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Category:    Home > Reviews > Animation > Action > Adventure > Superhero > Comedy > CGI > Toys > The Lego Movie - Everything is Awesome Edition (2014/Warner Blu-ray 3D w/Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy)

The Lego Movie - Everything is Awesome Edition (2014/Warner Blu-ray 3D w/Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy)

Picture: A/A/B Sound: A/A/B+ Extras: B Film: B+



Hard to believe that the Lego Company has been manufacturing those tiny, little bricks since 1949; and they are more popular than ever, in part thanks to The Lego Movie!


New to Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D is The Lego Movie: Totally Awesome Edition. The film takes place in a world inhabited by Lego people/creatures. Everything (literally) from head to toe is Lego. The film starts off with a wise man/wizard named Vitruvius (voiced by Morgan Freeman) battling with the evil Lord Business (Will Ferrell), as he attempts to protect the 'secret weapon' known as The Kragle. The film then fast forwards 8.5 years later where we are introduced to Emmett Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt). Emmett is a lovable, ordinary construction worker Lego man who takes everything at face value. He loves the world, its, people, his job, and everything that is put before him; for in Lego world everything may be awesome, but is 100% controlled by Lord Business. That is to say there are standard songs, TV shows, jobs, foods, and ways to build; not allowing anyone to think outside the box... umm block.

In a life changing event, Emmett stumbles across The Piece of Resistance (something Vitruvius foretold of); but is quickly intercepted by Lord Business' thugs and lead interrogator Bad Cop/Good Cop (voiced by Liam Neeson). Bad Cop/Good Cop is a rotating head figure that using the classic crime drama shtick in an attempt to breakdown Emmett; but seeing as how Emmett barley knows what is going on, the routine fails to work. Emmett is rescued by a female revolutionary named Wildstyle (Elizabeth Banks) who takes Emmett under her wing as they journey to over throw the evil Lord Business.

Not before long, however, Wildstyle and her crew (composed of Batman and a host of other interesting Lego universe characters) realize that Emmett may not be the savior they hoped for... but could he be the one they need?

The Lego Movie is astonishingly good. Whereas they film could have been a total 'kiddie cash in,' instead it remains self-aware and pokes fun at the very thing it is promoting. This fine balance of homage to a classic toy with updated, relevant humor is what makes the film so great. The jokes are a combination of 'Lego humor' that anyone who has ever used Legos could appreciate, mixed with family friendly pop culture references that will go right over the little ones heads.

In the end, a very well made film.

The Everything is Awesome Edition of The Lego Movie is incredibly well constructed! It comes in a thin, clear, plastic, protective case which houses a 3D Blu-ray case in the shape (the film's star) Emmett; much like that of earlier Simpson DVD releases. Along with having an amazingly creative, fun case this release includes a limited edition Vitruvius Lego figure that can only be found with the Everything is Awesome Edition. The 3D picture is presented in a 1080P, 2.40 X 1 AVC encoded MPEG-4 that is astonishingly well done. The standard Blu-ray is presented the same, minus (of course) the 3D feature. This film was made for 3D! And is another great addition to the home theater 3D library. Whereas in the past certain 3D presentations felt muted with blunted colors and image distortion, The Lego Movie does everything correct. This is Blu-ray 3D done right, as it dismisses the 'IN YOUR FACE' 3D gimmicks of the past and instead enhances the film by adding a layer of depth throughout. Outside of the depth of the 3D I would say the image on the 2D release and 3D are very comparable. Both have clean, crisp lines, bright colors, wonderful texture and detail that most films (animated or otherwise) can't achieve. It is truly as if the Lego pieces have come to life.

The sound is equally impressive as the 5.1 DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless mix in both the 3D & 2D releases creates a fully immersive experience. Every speaker lights up with sound, ranging from the crisp, clean dialogue to the fast paced adventure; not to the mention the simply blaring joy of the song 'Everything is Awesome!' With perfect prioritization and balance the track is truly admirable as it surrounds the viewer. Panning effects are spot on and promote the action packed adventure's controlled chaos atmosphere.

Both the DVD and Digital Copies are nice additions to round off this Everything is Awesome set, but are clear downgrades of the amazing 3D and 2D releases.

The extras are plentiful and deliver the same amount of fun as the film itself; offering fans a little bit of everything. Extras include:

  • Batman's a True Artist (Short; music video)

    • A low budget music video of Batman singing of being an orphan

  • Michelangelo and Lincoln: History Cops (Short)

    • Buddie cop show like no other

  • Enter the Ninjago

  • Behind the Scenes: Bringing Lego to Life

  • 'Everything is Awesome' Sing-A-Long

  • Behind the Scenes: See it, Build it!

    • Senior Designer Michael Fuller Introduction

    • Build the Double Decker Couch

    • Build Emmett's Car

  • Behind the Scenes Stories: Stories from the Story Team

  • Fan Made Films: Top Secret Submissions

  • Outtakes

  • Promotional Content

  • Alleyway Test

  • Deleted Scenes

  • Featurette: Dream Job - Meet the Lego Builders



- Michael P. Dougherty II


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