The Iron Giant: Signature Edition
review by Bobby Blakey
Some of the most timeless films in history are surprisingly animated features, usually from the world of Disney. In 1999 director Brad Bird changed all of that with his animated film The Iron Giant that featured a great voice cast including Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Eli Marienthal and a then unknown Vin Diesel. Now Warner Bros. is bringing the iconic film home with The Iron Giant Signature Edition on Blu-ray.
In case you are from space and never saw the film it follows the story of a nine-year-old boy named Hogarth Hughes who makes friends with an innocent alien giant robot that came from outer space. Meanwhile, a paranoid U.S. Government agent named Kent Mansley arrives in town, determined to destroy the giant at all costs. It's up to Hogarth to protect him by keeping him at Dean McCoppin's place in the junkyard. This is one of those films that doesn’t really need a review since most people have likely already seen it and loved every minute of it. Bird crafted the perfect film filled with emotion, heart, action and laughs all wrapped up in some of the most beautiful animation ever produced. Sure there are plenty of animated films that have come along since this one and even before, but there is just a timeless perfection to the look and feel of it that few have come close to. The vibrant colors and perfect use of shadows brilliantly captures every aspect of the film to bring it to life in a way that it is near impossible to beat. This latest edition offers up a beautiful remastering that makes look even better than it did upon its original release. As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to what to revisit this latest release it also includes two all-new scenes making the film all the better.
This new signature edition features a ton of bonus content including commentaries, deleted scenes, trailers, featurettes and so much more including a brand new documentary that is sure to delight fans. As if this release wasn’t cool enough, Warner Bros. is also releasing an Ultimate Collector’s Edition that includes the Signature Edition and the original theatrical version in both high definition and standard definition, “The Giant’s Dream” documentary, a hardcover art book on “The Iron Giant,” collectible Mondo art cards, a 4-inch plastic articulated Iron Giant statue, and a letter from director Brad Bird.
Grab your copy of The Iron Giant Signature Edition or The Iron Giant: Ultimate Collector’s Edition available September 6th from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.