 Experience the film that captured the hearts of critics and fans around the world in a breathtaking new way. Monsters, Inc. is "visually dazzling, action-packed and hilarious," raves the Boston Herald. And now, with eye-popping, crystal-clear visuals and theater-quality sound, it's even better on Disney Blu-ray Hi-Def! Lovable Sulley (John Goodman) and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it's the monsters who are scared silly, and it's up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home. Open the door to a fantastic world of fun and imagination that will have you screaming for more. Featuring never-before-seen bonus features, including Roz's 100-Door Challenge Game, the original DVD and a DisneyFile Digital Copy of the movie, Monsters, Inc. is a sensational new experience on Disney Blu-ray. Storyline: A city of monsters with no humans called Monstropolis centers around the city's power company, Monsters, Inc. The lovable, confident, tough, furry blue behemoth-like giant monster named James P. Sullivan (better known as Sulley) and his wisecracking best friend, short, green cyclops monster Mike Wazowski, discover what happens when the real world interacts with theirs in the form of a 2-year-old baby girl dubbed "Boo," who accidentally sneaks into the monster world with Sulley one night. And now it's up to Sulley and Mike to send Boo back in her door before anybody finds out, especially two evil villains such as Sulley's main rival as a scarer, chameleon-like Randall (a monster that Boo is very afraid of), who possesses the ability to change the color of his skin, and Mike and Sulley's boss Mr. Waternoose, the chairman and chief executive officer of Monsters, Inc. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Kenneth Brown on October 31, 2009 -- How does Pixar do it? How does a single studio consistently churn out such fantastic animated films? At first, I thought it had something to do with raw talent. John Lasseter's innate ability to assemble the best artists, technicians, writers, and directors in the industry; master storytellers and visionaries of the highest caliber. But with ten excellent, critically acclaimed feature films and counting -- as well as an equally impressive lineup of award-winning animated shorts -- I'm beginning to suspect something far more sinister is powering the Pixar empire. Arcane rituals? Dark magic? Blood-soaked sacrifices to a Lovecraftian god? Only Lasseter's inner-circle knows the true nature of the studio's connection to the Abyss, but everyone that's pursued such answers has never been heard from again. Still, as long as the Pixar wizards continue producing smart, sharp, and infectiously funny family flicks like Monsters, Inc., I personally don't care what beast, demon, or fiend they invoke. In the bustling city of Monstropolis, children's screams are a precious commodity. Their shrill shrieks not only power the entire electric grid, they create jobs for countless Monsters, Inc. employees and provide a slew of tentacled beasties with all the creature comforts a hard-working monstrosity could ask for. Unfortunately, children have become more difficult to frighten over the years. Rolling blackouts are just the beginning of what Monsters, Inc. CEO Henry J. Waternoose (voiced by James Coburn) sees as a sign of tough times to come. Thankfully, he has Scarers like the blue-furred James "Sulley" Sullivan (John Goodman) and cyclopean prep-man Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) to keep enough screams on tap. However, when Sulley accidentally allows a little girl to wander through her closet portal, he changes the fates of Monsters, Inc. and Monstropolis forever. After realizing she isn't a threat -- monsters learn at an early age that children are toxic and their touch is deadly -- Sulley has to convince Mike to help him return the girl to her world, avoid the Child Detection Agency (the CDA for short), and keep her presence a secret from rival Scarer Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi), a deceitful chameleon with an agenda all his own. Monsters, Inc. is blessed with a brilliant concept; one that deconstructs fundamental childhood fears, transforms a city of toothy titans into a city of sympathetic Everymen, and brings enough comedy, action, adventure, and heartfelt sweetness to the table to make its every scene all the more effective. Listing what works in the film is like composing a checklist of filmmaking essentials. Goodman, Crystal and crew bring their all to their voice sessions, creating genuine... erm, human beings (of sorts) instead of horned caricatures. Sulley and Mike aren't just cartoon characters, they emerge as endearing heroes and loyal companions. Their fellow monsters are used primarily for gags, but the whole of Monstropolis has a familiarity that allows it to come alive on the screen. Pixar's ever-astounding animation helps of course, weaving so many tiny touches and clever easter eggs into each locale that surprises lie around every corner (even for those of us who've seen the film more than a dozen times). The jokes earn laughs, the banter never falls flat, the adventure remains tense, and the third act's climactic chase scene is as exciting and invigorating in 2009 as it was when Monsters, Inc. debuted some eight years ago. Not a second goes to waste: seemingly tangential subplots have satisfying pay-offs, minor characters don't grow annoying, and the writers rarely indulge in the sort of pop culture references that undermine the potential of other modern animated films. Through it all, filmfans of all ages will develop serious affection for Mike, Sulley, and their little human tag-along. Pixar's canon is full of memorable characters, but the central trio in Monsters, Inc. represents a perfect mesh of heart, spirit, and soul. Compared to the sometimes smarmy animals that frequent the Ice Age and Madagascar franchises (and others like them), the Monsters, Inc. gang actually warrants such love. Selflessness isn't a learned trait, it's an inherent one. Relationships aren't contrived, they're natural and convincing. Conflict isn't derived, it's discovered. Humor isn't forced, it flows from an already mesmerizing story rife with opportunity. Even the animation stands out. While it's a bit dated in light of the great strides made in Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up, the characters and environments are so believable that it doesn't matter in the slightest. Tech-heads may grumble at the way a snow cone glances off Sulley's back, but anyone with an affinity for film will simply shrug their shoulders. Irritable critics may complain about the occasional stockiness of Boo's movements, but cinephiles will reach for another tissue and brace themselves for Sulley's heart-wrenching farewell. Concept, execution, screenwriting, art direction, voice acting, comedy, animation... literally everything about Monsters, Inc. contributes to its success as an unforgettable film. Parents will be as enthusiastic about the proceedings as their children, and kids of all ages will be caught up in the adventure no matter how many times they've seen it unfold. Be sure to pick up this Pixar classic and share it with your entire family. Monsters, Inc. is a must-see family film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. With sharp writing, strong voicework, inspired animation, and an ingenious concept, it's sure to be a go-to favorite in your household. Disney's Blu-ray edition is another high definition winner. With a gorgeous video transfer, mind-blowing DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a generous collection of special features, Monsters, Inc. joins a growing catalog of high-quality high definition Pixar releases. Don't miss the opportunity to add this one to your collection. Cast Notes: John Goodman (James P. "Sulley" Sullivan [voice]), Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski [voice]), Mary Gibbs (Boo / Mary [voice]), Steve Buscemi (Randall Boggs [voice]), James Coburn (Henry J. Waternoose [voice]), Jennifer Tilly (Celia [voice]), Bob Peterson (Roz [voice]), John Ratzenberger (The Abominable Snowman [voice]), Frank Oz (Fungus [voice]), Daniel Gerson (Needleman / Smitty [voice]), Steve Susskind (Floor Manager [voice]), Bonnie Hunt (Flint [voice]), Jeff Pidgeon (Bile [voice]), Samuel Lord Black (George Sanderson [voice] [as Sam Black]), Jack Angel (Additional Voice [voice]). IMDb Rating (07/25/14): 8.1/10 from 399,182 users Top 250: #225 IMDb Rating (11/26/09): 8.0/10 from 98,887 users Top 250: #241
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