THE SMURFS
Release date: December 2, 2012
Blu-ray version (some materials may not appear on the DVD version)

I wasn’t sure what to smurf when I heard there was going to be a movie about the Smurfs. “The Smurfs” was actually the first cartoon I ever worked on. I have a great respect for that series, but, it was a very sugary sweet little show and I couldn’t imagine how a film would do with today’s audiences. When I learned that it was to be a CG animated film, integrating the three-apples-tall creatures into the real world, I was afraid it would make fun of the originals, but it didn’t.

Near the opening of the film, I was most impressed seeing what looked like a real-life version of the Smurf’s village. Seeing the 3D animated creatures wandering about the realistic town was as if the old animated series actually had come to life.

The Smurfs were no longer that oversweet characters, but they were still quite likeable. Today’s technology actually made them believable. There’s a great storyline and some really wonderful performances, including Neil Patrick Harris, and quite notably Hank Azaria in the role of Gargamel.

The comical villain is a marvel to watch, playing great homage to the original version, while serving up plenty of laughs, and yet appropriately terrorizing the little blue heroes along the way.

As for BONUS FEATURES, there are two commentaries, one with the director, and one with the producer, writers and visual effects supervisor, there’s a music video set to clips from the film and there’s also THE SMURFS FANTASTIC ADVENTURE GAME.

There are a total of five DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES (7:41), which offer some more Gargamel fun, while getting a glimpse into the creative process of the various stages of animation. There’s also a cut son, sung by Papa Smurf!

BLUE-PERS (:25) is not even a half minute of bloopers. Interestingly, there are no real bloopers from the film, just these ultra quick fictional pieces.

THE SMURFS: COMIC BOOK TO THE BIG SCREEN (8:15)

I thought this would be a history of the Smurfs, but it’s more about what went into creating the CG Smurfs. Although a misleading title, it is an interesting piece.

SMURF SPEAK: MEET THE CAST (9:26) – It’s always fun to see the faces behind the voices, and this featurettes offers glimpses into the recording sessions, and onscreen cast interviews including George Lopez, Katy Perry, and Johnathan Winters who voiced Papa Smurf. Interestingly, Johnathan was the voice of Grandpa Smurf in the Hanna Barbera television series. It was always a treat when Grandpa Smurf would be in an episode, because us employees would often be treated to impromptu comedy routines as he made his way to the recording booth.

The PROGRESSION REELS (9:14) are fascinating. These five pieces go behind and give an in-depth look at the creation of the animation, the live action sets, the Smurf’s village, and the Smurfs themselves. Although just ten minutes, there’s some wonderful content packed in here.

GOING GARGAMEL (9:57) I’m always fascinated by behind the scenes bonus features, and this one is definitely a highlight, watching the transformation of Hank Azaria to Gargamel, getting into the costume, going through make-up and getting in character.

Hope this smurfs you know what on “The Smurfs” BLUE-ray! Now get out there, and smurf a good day!