Cars 2 (3D Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

( Max score: 100 )

98

Film Synopsis:

Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

My Take:

The original Cars, considered one of Pixar's worst, was about hot-shot race-car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his time spent stuck in Radiator Springs, a small town in the middle of nowhere. While there McQueen finds a best friend in tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), a love in Sally (Bonnie Hunt) and a mentor in Doc Hudson (Paul Newman). He goes from caring about one thing, himself, to finding the importance in friends, family and love. I must admit to liking Cars for what it is quite a bit. The level of replay my son and his friends have gotten out of it, as well as the love of cars toys, lunch boxes and anything else cars related is close to star wars toy insanity. When Cars 2 was announced I was excited, but worried about too much of Mater, as he is akin to the Jar-Jar Binks of the Cars universe. As much as Mater can be annoying, he has some funny moments and great lines in this sequel. How can you not laugh when Finn McMissile introduces himself to Mater and says "I haven't properly introduced myself. Finn McMissile, British intelligence." Then Mater replies in his heavy southern drawl, "Tow Mater, average intelligence.".

In Cars 2, Mater tags along when Lightning McQueen is invited to compete in the first ever World Grand Prix, which is Sponsored by Allinol, a supposed "clean fuel" created by Miles Axlerod (Eddie Izzard). As McQueen battles it out in Tokyo, London and Paris with his new arch rival Francesco Bernoulli (John Turtorro), Mater is confused as an undercover spy and joins agents Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer) as they globe-trot along the World Grand Prix's route.

I have read many reviews from adults calling the original Cars Pixar's worst until Cars 2 came out to take top prize. I didn't find the level of depth that "Up" had, or even "Finding Nemo", nor did I get emotional like the end of "Toy Story 3". It was obvious Pixar was going for a fun spy flick spoof starring Lightning McQueen and Mater. With that as the intent, I say it succeeded in spades and was an exciting and funny ride. Where Cars was a slice of small town Americana with heart and soul, Cars 2 is almost like a serial (so to speak), where 2 characters from Cars go off on an adventure. I found laughs, enjoyable action, and enough of a plot to keep me interested. My son sat there glued to the flick, I would say more then he was for Toy Story 3. Lets not forget, these are animated films made for kids, sometimes we (and they) get lucky and the story hits a sentimental and deeper chord. Cars 2 doesn't have that going for it, but so what? Sometimes a fun flick that is eye candy is just what the doctor ordered. I would even love to see McQueen and crew again for another adventure.

Parental Guide:

This is a family film that can be enjoyed by all.

Audio: 100

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3D Presentation: 96

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Cars 2 comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio

Having seen Cars 2 in 3D theatrically, I can say this 3D release was better; It was flawless. I am not a big fan of 3D, I usually feel a bit off when watching things at home with active shutter glasses. This was no different, but I stuck it out and was treated to the best 3D I have yet to experience. Cars 2 is one movie that is made more exciting in 3D. The races are awesome as cars go from deep in the background to whizzing off screen right at you. The silly spy subplot is enhanced by the 3D as well. Finn McMissile flying through the sky or swimming underwater is so detailed with a dimensionality that blew me away. This might be the best 3D Blu-ray release yet. Coupled with delightfully vibrant colors, blacks that are thoroughly impressive and fine details on every image on-screen and we have a complete reference disc.

The DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound really rocked my room. Revving engines and explosions are LFE candy, while the effects channels are full of life with pin-point accuracy. Actually the whole mix has pin-pint accuracy, and this is as dynamic a track as you have heard. Dialogue is always discernible and there is not a flaw in this aggressive, big and loud mix that is quite the show off for your system.

This is absolutely a reference quality high definition presentation from Disney/Pixar that would be a shame to miss.

2D Video Quality:

Video: 100

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Cars 2 comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney/Pixar featuring 1080p AVC encoded video

Like the 3D transfer, Cars 2 in 2D is absolutely stunning. The depth on screen is amazing and fine details run amuck as Pixar left no surface, light reflection or character with out the ultimate in detail. Looking at McQueens vivid red coloring is amazing as the color not only pops off screen but the details in shadows on the cars curves, as well as shiny spot where light hits him are breathtaking. Blacks are as inky as it gets. Not a hint of compression is to bee seen in the perfect high definition encode by Disney/Pixar.

Bonus Features:

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  Disc 1: (BD-50):
  

  1. (HD) Car Toons: Air Mater in 3D
  
  

  Disc 2 (BD-50):
  

  1. (HD) Car Toons: Air Mater (2D)
     
  2. (HD) "Hawaiian Vacation" - A Toy Story Theatrical Short
     
  3. Directors Commentary on 2D Version of Cars 2
  
  

  Disc 3 (BD-50):
  

  1. (HD) Sneak Peak: The Nuts & Bolts of Cars Land
     
  2. (HD) World Tour: Choose Your Own Adventure With Interactive Access To Deleted Scenes, Documentaries, Animation And More From Different Locations In The Movie.
  
  
• Bonus DVD of Cars 2 including Bonus content
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• Digital Copy Bonus Disc of Cars 2
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• BD-Live enabled

Final Thoughts:

Remember silly rabbits, these flicks are for kids. I have read so many reviews from adults calling the original Cars Pixar's worst until Cars 2 came out to take top prize. I didn't find the level of depth that "Up" had, or even "Finding Nemo", nor did I get emotional like the end of "Toy Story 3". But so what?? It was obvious Pixar was going for a fun spy flick spoof starring Lightning McQueen and Mater. With that as the intent, I say it succeeded in spades and was a enjoyable ride. Lets not forget the complete reference level of eye candy from both the 3D and 2D versions, as well as the awesome 7.1 lossless audio track. This 5-disc Combo Pack is great and I love having all the options. I have the 3D Blu-ray for fun, the 2D for more regular viewing and the DVD in the car. Combining that with a bunch of special features and a few short features, this is a keeper that I highly recommend.