My take: The Lorax (2012)

[HD Goofnut]

Title: The Lorax (2012)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc / 2 Disc Set
Video: 1080p / AVC
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, and Spanish
Run time: 87 minutes
Studio: Universal Studios
Rating: PG
Region Coding: Region Free

Danny DeVito as the voice of The Lorax
Ed Helms as the voice of The Once-ler
Zac Efron as the voice of Ted
Taylor Swift as the voice of Audrey
Betty White as the voice of Grammy Norma
Rob Riggle as the voice of Mr. O'Hare
Jenny Slate as the voice of Ted's Mom
Nasim Pedrad as the voice of Once-ler's Mom
Directed by Chris Renaud & Kyle Balda

In 1971 the world was introduced to The Lorax in the form of a beloved children's book, which has since become one of Dr. Seuss' most famous stories. The following year a 25 minute TV adaptation of the story was aired with extremely positive reactions. Since then the story of The Lorax has been republished countless times, but it wasn't until earlier this year that a feature length film was released based on the popular story.

The basis for The Lorax is quite simple and is one that is well known in both literature and media. The audience is introduced to a town known as Thneedville that is purely artificial, but all of its citizens appear to be content regardless. Then one day a boy named Ted discovers that there used to be actual trees all over the area where the town currently stands. Once interested he learns that the Once-ler, who lives at the far end of town, knows exactly what happened to all of these beautiful trees.

So Ted decides to go and visit the Once-ler who reluctantly decides to share his account of what happened to the trees. After a few trips to the Once-ler's house it becomes apparent to Ted that it was the Once-ler who first came to the area before anyone else. It actually was the Once-ler that discovered the soft tufts of the Truffula trees and their extraordinary use of being utilized to create a thneed.

Of course when the Once-ler chops down his first tree he is met by the Lorax, who is the spokesman for the trees. What's more important is that the Lorax also represents all of the wildlife that live in the area and depend on the well-being of the trees. When Ted learns that it was the Once-ler that chopped down all of the trees despite the Lorax's pleas he knows that he has to bring the trees, the Lorax, and his animal friends back. Will Ted be able to do this on his own, especially with O'Hare, the most powerful and greedy man in Thneedville, standing in his way?

If you like the original story then there's no question you'll enjoy this adaptation. It's fairly faithful to the original material with only a few slight deviations here and there. Children and adults shouldn't have any problems with its obvious message either.

As one would expect with a newly released animation The Lorax looks marvelous on Blu-ray. The entire presentation is a rainbow of colors that are always bright and vivid without ever becoming over-saturated. With the animation being done digitally there is of course no grain and the amount of fine detail is incredible. This is right up there with other digital animations I have reviewed in recent years and is perfect as far as I can tell. My own screen captures for Dr. Seuss' The Lorax can be found below.

The Lorax arrives on Blu-ray with a highly engaging DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Dialogue is always clearly prioritized in the center channel without any issues. The animation's songs pack quite a punch in the fronts and surrounds, but are actually never overbearing as I never had to adjust the volume on my receiver throughout the entire presentation. The fronts and surrounds are also filled with other miscellaneous sounds such as falling trees, the city life of Thneedville, or the various hums and squeaks of Ted's scooter. The LFE comes alive during several different scenes making the viewer feel like they are standing near a massive waterfall or the chopping of numerous Truffula trees. It's simply an excellent mix any way you slice it.

The supplemental package is lacking in my opinion as most of it is aimed at children, but it's not a total loss. The main feature is a feature length audio commentary with the directors that is extremely informative concerning the changes made to the book as well as many technical aspects of the animation. Next up are three mini-movies, which total nine minutes. They are accompanied by a three minute making-of feature as well. Next is a two minute deleted scene that was wisely cut. Next up is a feature called O'Hare TV, which allows the viewer to watch the presentation with commercials featuring the company's products. Finally, we are given a brief four minute look at bringing The Lorax to the screen as well as a interactive tour of the sites visited in the movie. There are also some included children's games and a short sing-along in case you need something new to entertain the kids. There is also a second disc that contains the DVD of the movie, a traditional digital copy code, as well as a Ultraviolet digital copy code.

Movie: 7/10
PQ: 10/10
AQ: 10/10
Supplements: 4/10
Final Word: A Purchase For Fans

[gadgtfreek]

Did you feel you were being preached to? I generally dont read too much into films, but a couple of reviews I read made me feel it was a bit political.

[HD Goofnut]

Did you feel you were being preached to? I generally dont read too much into films, but a couple of reviews I read made me feel it was a bit political.

That's just the nature of the story I think. I think it's a good message though without being overly preachy.

[gadgtfreek]

Ok, thanks. I was put off a bit, but I was looking forward to renting it.

[HD Goofnut]

Ok, thanks. I was put off a bit, but I was looking forward to renting it.

No problem. Please post your thoughts when you see it.

[AVJeff]

It definitely looks like tree hugger material for babies of tree huggers. I never read that particular Suess book so if it is faithful to the book then it is what it is. Wife wants to see it because she had the book, but me not so much. I am sure it is great eye candy though. I will sit down and start it with her but I make no guarantees that I won't get up during the middle of it and leave. Horton was not too bad and it would of been nice to see a Green eggs and ham short on one of these Suess Blu-rays don't you think?

[david_b]

This movie reminded me of the tree huggers "crying for the trees" video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G880g...e_gdata_player

Unfortunately that was funny, this movie is not.

[gadgtfreek]

That's what scared me away.

[AVJeff]

This movie reminded me of the tree huggers "crying for the trees" video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G880g...e_gdata_player

Unfortunately that was funny, this movie is not.

LOL that was hilarious. Man talk about a group of uninformed losers.

Yeah on second thought I don't think I am going to participate in giving money to the makers of the film. I will wait for Kung Fu Panda 3

Fine assessment of the Blu-ray though from HD.

[mytime]

Goof does a great review IMO.

[HD Goofnut]

I just wanted to say thank you for the kind words.