Review of Bug`s Life, A

Video

A Bug`s Life is the first DVD to be completely mastered from the digital computer generated source, and it shows! On the disk you get the widescreen and full frame versions selectable from a menu at the start of the movie - no horrible `turn the disk over to get the version you want`. This disk is also unusual in that it is now no disadvantage if you choose to watch the standard 1.33:1 version, as Pixar have re-rendered the movie specifically for this screen size i.e. bugs have been moved around in the picture to fit a bigger vertical screen size, rather than the standard `zoom in on the widescreen` to make a 1.33:1 picture thus losing image information at the sides. Although some would argue it is better to still watch it in widescreen because it is more akin to your natural field of vision, and then lose the picture size. Each to their own.

I have seen the widescreen version twice, and last night watched the standard version for the first time. The picture quality from the direct source is superb and, although this Region 1 version is not anamorphic (you need to get the Region 2 version for that), it must be the best quality image I have seen on my LCD projector.

There are 22 chapters in the movie, and towards the end I was alarmed to notice the picture jumping around and the sound breaking up. PANIC! A quick check of the disk surface revealed a rather large finger print, which I removed immediately - so no disk problems to worry about at all.

Audio

Pixar have made full use of the Dolby Digital sound system in this movie. Check out the scene where Hopper and his grasshoppers fly around the anthill towards the start of the film. WOW! If you shut your eyes you can easily track a particular grasshopper buzzing round your living room. A subwoofer adds to the depth of these sound effects immensely. Also later on the film when the rains start - each droplet produces a loud boom that really brings home to the viewer what those ants go through each time it rains.

The final track is written and performed by Randy Newman, and Toy Story fans will notice it`s similarity to the songs in that film.

Features

The extras include the Pixar award winning animated short film `Geris Game`, and an alternative set of `outtakes` to the ones used in the end credits of the movie (both very enjoyable). The menus are static. More extras can be found on the soon to be released Bug`s Life Special Edition Region 1 disk.

Conclusion

This is one of my favourite DVDs. I think the film is superior to Antz! as the humour and characters makes the audience warm to the film more. Antz! is also superb film, but is more `adult` in content than A Bug`s Life. Bugs therefore has the opportunity to bring in more varied and colourful characters than Antz! - I loved Heinrich the fat caterpillar "Zom day I vill become a bee-ootiful butterfly...." and the pair of acrobatic woodlice!

Having seen this disk, I cant wait for Toy Story to come out on DVD, and the forthcoming Toy Story 2 however no sign yet though!

This disk is a must for kids, and adults alike. Every time you watch it you will notice something new. The Region 2 disk is now released and is anamorphic, and has the same extras. So the choice is to get the Region 1 if you want to save some cash, or the anamorphic Region 2 if your TV/projector can make use of it. But make sure you DO get one version!!