It’s too bad the disappointing box-office performance of the 3D version of “Monsters Inc.” in December prompted Disney-Pixar to scuttle plans for future 3D conversions of their animated classics, beginning with the withdraw of the announced 3D version of “The Little Mermaid” in theaters Sept. 16. It’s too bad because the 3D in “Monsters Inc.” actually works very effectively, probably more-so than any other Pixar 3D movie, especially the thrilling and hilarious six-minute door vault sequence which feels like a theme park ride.
At least more people (hopefully) will get to enjoy the impact of the 3D in the new five-disc set coming Feb. 19 that includes a Blu-ray 3D version of the movie, which looks terrific.
And there’s an added 3D attraction on the disc, the Pixar short “For the Birds,” which looks stunning in 3D as the over-sized blue bird struggles to find a place on the telephone wires with his much smaller buddies.
Another pleasant surprise are the outtakes and deleted scenes that are also presented in 3D, a disappointing rarity on other 3D discs. The standard 2D Blu-ray discs also include all the bonus features from the previous Blu-ray edition of this movie and the DVD of about 10 years ago, including the DVD Premiere Award-winning and Oscar-nominated short “Mike’s New Car” and an audio commentary.
Finally, yet another treat is the inclusion of the Pixar 3D theatrical short that was introduced before last year’s “Finding Nemo” in theaters. The amusing and colorful Toy Story Toons short “Partysaurus Rex” was not included with the Blu-ray 3D release of “Nemo,” but it is on this disc.
The timing of “Monsters Inc.” was designed to set the stage, whet the appetite, and re-introduce these characters to audiences so they will be excited to see the pre-quel movie coming to theaters June 21: “Monsters University” (a 3D trailer for which is also included on the 3D disc). That movie will presumably not include toddler Boo, whose adorable high-pitched giggle and fun-loving personality was the heart and soul of this first movie which showcased the most successful monsters at scaring kids while they are lying in bed in the dark in order to capture the energy of their screams to provide the power source for company town Monstropolis. Turns out the most successful of the monsters is the lovable Sulley (John Goodman), who is coached by the one-eyed and comically uptight Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal).
— By Scott Hettrick