Easter is just around the corner, and here in the UK we could be heading for a bit of cold one. So what better way to enjoy the break and shelter from the weather than snuggling up and sticking on a few films on the home cinema instead?
The Blu-ray Disc Association have just sent us a list of their top ten discs which will be ideal for Easter viewing. They’re quite family orientated so bear that in mind, but there are a few gems in there that are definitely worth a watch in high-definition, with or without the family.
The classic Wizard of Oz is always a good watch and is especially good on HD despite the age of the film. I’ve heard decent comments about Legend of the Guardians too – the sound and picture quality is supposed to be top notch – a real system ‘show off’ disc. We really enjoyed Puss In Boots at the cinema and was a much better spin-off than we’ve had from other franchises so I’m looking forward to giving that a go on the home cinema soon. This weekend we’ve got Tintin, which I’m itching to get on the system – I just hope it loves up to expectations…
Unfortunately, there are also some films on the list that, ahem, weren’t quite so well received (films involving bears and smurfs especially) so maybe leave the kids to watch these on their own!
If you haven’t got a home cinema system, then you might be interested in our revamped home cinema system buyers guide – we’ve tried to make it easier to follow and understand and make choosing your system easier.
Anyway, without further ado, and in no particular order:
The Blu-ray Disc Associations Top 10 Easter Films:
Hop
Is there any better occasion to try animated comedy Hop than at Easter? E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) is a talented rabbit and heir to the Easter Bunny throne, who dreams of escaping his kingdom to become a drummer with a rock n roll band. Packed with animated zaniness and genre-flipping trickery, Hop is sure to have the whole family jumping for joy.
Puss in Boots 3D
Buccaneers ready your swords! Antonio Banderas reprises his role as the swashbuckling, boot-wearing pussycat from Dreamworks’ Shrek series, in a 3D adventure that’s out of this realm. Accompanied by Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) and Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), Puss sets off on a quest to track down the legendary magic beans in this stunningly presented picture, providing ‘purrrfect’ entertainment for everyone.
The Smurfs 3D
The hugely popular, lovable, blue creatures come to life in this miniature 3D adventure of epic proportions. Transported from their magical village to present day New York by the evil wizard Gargamel, the Smurfs must keep their wits about them if they stand any chance of making their way home.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn 3D
Based on Hergé’s series of books, the beautifully animated adventures of Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock unravel as they investigate the mystery of the long-lost Unicorn ship. Sure to excite adventurers young and old, the film lends itself perfectly to a 3D Blu-ray release thanks to its stunning visuals and sublime storytelling.
Yogi Bear
When a documentary filmmaker travels to Jellystone Park he soon comes face to face with Yogi Bear, his sidekick Boo-Boo and Ranger Smith. This beautifully colourful Blu-ray bursts with adventure and lush colours so vivid, they look like they could just spill out of the screen and right into your living room.
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Starring the vocal talents of Geoffrey Rush, Hugo Weaving, Sam Neill and Helen Mirren, this family adventure follows young owl Soren, who dreams of joining a mythical band of winged warriors. However when his jealous brother Kludd acts out, a series of events lead the whole community into the talons of an evil trap, forcing Soren to act on his dreams of being a hero for real. With breath-taking visuals and a soaring soundtrack, this is a great example of exactly what a High Definition transfer can do.
The Wizard of Oz
This famous tale of Dorothy Gale’s journey to the colourful kingdom of Oz is regarded as a cinematic classic and Hollywood treasure by many. So what better way is there to return to the magic than with a re-mastered journey down the yellow brick road in high-definition?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton’s take on Roald Dahl’s classic novel sees Freddie Highmore star as Charlie Bucket, a poor child who wins a tour of a chocolate factory run by eccentric recluse Willy Wonka (played by Johnny Depp). Burton’s take on the Chocolate Factory really is a sight to behold in high-definition. Complete with PVC clad Oompa-Loompas, a chocolate moat and much more, this Blu-ray will be great entertainment to accompany those Easter eggs!
Happy Feet 2
Mumble the penguin has a problem. His son Erik is a very reluctant dancer amongst a colony who loves to move to the groove and shake to the beat. When their world is shaken by powerful forces, can he unite the penguin nations to set things right? Packed with rhythm and rumba, this sub-zero adventure is sure to warm the hearts of the whole family on Blu-ray.
Alvin and the Chipmunks – Chipwrecked
The third instalment in the Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise sees Alvin and his buddies having the time of their lives on a cruise ship until they accidentally fall overboard and find themselves ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. Without their adoptive father Dave, the gang must learn to survive on their own, often with hilarious consequences that are sure to have the whole family in stitches.