James And The Giant Peach: Special Edition
Release date: August 3, 2010
SRP: $39.99 (US); $44.99 (CAN)
Synopsis From Disney:
After the daring rescue of a spider, a young boy named James gains possession of some magic crocodile tongues. When James spills them in the garden, out sprouts an enormous peach! Climbing inside, he meets an astonishing cast of characters and embarks on a magical odyssey full of thrills and adventure. Voiced by an all-star cast, including legendary actors Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Simon Callow and Jane Leeves, and featuring the celebrated music of Randy Newman, this classic story is delicious entertainment for the whole family!
I am not generally a huge fan of Tim Burton’s style, but I found myself enjoying James And The Giant Peach anyway. Thanks to this special edition, not only is it now available on Blu-Ray, but is set to appeal to a new generation as well as those that – like myself – missed it during its first run.
It opens with an almost fairytale type view of James’ life with his parents. They were dreamers and doted on him immensely. Within minutes of the film progressing, we learn James’ parents passed away in a freak rhino accident and he was sent to live with his two cruel aunts. Life was miserable for poor James, until that spider rescue and a meeting with a strange fellow that gives him the crocodile tongues. The peach grows and those cruel aunts see it as a way to make money for themselves, forbid James to go near it, and set it up as an attraction. While he is supposed to be cleaning up after the visitors leave – the only time he is allowed anywhere close – he discovers an opening and starts climbing up. As he climbs, he develops cartoonish features and meets the insects of the tree – also cartoonish – including the spider he rescued from his aunts.
The aunts come looking for him, and worried what they would do one of the inseects chewed away the stem and the peach went rolling! Through the town, getting a fence wrapped around it, and finally falling off a cliff into the ocean below. This is where their journey and adventure really begins!
It is a cute, adventure-filled story, but I haven’t decided if I’ll let my young son watch it. It is rated PG, so more geared to older children and adults. During one scene, one insect called another the three leter ’a’ word. It passed quickly, without much focus, but it is there.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
• Spike the Aunts Interactive Game – New BD Exclusive! Inspired by the game that plays after the end movie credits, try your hand at spiking the evil aunts with the rhino and ring up major points!
• Production Featurette – A look at the making of the film.
• “Good News” Music Video performed by Randy Newman
• Still Frame Gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer
Product provided by WDSHE. All opinions are 100% those of Sweet Posh Baby.
