Finding Nemo

Feeling over protected by his dad Marlin (Brooks), Nemo (Gould) sets out to show him and his new classmates that he isn't scared of anything. Swimming out to touch a boat to prove his courage, Nemo is caught by a driver and taken aboard. Frantic, Marlin swims after the boat as it speeds away into the distance but to no avail. Distraught he thinks all is lost and he will never see his beloved son again until he swims into Dory (DeGeneres) shows says she know which direction the boat went. The problem is that Dory has a short-term memory problem, so finding Nemo might take a little longer than Marlin hoped.

Pixar does it again, showing everyone how to make not just a great animated film but a fabulous movie.

Finding Nemo is a triumph in every department. Great characters, touching and funny plot and some of the most unbelievable computer generated animation you have ever seen on the big screen. Pixar has created a truly believable undersea world that is quite simply stunning and a feast for the eye.

Animation God John Lasseter and his creative team surpass themselves again, as with every movie they produce they raise the bar another level. The ocean is bought to life on the screen with incredible detail. Besides from the characters looking absolutely superb, the coral reef and ocean floor environments are the most stunning ever seen. They look real, with light refracting perfectly and the movement of the tide and particles within the ocean recreated with astonishing detail. It is a technological master class and sets a new standard in computer animation.

But as with every other Pixar movie, it isn't all about looks, there is a great story in there as well. While basic in notion, Finding Nemo is all about overcoming fear to save the ones you love. This might sound mushy, but writer/director Andrew Stanton (who bought us A Bug's Life) never throws too much sentimentally into the equation. As ever, the mix is just right and the inclusion of gags for the parents, with references to movie classics like Psycho and the Terminator, means that anyone of any age can enjoy the spectacle.

Pixar has again created a group of memorable characters that will stick in the memory. What they do quite expertly is cast the right people of the correct role. By casting the right type of actor for the right character, a comedian for a comedic character, a dramatic actor for a dramatic character, Pixar succeeds in making them more believeable, creating more of an attachment to the audience. In Albert Brooks they have the perfect neurotic, fearful personality that brings the over-protective Marlin to life. Ellen DeGeneres's character and comedic timing make the memory challenged Dory more than just the comic relief. Willem Defoe's battle-hardened, prisoner of war leader Gill is both courageous and obsessed. Barry Humphries's Bruce, the Fish-oholic shark that wants to treat his fellow fish as friends not food is hysterically funny. And the director himself even gets in on the action by casting himself as the surfer-dude turtle Crush. Geoffrey Rush, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney and Alexander Gould are all marvellously cast and make Nigel the Pelican, Bloat the Blowfish, Peach the Starfish and Nemo extremely memorable characters.

The only negative point I can make about this marvellous movie is the lack of the Pixar trademark outtakes that usually run during the end credits. While they are still worth watching for the little physical comedy moments from the cast and a great cameo appearance, I would have liked to have seen some more of Pixar's creativity.

Finding Nemo is what family films are all about. As with the Toy Story films, A Bug's Life and Monsters, Inc, Pixar has produced a movie that everyone can enjoy, whatever your age. With superb animation, fantastically realised characters and a story that is both amusing and heart warming, this is an instant classic that will become a firm family favourite for years to come.

Disc 1

Widescreen Presentation of Finding Nemo
Disc Introductions: Introductions to the Finding Nemo DVDs from the film's directors Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich as well as co-writer Bob Peterson.
Visual Commentary: Watch the movie with the filmmakers' commentary. At several points throughout, they will take you away from the film to view deleted scenes, original concepts, and other elements, then return you to where you left off.
Virtual Aquariums: "Turn the text off" of various menus throughout both discs and turn your television into a virtual aquarium.

Disc 2

Disc Introductions: Introductions to the Finding Nemo DVDs from the film's directors Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich as well as co-writer Bob Peterson.
Exploring The Reef: Join Jean Michel Cousteau on an underwater adventure. Don't be surprised when the spectacular live action coral reef, gets a surprise visit from some of your favorite animated fish; Marlin, Nemo, and Dory.
Making Nemo Documentary: A 25:00 look at what went into making the movie. Learn the secrets about creating realistic water, talking fish, and much, much more.
Virtual Aquariums: "Turn the text off" of various menus throughout both discs and turn your televsion into a virtual aquarium.
Art Review: This 8:00 piece takes you on an exploration of the artwork of Nemo. You can watch it with the Artists themselves as your hosts, or you can enjoy it with music only.
Character Galleries: See the maquettes of each of your favorite characters.
Art Galleries: See original artwork from the various environments throughout the film; including the coral reef, the drop off and more.
Color Script
Mr. Ray's Encyclopedia: Nemo's teacher, Mr. Ray teaches you all about the real live fish that inspired the characters of the movie.
Knick Knack: In the tradition of For The Birds and Luxo Jr. this is another Pixar Animated Short. Knick Knack has been fully restored and remastered for this release.
Fish Charades: Just like the classic game only with fish! Crush hosts as the silver fish from the movie "act out" your clues. The faster you guess the better you score. Play alone or with a friend.
Story time: Spend a day with Nemo as he heads off to school. You can have the story read to you or read it at your own pace. Includes interactive clickables along the way.
Pixar Studio Tour: A fast pace tour (5:00) of Pixar Studios from the eyes of a kid. See what goes into making an animated feature.
Behind The Scenes: Go behind the scenes of the making of Finding Nemo
Character Interviews: Fully animated character interviews with all of your favorites.
Robbie Williams Animated Music Trailer "Beyond The Sea"
Publicity: Includes 7 trailers from the original domestic theatrical release as well as a gallery of posters, ads, and other goodies.

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2003