The Polar Express (Two-Disc Edition) (DVD)

What does creepy motion capture children and a snowy train track bring you? The Polar Express of course. Okay, maybe the kids aren't entirely "creepy" but those damned elves would give me the willies if I met them. They are really odd looking, and when a CGI rendered version of Steven Tyler seems to "fit in" something is wrong. Even director Robert Zemeckis says in the features on this DVD that Tyler has an "elfish" look about him, and while that gave me a laugh it just reiterates my point.

My overall impression of the motion-capture technique used to bring The Polar Express to life aside, this is a good film for the kiddies. It has good music, a heart-warming story and it is Christmas, who can't find something to love about Christmas!?!?

The story tells the tale of a young boy whose name is never revealed, but I guess if Hero Boy is a satisfying name for the filmmakers I can jump on board. Hero Boy has lost his faith in Santa, he no longer believes, which is simply not going to pack it. So what happens? Well a magical train appears in front of his house and takes him and a group of children to the North Pole where they meet Santa and find the true meaning of Christmas and a valuable life lesson along the way.

The Polar Express is a fun flick and while the motion capture does make the faces look a bit odd it is all forgivable with this fun and feature-filled DVD.

Like all of Warner Home Video releases as of late this one has just the right amount of special features. It keeps to the point, gives you the information and gets out. Obviously the major topic here is the motion capture technique used as the filmmakers used real actor performances to bring this one to life. On top of that Tom Hanks plays the part of six characters starting with Hero Boy, Hero Boy's father, Santa, the Polar Express conductor, the scrooge and the hobo aboard the train. If you thought that wasn't going to get a feature of its own you're crazy.

The features are rounded out with some musical moments including a never-before-seen song, a behind the scenes look at Josh Groban's "Believe", a DVD game and a look at the "Polar Express" author, Chris Van Allsburg, and how his book and illustrations inspired a major motion picture.

I showed this movie to my mother, who teaches second grade, over the Thanksgiving holiday and while I remain a bit iffy on the movie she was convinced kids would love it. So if you don't believe me, believe my mother. Besides, mother knows best.