Bears – Take a look inside the art and design behind the bears in “Brave.” Each of the bears, gentle Mum-Bear and terrifying Mor’du, demanded a different approach to creating their physical appearance and personality
· Brawl in the Hall – A fascinating and hilarious inside look at the process of creating “Brave’s” fighting Scots, through animation, crowd simulation and fight choreography – not to mention a room full of grunting men whose vocal chortles added authenticity to the raucous scene.
· Wonder Moss – Fans will explore how “Brave’s” technical artists examined the real Scottish countryside and studied the laws of nature, then turned thesefindings into computer codes that would blanket Merida’s Scotland in lush moss, lichen and bracken.
· Magic –The magic and mystery of Scotland is revealed to fans in this charming feature about the legends – from mystical potions to the will-o’-the-wisps – seen in “Brave.”
· Clan Pixar – At Pixar, getting into character is a team effort. From making Haggis to Kilt Fridays to celebrating the Scottish poet Robert Burns, fans will see how the “Brave” production crew truly embraced Scottish themes and customs fueled the Pixar crew throughout the creation of “Brave.”
· Once Upon A Scene – A closer look at the evolution of the storylines throughout the production of the film, including alternative openings to the film and many deleted scenes.
· Extended Scenes – Three separate scenes are highlighted in their extended form. Director Mark Andrews discusses the decision making process that led to the shortened versions of these scenes.
· Director Commentary
BLU-RAY DISC 2 INCLUDES:
· “Fergus & Mor’du” An Alternate Opening – Once upon a time, “Brave” had a different opening scene. Eventually cut from the film, fans can see it in its entirety in this bonus feature narrated by the film’s director Mark Andrews.
· Fallen Warriors Montage – A selection of deleted shots that were cut from the film late in production are presented to fans in various stages ofcompletion through a video montage narrated by director Mark Andrews.
· Dirty Hairy People – Fans will enjoy this uproarious bonus feature discussing the development of “Brave’s” Scots – including the design of their hair, attire, and dirt-crusted physiques.
· It is English…Sort Of – This bonus feature helps fans interpret some of the more Scottish lines in the film, thanks to the real Scottish actors who play the key characters and contributed their own dialects and sayings.
· Angus – A look at Merida’s most trusted companion, Angus, a mighty Clydesdale.
· The Tapestry – Fans will learn the story behind this embroidered emblem of family unity, which was lovingly crafted by “Brave’s” team of artists.
· Promotional Pieces – This bonus includes promotional clips for “Brave,” including: “Feast Yer Eyes,” “Relics,” “Clan DunBroch,” “Launch,” and more.
· Art Gallery – A selection of breathtaking art from the creation of the film, showcasing characters, sets, scenes and stunning landscapes.
· Wee Gaffes – A video montage of simulation, animation and shot bloopers.
· Renaissance Animation Man – Get a look at Director Mark Andrews’ love of Scotland, sword-fighting, music and more!
· Teasers and Sneak Peeks
BLU-RAY 3D DISC INCLUDES:
· “La Luna” Theatrical Short
DVD Includes:
· “La Luna” Theatrical Short
· “The Legend of Mordu” All-New Short
· Director Commentary
Save up to 46% when you order Brave today.
It’s a little late, but Pixar just released a Thanksgiving themed ad to YouTube. I include it because it does remind me of what I liked about the film: