The Iron Giant

Rating:
Summary: Not a cartoon
Review: The Iron Giant was a fantastic movie----after a while you didn't even notice that it was animated instead of live action. I cheered for the boy; I cheered for the robot, and of course hissed at the bad government agent ! My only question is; why did they name the young boy "Hogarth"? It's definitely not a name you hear every day like Bill or Greg. (Of course, Zane isn't that common of a name either !)

Rating:
Summary: Greatest Animated Movie Ever (And I'm Serious)
Review: I have nothing against Japanese animation. Nothing at all. There are only two things I hate about Japanimation - the picture, and the sound. Which, now that I think about it, encompasses the whole experience of anything viewed in a theatre or on a television, so I guess I do have something against it. I'm sure that the fans of it all have great reasons for watching it, and they all obviously love it to bits... but personally, I can't stand it.

Not that American animation's any better. For this reason, I've turned into one of *those* fans of animation - the type that's dissatisfied with everything he sees.

I don't have to be dissatisfied any more. I have seen the future of animation, and its name is The Iron Giant.

Let's ignore the lack of sidekicks and musical numbers for the moment, and judge this not as an animated movie, but as a movie in and of itself - it still rises head and shoulders above almost everything else in its path, like the 50-foot behemoth the movie's named after. Every single frame of film has been put together with the most meticulous of skill and detail, every single snippet of dialouge is perfectly suited to the situation and character, and every joke, every plot twist, every event grows organically out of the premise.

The character of the Giant himself is the direction I'd like computer animation to go. The smoothness and clarity of CGI combined with the warmth and simplicity of hand-drawn animation. The most remarkable thing about the Giant, however, is that even with a thimble for a head and steel shutters for eyes, he's still more expressive than almost any Japanese character I've ever seen. For this alone, Iron Giant gets my vote as a landmark in animation - a movie everyone will enjoy, and a technical achievment any animator, from ANY country, could learn a thing or two from.

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Movie, Animated or Not
Review: The previous reviews already provide many words of praise for the exceptional film making that has produced this fine movie, so I will comment on the quality of the DVD. The video quality is superb. The image is sharp and the colors are true. This is especially appreciated when viewing some of the more spectacular animated sequences, such as the storm at sea at the very beginning of the film, or the combat scenes near the end. The movie is recorded in Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 and the sound is very nicely done. There are many quiet scenes in the story, but when full-blown sound is called for, it is there.

There are not a lot of "extras" on this disk, but it is better supplied than most "family" films. For some reason, the studios have decided that those who buy family oriented movies are not interested in the additional features that other DVDs provide. This disk does include a trailer (see for yourself if Warner botched the advertising for this film or just released it at a bad time), bios and filmographies of the cast, and a "Making of" documentary. The latter was apparently made for television and shown prior to the release of the movie to build interest. It contains clips of interviews with the cast and director and not much else. There is really little about the actual production of the movie. The disk also contains some DVD-ROM material but this is also rather limited. Please note that I don't consider interactive menus and scene access to be special features, they are, or should be, standard features of all DVDs. All though these "extras" are limited, they are far more than commonly found on DVDs intended for a comparable market.

The only really negative thing I can offer about the DVD version of The Iron Giant is that it is packaged in the cheap and shabby cardboard "Snap" case that Warner insists on using. I would have much preferred an Amaray "Keep" case. In conclusion, I think this disk would be an invaluable addition to anyone's collection.

Rating:
Summary: The Iron Giant - Destined To Become A Classic.
Review: The Iron Giant offers something for everyone and sends a powerful message on our ability to decide right from wrong. The movie is not your typical Disney fare(exception Mulan) with musical scores and sidekicks. Instead, the movie blends innocence, fear of the unknown, perceptions, single parent struggles and a strong moral message for all ages. Children will identify with the relationship between Hogarth and the Iron Giant while getting a strong dose of right versus wrong. Adults will appreciate the movie's moral message, excellent animation and humor. Warner Brother's proves that Walt Disney is not the only game in town for producing quality family animation that is destined to become a classic.

Rating:
Summary: children please watch
Review: This is the kind of movie that i want my children to watch. parents please: Let your children see this. It has a great message, great meaning, and great animation. Get your kids away from Pokemon and get them to watch Iron Giant. They'll love it. Guaranteed.

Rating:
Summary: What animated movies should be...
Review: I like it, my 18 year-old daughter likes it, my wife likes it, and most importantly my almost 6 year-old son likes it. How's that for a cross section? It doesn't beat the "Lion King" but its real close. The ending continues to bring a tear to my son's eye each time so very sensitive young viewer's may need to be consoled lest they miss the uplift at the end. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A good new look at animation
Review: This movie will really start off a change in the cartoon industry for the next century. The way the 'actors' move arround in this movie might really impress you on the level of natural movement. The contence off this film will probally stike you most if youre of American origine, from an European perspective the bad caracters in the movie are just so .......... lets just call it typical. (no offence.....)

Rating:
Summary: Deserves an Oscar for Best Animated feature of 1999!
Review: This movie should Warner Bros. back on the map for animation (although a far cry from the Looney Tunes collection). It's too bad it didn't get the recognition it deserves, but will probably be remembered for its quality long after movies like Tarzan and South Park are forgotten. You can't help but love the giant who is friendly and loyal and the bright Eli who has to keep the giant out of trouble. The government official is typical of the government! I thought it was funny when Eli is saying his dinner grace: "STOP!...... the devil from all his schemes!" Be sure to check this out for yourself if you haven't already!

Rating:
Summary: The best little guy movie for big & little guys
Review: I stumbled onto this movie in the theatre and saw it six times. If your tv's big enough, get the widescreen version. It's the neatest blend of classic American animation and computer work you'll see...though it all looks hand-drawn.

Every review you've read above is true. The voice cast is terrific. I cheer and cry every time I see it. I cannot believe a "cartoon" does this to me.

This is the movie every dad should've taken his son to see.

Funny and smart. More astonishing, it dares to ask big questions about guns and self-sacrifice and souls. Something that makes a child's IQ go UP for a change.

You can't go wrong with this as a gift (ages 7-11, maybe?) and if you're a guy of any age, you might want one for yourself...hey, it's never too late to have a happy childhood.

The weirdest thing about this movie is you feel like you've stumbled onto a classic you never saw before...

Rating:
Summary: Has to be EXCELLENT...Rave Reviews!
Review: I have not seen the video myself, but sent it to my two young nephews for Christmas. Their family watched it 3 times the first two days after receiving it! They ALL (even mom) LOVE it and say it's quickly become their favorite video! And believe me, they are FUSSY! I can't wait to see it myself!