Plot: What’s it about?
After his home world was demolished by hostile aliens, Cale (Matt Damon) hasn’t seen too many humans around. This is because many were killed when his world was attacked and destroyed, but also because the aliens that invaded his world have been hunting down the survivors. He might have been just a child when he was shuttled off his home and last saw his father, but Cale remembers it as if it happened yesterday. Now he works a manual labor position and is treated like an outsider, which he is in truth. But while he doesn’t know if humans will emerge again, one of them is looking for him and as fate holds it, he is found. The man who found Cale is Korso (voiced by Bill Pullman), a commander who knows a lot about Cale’s life and that of his father as well. So after some proof that danger was near, Cale joins with Korso and his crew, with a course set for a massive device called Titan. This machine holds the future of the human race, as it could generate a new home world for them and offer them a second chance. But the hostile aliens, the Drej, want this to be the last stand for mankind and will do whatever it takes to wipe them out, once and for all. Can Cale and his new friends overcome the odds, locate the Titan, then make a new home for themselves and all of mankind?
Despite a massive push through television ads and such, Titan A.E. tanked at the box office and some changes were made around the Fox studios as a result. I was thrown off by the top forty music that played during the one of the film’s theatrical trailers, but I went ahead and checked the movie out during its theatrical run. I admit the storyline was rather weak at times, but the animation was very cool, the sound was awesome, and the flick was a lot of fun to watch. I found some of the splices between cel and computer animation to be rough, but overall, Titan A.E. has some of the most dazzling visuals I’ve seen. I love the surges of color and light, much more involved and complex that I expected and very effective. The studios don’t issue much in terms of good science fiction these days, so Titan A.E. seemed to have come at a good time, but still couldn’t manage to reach blockbuster status. I am unsure why that is though, the film has intense visuals, a loaded cast, and of course, the magic of Don Bluth studios behind it. If you’re looking for a science fiction film to flesh out your collection, Titan A.E. is a very wise choice indeed. A rental is in order for skeptics, but this disc is loaded and the film is made for repeat viewing, so you might as well purchase it.
Titan A.E. was codirected by Don Bluth, who many of you will know from his cinematic and video game work. Bluth’s studio has become very popular over the years and while that following has declined of late, I feel the work is still very good and stands up well. Here we see the usual cel animation in use, but that is combined with computer enhanced animation, to form a cohesive tandem for maximum visual impact. The cel animation looks terrific here and more fluid than previous Bluth studio films, while the computer rendered material is stunning at times, very impressive. But when the two styles converge, things can become a little sticky, as they don’t always mesh as well as they should. I wasn’t taken out of the film by these instances, but I do think it is worth mentioning in this review. Other Bluth headed projects include Anastasia, An American Tail, Rock-A-Doodle, and The Land Before Time, as well as video games such as Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair. The voice talent present in this film is impressive, including such performers as Drew Barrymore (Mad Love), Tone Loc (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective), Matt Damon (Dogma), Nathan Lane (The Lion King), Bill Pullman (Mr. Wrong), Janeane Garofalo (Reality Bites), and John Leguizamo (The Pest).
Video: How does it look?
Titan A.E. is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. As I stated above, this movie has some excellent visuals and as such, this transfer had to come through in perfect form to do them justice. And I am pleased to proclaim, this disc sports a flawless and reference level visual presentation, which should please fans to no end. The film’s color scope covers the entire spectrum, but all the hues seem dead on, whether drab or vivid. This means that while the more natural colors retain their dullness, the brighter hues take on high levels of richness and brightness, very cool stuff. The blues look breathtaking in this transfer, a real sight to see to be sure. The black levels complement the colors well also, allowing for a stark level of contrast, but also letting plenty of detail surface as well. It doesn’t get much better than this and as such, I am giving this transfer my highest possible score.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc also packs a punch in the audio department, with dual Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks to choose from. I’ve listened to both tracks and while both are impressive, the DTS option has an overall edge even if a small one. The film’s pop driven soundtrack sounds excellent in both mixes, but the DTS track opens it up a little more, which is always welcome of course. The surrounds pulse in both as well, the sound effects race through the speakers and immerse the viewer in the experience, just like it should be. The DTS track is a little richer in certain sequences, but either choice will have your system working overtime to keep up. No problems with the dialogue either, both tracks offer smooth and crisp vocals at all times. This disc also houses 2.0 surround tracks in English and French, as well as subtitles in Spanish and English.
Supplements: What are the extras?
So the disc looks and sounds terrific, but what about the extras, right? Well, this one is loaded with all sorts of goodies, including an audio commentary track with directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. The two discuss topics like animation styles, how the two styles were combined, some early ideas both men had for the film, as well as their thoughts on what they’d like to change. Both seem talkative and relaxed, which means the track is filled with interesting information and such. A nice selection of deleted sequences is also included, all of which are worth a look if you liked the picture. A behind the scenes featurette is found here as well and while it runs twenty minutes, this is pretty much a fluff piece used to promote the film, as opposed to give insight into the production. You’ll also find some theatrical trailers, television spots, a gallery of concept artwork, and a music video from the film’s soundtrack.
