DVD Review: Up

Disney Pixar have now put themselves in a truly awkward situation, by continuing with a completely flawless string of films since 1996's groundbreaking Toy Story. After Up's predecessor, the considerably brave WALL-E, expectations had never been higher. Nevertheless Pixar have exceeded these expectations. With all the glow of a summer's day, Up is a sheer joy to watch. The opening 10 minute sequence in particular oozes quality and carries such emotional power that even the sturdiest of lips should be quivering. Alongside the emotional power, this is also possibly Pixar's funniest effort so far, with Kevin the oversized exotic ostrich and Dug the polite guard dog supplying a multitude of classic slapstick laughs, with Pixar's team of fantastic comic writers adding a sharp wit to keep all members of the audience interested. And it is Pixar's team effort that continues to put their works above all other animation studios. The consistent level of research and meticulous care that they put into their work comes across beautifully. Be it the rich animation of a cascading waterfall or the fantastic vocal work from Ed Asner as the cantankerous Carl Fredericksen. Every frame in the film exudes a craftsmanship far superior to anything seen in children's animation since the early Disney films. Yet stepping away from however relevant this film is to the development of animation, it is quite simply a touching, riveting, lyrical, beautiful and spirited adventure.

Angus