The Bottom Line
Pros
- Entertaining family film
- The three leads (basically the only people in the movie) have great chemistry
- Decent collection of bonus features
- The DVD contains both the regular and 3D versions
Cons
- Why isn't there a detailed featurette on the 3D aspects of the film?
Description
- Starring Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem
- Directed by Eric Brevig
- Rated PG for PG for intense adventure action and some scary moments
- DVD Release Date: October 28, 2008
Guide Review - 'Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D' DVD Review
This Journey is a new take on the classic Jules Verne tale, with Brendan Fraser playing science professor Trevor Anderson who, along with his young nephew (Josh Hutcherson), takes off for Iceland to try and find Trevor's missing brother. Once there the twosome turns into a threesome when they're joined by local guide Hannah (newcomer Anita Briem). As they explore the area, they literally stumble across an undiscovered world far, far, far below the Earth's surface.
The Bonus Features
The DVD includes both the 2D and 3D versions of the film and if you're into 3D at all, opt to play the DVD on the B side in order to get the full effect (yes, those funky 3D glasses are included in the DVD package). The special effects are terrific, and the 3D aspects make the leap to the small screen fairly well.
The bonus material on the DVD is just an average collection of goodies. The one standout is the commentary track. Even if you're not into listening to commentary tracks, I highly recommend you take the time to check out this one. Director Eric Brevig and Fraser combine for what could possibly be one of the most entertaining commentaries in recent years. Fraser's hilarious - and Brevig's no slouch.
Other extras on the DVD include 'A World Within Our World' which is an interesting and educational featurette on the history of the different 'Hollow Earth' theories. There's a 'Being Josh' featurette which is all about, obviously, actor Josh Hutcherson. 'How to Make a Dinosaur Drool' is a short extra focusing on the special effects used in the movie.
Kids might be interested in checking out the two interactive games included on the DVD - 'Ride the Mine Car' and 'Bat the Fish.' Both games are fairly simple to play and should keep young ones entertained for a bit.
