Buddy (Will
Ferrell), an elf from Santa’s workshop in the North Pole, discovers
that he is human and that his real father is an executive in New York,
and on Santa’s naughty list.
CRITIQUE
I still love this
movie, and even go to the lengths by saying this might become a
“Christmas Classic”. I first saw it last year in the theaters, and it
has not lost any of its luster. It comes packaged in a DVD jam-packed
with bonus features just in time for the holidays.
Buddy (Ferrell)
comes to New York
to find his real father (James Caan). Buddy’s father is not quite what
he expected, but Buddy’s innocence brings out the best both in him and
in the city that he describes as magical. This is why the movie is
special. It is not mean spirited. Much like its naïve character,
Buddy, Elf looks at the world with sugar-plum tinted glasses
and reveals what many of us tend to forget, that everyday is magical,
especially around Christmas time. This outlook is teased out by some
great sequences written by David Berenbaum and directed by Jon
Favreau.
The key to the film
really is Ferrell who manages to capture the innocence of a child
without coming off as cocky, or dopy. His reactions to simple things
like the “world’s best cup of coffee” are what make the film such a
pleasure to watch. Elf will keep children and adults alike
entertained.
THE VIDEO
Elf
is presented on two discs. Disc one features the film in Widescreen
format, disc two is Fullscreen. The DVD preserves the 1.85:1 aspect
ratio of its theatrical exhibition and is enhanced for Widescreen
televisions. The transfer is brilliant. Beautiful colors and crystal
clear.
THE AUDIO
Elf
is presented in Dolby Digital English 5.1 surround sound, as well as
in Spanish stereo surround sound. The audio levels were right on.
THE EXTRAS
This is an
Infinifilm DVD which means that every nook and cranny of the film
is full of special features. Included are:
Kids on Christmas:
Children describe their takes on everything Christmas including:
traditions, elves, Santa Claus, and presents.
Deck The Halls:
A feature that shows people who take decorating their homes to a whole
new level.
Santa Mania:
A feature following the likes of the surfing Santa and people who make
Santa costumes.
Christmas in
Tinseltown:
A feature that looks at the Hollywood Christmas parade throughout the
years.
Fact Track:
Watch the movie with facts on everything from the production of the
movie to what a tracking shot is on the lower portion of the screen.
Also offers the option of seeing alternate/deleted scenes at specific
points in the film.
Commentaries by
Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau:
Two separate commentaries, the two dish out a mind-blowing amount of
information on the film, the production, and behind the scenes.
Deleted/ Alternate
scenes:
Scenes that did not make the cut. Also available with Director
Commentary. Some of the scenes are entertaining, especially the elfish
hockey footage.
Behind the Scenes:
-Tag along with
Will Ferrell
-Film School for
kids
-How they made the
North Pole
-Lights, Camera,
Puffin!
-That’s a wrap!
Apparently cameras
were present during every portion of the process of making Elf.
This is the most all-inclusive behind the scenes feature I have ever
seen. Some very funny moments with Will Ferrell. The behind the scenes
footage really shines a light on what it is like and what goes into
making a feature film.
Music from Elf
Elf Karaoke:
Classic Christmas songs available with or without backup singers.
Read-Along, Elf – A
Short Story of a Tall Tale:
A children’s book on screen available as text or with narration.
Buddy’s Adventure
Game
-The Race Down Mt.
Icing
-Elf in the City
-Snowball Fight
-Fix Santa’s Sleigh
-Secret Elevator
O’Fun
The games are
definitely geared to young children. They are not very interesting,
and The Race Down Mt. Icing kept freezing on me.
DVD-ROM Content
-Make your own
storybook
-Be an Elf photo
activity
-Script-to-Screen
-Image Gallery
-Printable
activities
My computer is not
compatible with the DVD-ROM content.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Elf is a great DVD
that I highly recommend owning. It belongs on the shelf next to
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and will surely be played
every year around Christmas. Most of the extras are worthwhile, and
the DVD will entertain the kids on Christmas day when they tire of
playing with their new toys.
