PLANET 51 [2009 / 2010] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] From the Writer of Shrek and Shrek 2! Right Stuff . . . Wrong Planet! Something Strange is coming to their Planet . . . US!
When Captain Chuck T. Baker the astronaut [Dwayne Johnson] lands on a distant planet filled with little green people, he is surprised to discover that we are not alone in the galaxy. But he gets the shock of his life when the residents of Planet 51 mistakenly believe that his presence is the start of an alien invasion of the human kind! Luckily, Lem [Justin Long] quickly realizes that Chuck is friendly and makes it his personal mission to help him return safely to his ship – with the help of Chuck’s trusty pal, Rover!
FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 2010 Casting Society of America: Nominated: Artios Award for Outstanding Achievement in Casting in an Animation Feature for Robert McGee and Ruth Lambert. 2010 Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain: Win: Best New Artist (Premio Revelación) for Jorge Blanco. 2010 European Film Awards: Nominated: European Animated Feature Film for Jorge Blanco. 2010 Goya Awards: Win: Best Animated Film (Mejor Película de Animación). Win: Best Animated Film (Mejor Película de Animación) for Ilion Animation Studios. Nominated: Best Original Song (Mejor Canción Original) for Tom Cawte for the song "Stick It to the Man." Nominated: Best Original Song (Mejor Canción Original) for Tom Cawte for the song "Stick It to the Man." 2010 José María Forqué Awards: Win: Egeda Award for Best Documentary or Animated Feature for Ilion Animation Studios.
Voice Cast: Dwayne Johnson (Captain Chuck T. Baker), Jessica Biel (Neera), Justin Long (Lem), Gary Oldman (General Grawl), Seann William Scott (Skiff), John Cleese (Professor Kipple ), Freddie Benedict (Eckle), Alan Marriott (Glar), Mathew Horne (Soldier Vesklin), James Corden (Soldier Vernkot), Lewis Macleod (Additional Voices), Emma Tate (Additional Voices), Rupert Degas (Additional Voices), Pete Atkin (Additional Voices), Rebecca Front (Additional Voices), Laurence Bouvard (Additional Voices), Vincent Marzello (Additional Voices) and Brian Bowles (Additional Voices)
Directors: Javier Abad, Jorge Blanco (co-director) and Marcos Martinez (co-director)
Producers: Albert Martinez Martin, Albie Hecht, Guy Collins, Ignacio Pérez Dolset, Javier Pérez Dolset, José A. Rodríguez Díaz, Juan Antonio Pérez Ramírez, Mercedes Gamero, Mercedes Rey, Michael Ryan, Patrick Meehan, Peter D. Graves, Ricardo García Arrojo, Stephen Margolis and Thomas D. Adelman
Screenplay: Joe Stillman (script), Ignacio Pérez Dolset (original idea), Javier Abad (original idea), Jorge Blanco (original idea) and Marcos Martínez (original idea)
Composer: James Seymour Brett
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH
Running Time: 105 minutes
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Entertainment in Video
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: Awash in sci-fi films genre and 1950’s pop-culture references, ‘PLANET 51’ is an animation film that I would have to say was grossly under-appreciated during its cinema run. Once I popped the Blu-ray Disc in my player, I found myself under the spell of ‘PLANET 51,’ which I turned out to be beautifully animated and really quite funny. The plot of ‘PLANET 51’ is a pastiche of paranoid 1950’s science fiction movie clichés, all of which are given a wide-eyed, but knowing spin, that have been designed to tickle fans of this particular genre. The said premise places the story of ‘PLANET 51’ on a planet that populated by little green men and little green women, whose society resembles that of 1950’s America.
In the midst of this alien suburbia is Lem [Justin Long], a teenaged alien who has gotten a job at the local planetarium museum and has a crush on Neera [Jessica Biel], the girl next door. Lem finds his typical teen existence complicated by an alien spacecraft touching down in his backyard during a barbecue. From out of the alien spacecraft emerges NASA Astronaut Captain Chuck T. Baker [Dwayne Johnson], who is shocked to discover this supposedly uninhabited world to be much inhabited. Of course, paranoia about an alien invasion immediately besets the community, with our NASA astronaut on the run from a typically gung hoe military. While dodging the army and trying to get back to his spacecraft, Chuck manages to convince Lem that he means the people of his planet no harm. However, General Grawl [Gary Oldman] is convinced the alien intends to transform the local populace into "zombies" under extra-terrestrial control, so swaying him to Captain Chuck T. Baker’s cause is going to be impossible. Making matters even worse for Captain Chuck T. Baker is Professor Kipple [John Cleese], the supposed "expert" on all things alien, who is determined to separate the mind-controlling alien from its brain.
There is non-stop action along with some fantasy violence along the way. In one scene, a robot which resembles WALL-E crushes a bug. One character is hit in the head by a spinning telescope which is accidentally bumped. There are a few innuendos but overall this is an entertaining and funny animated film. There is also the theme of helping others out and not judging someone too quickly. The kids at the preview I attended laughed heartily several times and none of them seemed frightened. I recommend this animation film for all ages, but some parents will be more comfortable in allowing more mature children viewing this animation film. Visit ‘PLANET 51’ today! You will have a great enjoyable time for 105 minutes and you will definitely not be disappointed.
PLANET 51 MUSIC TRACK LIST
EARTH ANGEL (Will You Be Mine) (Written by Jesse Belvin, Gaynel Hodge and Dootsie Williams) [Performed by The Crew Cuts]
LOLLIPOP (Vocal and Instrumental versions) (Written by Julius Dixson and Beverly Ross) [Lead Vocal Sophie Green and Backing Vocals Tamsin Hardy and Cat Scandrett]
UNCHAINED MELLODY (Written by Hy Zaret and Alex North) (Arranged and Orchestrated by Chris Cawte) (Conducted by Graham Walker) [Lead Vocal by Keith Murrell]
GONNA BE A STAR (Written by Tom Cawte) (Brass and Saxes arranged by Chris Cawte) [Performed by Tom Cawte and The Electric Hearts and Backing Vocals by Keith Murrell, Mick Mullins and Pete Howarth]
PRIVATE CONVERSATION (Written by Tom Cawte) [Vocal by Alan Marriott]
BE BOP A LULA (Written by Gene Vincent and Tex Davis) [Lead Vocal by Chris Cawte and Backing Vocals by Keith Murrell]
- SANDMAN (Written by Pat Ballard) [Lead Vocal by Peter Gosling and Backing Vocals by Keith Murrell and Mick Mullins]
Also Sprach Zarathustra (Composed by Richard Strauss) [Performed by The London Metropolitan Orchestra]
DENTAL PRO COMMERCIAL (Composed by James Seymour Brett) [Vocal Harmonies by Janet Mooney]
MACARENA (Written by Antonio Romero Monge) and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones) [Performed by Los del Río]
STICK IT TO THE MAN (Written by Tom Cawte) [Performed by Alan Marriott]
DING DING A BOOM BOOM (Written and Arranged by Chris Cawte) [Vocals by Keith Murrell]
LONG TALL SALLY (Written by Robert 'Bumps' Blackwell, Enotris Johnson and Little Richard) [Lead Vocal by John Sloman]
MYSTERIOUS LEM (Written by Charlie Ramos) [Vocals by Alan Marriott]
GLAR’S LAMENT (Composed by James Seymour Brett) [Whistling by Tom Cawte and Guitar by Chris Cawte]
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Written by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed) [Performed by The London Metropolitan Orchestra and Orchestrated by James Seymour Brett]
GREASED LIGHTNIN (Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey) [Lead Vocal by Lance Ellington and Backing Vocals by Keith Murrell, Mick Mullins and Pete Howarth]
STICK TO THE MAN (End Credits Version) (Written by Tom Cawte) [Performed by Tom Cawte and The Electric Hearts]
TRIED TO SAVE THE WORLD (Written by Tom Cawte) [Performed by Tom Cawte and The Electric Hearts]
BABY DID A BAD THING (uncredited) (Written by Chris Isaak) [Performed by Chris Isaak]
Blu-ray Image Quality – Entertainment in Video for the UK has made ‘PLANET 51’ available on this Blu-ray Disc with a very pleasing 2.35:1 aspect ratio presentation. The 1080p presentation is nothing short of superb, which is exactly how it should be. This CGI animated film has been transferred directly from the digital files, the image on this Blu-ray release is computer-generated perfection. ‘PLANET 51’ has been beautifully textured and every bit of fine detail is readily apparent, in addition to the image delivering marvellous levels of sharpness, clarity and dimensionality. Colours are fully saturated, yet completely stable. Blacks are perfect, while the whites demonstrate the same kind of straight from the computer realm perfection. Additionally, contrast demonstrates the kind of smoothness that can only be created in the digital realm. As I stated above, the presentation comes directly from the digital files, so there is no grain, nor will one find any visual imperfections in the image. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – ‘PLANET 51’ is presented with this Blu-ray Disc with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Much of PLANET 51’ is dialogue driven, but the dialogue moments are interspersed between mild comic actions and chase sequences. The sound design is effective and fun, with the outlying channels keeping up with the onscreen action very well, even if the track falls just a tad shy of demo quality. Additionally, the track is nicely atmospheric and filled with plenty of little sounds that help complete the film’s sonic environments. Thanks to the lossless encode, fidelity is terrific for the musical component, as well as the sound effects. The bass channel packs the entire necessary rumble that the sound effects require. Voices have a warm, natural quality, plus the film’s dialogue is always completely understandable, clear and precise.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: TV Special: Life On Planet 51 [2009] [1080p] [2.35:1] [11:55] Here we take a look Behind-the-Scenes feature on the making of the animated film ‘PLANET 51’ and it covers everything from the voice acting, to the storyboards, to the final animation, this feature is your basic making-of piece that comes standard nowadays. A lot of promotional stuff is thrown in here too. Contributors include: Dwayne Johnson [Captain Chuck T. Baker], Justin Long [Lem], Jessica Biel [Neera], Sean William Scott [Skiff], Joe Stillman [script], Marcos Martinez [Original Idea/Co-Director], Gary Oldman [Crawl], Gonzalo Rueda [Director of Technology], Javier Romero [Lighting Supervisor], Fernando Moro [Animation/Layout Supervisor], Charlie Ramos [Crowds Animation Supervisor] and Jorge Blanco [Original Idea/Director].
Special Feature: Planetarium Sizzles Cast Featurette [2009] [1080p] [2.35:1] [3:13] With this special feature, it is basically a sort of continuation of the previous above special feature and here we have a short piece that again features several of the cast members describing their characters and their place in the plot, with little emphasis on the actual voice work, aside from some behind-the-scenes footage of the actors behind the microphone. Contributors include: Justin Long [Lem], Jessica Biel [Neera] and Dwayne Johnson [Captain Chuck T. Baker].
Special Feature: ‘PLANET 51’ Music Video Montage [2009] [1080p] [2.35:1] [2:05] This special feature contains several clips from the animation film ‘PLANET 51’ playing against rock tunes from the soundtrack. What I don't understand is the choice of music featured from The Killers and Blink 182, very weird and totally unsuitable.
Special Feature: Extended Scenes: With this special feature it takes us on an un-narrated tour of ‘PLANET 51's and includes three original scenes that were cut in the editing process for the Theatrical release and they are as follows: A Total Disaster [2009] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:02]; When Aliens Invade [2009] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:02] and Any Orders? [2009] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:02].
Special Feature: Animation Progression Reels: With this special feature it showcases six scenes from the film in four stages of progression, each placed in a box across all four corners of the screen. Highlighted scenes include: Chuck's Landing [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:20]; Chuck On The Run [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:58]; The Chase [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:42]; General's Orders [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [4:28]; Gas Station [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:13] and Showdown With the General [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:13].
Special Feature: Origins of ‘PLANET 51’ Short Cut [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:59] This is a fairly basic making-of piece that features cast and crew speaking on the story and moving on to look at the process of having the voiceover work added to the animated film’s sound track, and hearing the quality of the voices of the actors in matching what they view on the screen, the design of the alien world, and the wizardry computer effects used in the process.
Special Feature: The World of ‘PLANET 51’ [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:50] This is simply is a compilation piece that showcases some of the many locations found throughout the animated film ‘PLANET 51.’
Special Feature: Target 51 Game: Astronaut Captain Chuck T. Baker is closing on his destination – Planet 51. Here you can choose two different Game Modes: GALAZY or SURVIVAL MODE. In both modes you will have three ships and players have to shoot incoming spacecraft from a first-person perspective in level one, dodge objects in a third-person mode in level two, and blast asteroids in level three, the final level is nothing more than a rip-off of Asteroids. But be warned, a ship can only take three hits before it is destroyed! Press the Pop-Up menu button at any time to exit the game. Good Luck!
Sneak Previews: Here we get to view two Original Theatrical Trailers and they are as follows: ‘Space Chips’ [2008] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:13] and ‘VALIENT’ [2005] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:03]
Finally, ‘PLANET 51’ offers a funny spin on the fifties sci-fi films genre, as well as being a beautifully animated CGI film. The animation film looks as good as anything put out by PIXAR, even with the filmmakers' ability to get away with practically texture less alien creatures. Most of the best material will find favour only with adults, but children should still get a kick out of the animation film's generic but whacky characters, bright visuals, and innocently fun tone. Entertainment in Video UK Blu-ray release of ‘Planet 51’ is solid. Science Fiction fans owe it to themselves to check the animation film out, and no doubt the children will beg their parents to add it to the Blu-ray library. But what I cannot understand is that why people haven’t pointed out that this animation film is very similar to the 3D Blu-ray of ‘Escape From Planet Earth’ animation film. To sum up the Blu-ray is totally gorgeous, and the best way to view ‘PLANET 51’ at home via your Home Cinema set-up. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
