Blu-ray Review Elf Ultimate Collector's Edition

Directed by: Jon Favreau Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel Running Time: Rating: PG Due Out: October 26, 2010 Own it On Blu-ray!

PLOT: Buddy (Ferrell) has literally out-grown his elf community. He leaves Santa (Asner) and the North Pole to find his real father in New York City.

WHO'S IT FOR? Anyone who needs the holiday spirit.

MOVIE:

At first it seemed Elf was going to be all for laughs as Buddy was talking to whales and what not at the North Pole. But gosh darn it, there's a story here that could even melt Scrooge's heart, or in this case James Caan's character Walter.

It's a great fish out of water story and it's high time I start including this performance as one of Ferrell's best. I always say Old Schoold and Anchorman but Buddy, I promise not to forget you any more. The childlike joy that Buddy expresses sucks you in every time. Yes, this flick is very rewatchable. It easily in my holiday rotation which includes National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story and Love Actually (for the wife).

Buddy tries to convince Walter that he's his son. Walter tries to convince Buddy he's clincally insane. And back and forth we go. The only issue of suspended disbelief is the concept of Walter allowing a crazy stranger to stay in his house. Everything else works.

Plus, the smaller roles (no offense Peter Dinklage) were really filled with some great character actors. Dinklage, Amy Sedaris, Kyle Gass, Andy Richter, Faizon Love, Artie Lange and even Ed Asner all do a really nice job of making sure there isn't a dull moment. Also, putting Bob Newhart to work is always a great idea. And I might as well say it, while I don't really enjoy perpetuating the idea that Santa is a real person, I do love celebrating the spirit of Santa. That's what comes shining through when the whole city joins in with Jovie to sing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." This was my first experience with Deschanel singing until I discovered her group She & Him.

Bottom line, do you want to watch and listen to the Blu-ray when you see Elf a few more dozen times in your life? If so, buy this.

MOVIE SCORE: 8/10

EXTRAS

15 Elf Gift Tags 5"x7" Magnetic Elf Picture Frame with 4"x6" Magnet 5-Track Elf Soundtrack Sampler Feautring Holiday Classics 14" Plush Elf Holiday Stocking Collective Tin Deleted Scenes Fact track reveals history, facts and trivia about the movie Featurettes: Deck the Halls Christmas in Tinseltown Santa Mania Kids on Christmas All Access Pass Featurettes: Tag along with Will Ferrell How they made the North Pole Film School for Kids That's Wrap Lights, Camera, Puffin! Fun and Games: Buddy's Adventure Game Elf Karaoke Read-Along