Blu-ray Review Water for Elephants
Directed by: Francis Lawrence Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: PG-13 Due Out: November 1, 2011
PLOT: A veterinary student (Pattinson) joins a circus after a family tragedy where he meets a beautiful circus performer (Witherspoon) and an elephant.
WHO'S IT FOR? Anyone who likes period romances.
MOVIE:
I loved the book Water for Elephants but was reluctant to see the film. I knew Pattinson from Twilight, and he seemed like a teenager, not a man. Witherspoon seemed to mature for him. And the trailers focused too little on Rosie, the real heroine of the film and book. Despite these reservations, I found myself enjoying the final product. Pattinson has a real 1930s look about him when you put him in period clothes. The jawline doesn't hurt. He plays a credible hero for Witherspoon's Marlena, a beautiful circus performer trapped in a violent marriage to a psychotic Ringmaster (Waltz). The acting is good, but it's the period trappings that really steal the show. Marlena's circus outfits are beautiful, between this film and Boardwalk Empire I'm beginning to think I need to re-evaluate my wardrobe. The look of the film seems to come from another time. But the real star of the movie is Rosie the elephant (played by Tai). She's not as developed as she is in the book, where she always seems to be on the forefront of Jacob's thoughts. But it's impossible to watch any scene she's in and not focus on her. A star is born.
Most of the extras are meant to sell the film, the Pattinson one is clearly meant to get Twilight fans to buy the DVD. But Working Without a Net shows you exactly what sections of the film were created by effects, and it's pretty incredible. Especially the final scenes of the film when the animals get loose and attack the crowd. Seeing all the layers that went into that was pretty impressive. Especially since it looks so real and horrifying.
MOVIE SCORE: 8/10
EXTRAS
Feature Film
· Special Features
o Robert Pattinson Spotlight
o Feature Performer Reese Witherspoon
o The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen
o Working Without A Net – The Visual Effects of Water for Elephants
o The Star Attraction
o Raising the Tent
o Secrets of the Big Top
o Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Writer Richard LaGravenese
o Theatrical Trailer
· Live Extras
o Exclusive: Stars of the Circus
o Blu-ray Highlight: The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen
o Theatrical Trailer
o Live Lookup
o Digital Copy