Pixar’s latest entry is not up to the status of Toy Story, but it’s still a great ride (gratuitous car reference). The DVD is sort’ve short on special features and it makes me think that another dip is soon forthcoming.
Lightening McQueen (Owen Wilson) is the new car on the track. He’s cocky, conceited, and full of high octane and vinegar. His competition in the big Piston Cup race is Strip Weathers aka The King (Richard Petty) and Chick Hicks (Michael Keaton). Lightning is nearly the winner of the big race until his poor decision making leads to the race ending in a three way tie. So The King, Chick, and Lightening need to go cross country to California to compete in another race to decide on the big winner. The selfish McQueen promises his transport truck Mack (John Ratzenberger) that he’ll stay awake with him on the all night trek.
McQueen, of course, dozes off and the sleepy Mack accidentally loses McQueen in the desert. McQueen ends up in the small town of Radiator Springs. He ends up ruining the main road, but Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) wants to let him go. Sportscar, lawyer Sally (Bonnie Hunt) convinces Hudson that McQueen should repair the road before he jets out of town (a task easier said that done). The town is populated by a showroom full of colorful characters, including tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), low rider Ramone (Cheech Marin), Luigi (Tony Shaloub), Flo (Jenifer Lewis), Sarge (Paul Dooley), Fillmore (George Carlin), and Lizzie (Katherine Helmond). He learns that Radiator Springs was once a flourishing tourist stop until the Interstate arrived and diverted the traffic elsewhere and the down dried up. He also learns some valuable life lessons (should I say mileage?) that will only add to his extended warranty.
Cars may not rise to the classic level of Toy Story, but it is still quality Pixar and is worth seeking out. I really liked the show and thought that the animation was top notch (this is Pixar). The voice talent roster was also excellent and several famous car enthusiasts show up in roles (Newman and Keaton). Pixar can always draw in quality voice talent and cars is no exception with special kudos going out to Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, and their good luck charm John Ratzenberger. There’s an especially funny bit about Ratzenberger during the closing credits. I think that I actually enjoyed the movie better after watching the featurette that highlights the inspiration for the show (more on that under special features). It’s definitely a film that the whole family will enjoy.
Cars is presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.39:1) and enhanced for 16x9 televisions. A separate fullscreen release is also available. Special features include two new features. The first is the 7 minute “Mater and the Ghostlight” and features the vocal cast of Cars. The second is the 4 minute “One Man Band” and is a silent adventure as two One Man Bands vie for the attention of a little girl. The next special feature is a very nice one, they’ve taken the 4 minute epilogue that plays over the film’s credits and blown it up (to 1.78:1) so you can see it better. Next is the 16 minute “Inspiration for Cars.”
It interviews director John Lasseter, author/speaker Michael Wallis, co-director Joe Ranft, barber (in a town that closed up like Radiator Springs) Angel Delgadillo, Lasseter’s father Paul, racecar driver Jerry Nadeau, president/general manager of Infineon Raceway, GA Steve Page, Fox sports director Artie Kempner, Fox broadcaster/racing legend Darrell Waltrip, the inspiration for Mater, general manger of Lowe’s motor speedway Humpy Wheeler, Don Flock (son of racing legend Tim Flock), John Zudell and Randy Wray (Speedway Motorsports, Inc.) and racing legend Richard Petty. There are also 10 minutes of deleted scenes in rough format.
Cars is a fine family film and a fine addition to your video library. True, it probably doesn’t rise to the classic status that some of the other Pixar films hold, but anything Pixar produces is worth watching. I enjoyed the film even more after watching the inspiration for it. However, I can’t help but think that another tricked out edition is soon forthcoming someday.
Cars is now available at Amazon . It is available for pre-order at AmazonUK for a Nov. 27th release. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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