The Polar Express (US - DVD R1)
We have some early artwork for this Bob Zemeckis animation
Title: The Polar Express
Starring: N/A (Animation)
Released: 22nd November 2005
SRP: $29.95
Warner has announced three editions of the Robert Zemeckis directed movie The Polar Express, which features the voice of Tom Hanks. Firstly, the double-disc release will be available to own from the 22nd November this year, and should retail at around $29.95. The film itself will be presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen, along with English, French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Extras will include a never before seen Smokey and Steamer song, a You Look Familiar: The Many "Polar Faces" of Tom Hanks featurette, A Genuine Ticket to Ride featurette, a True Inspirations: An Author's Adventure feature (profiling Chris Van Allsberg), and a Believe: Josh Groban performs at the Greek Theatre feature. Completing this new package will be a featurette on the making of the song "Believe", a Polar Express Challenge, a Meet the Snow Angels: The Moviemakers feature, a THQ PC game demo with two playable levels, and DVD-ROM features. A limited edition giftset housing the two-disc release along with a Polar Express Snow Globe and a Brio Wooden Train, will also be available. This one should retail at around $45.95. Lastly, there will be a single-disc edition with just the theatrical trailer included. Art is attached:




News by Tom Woodward
Starring: N/A (Animation)
Released: 22nd November 2005
SRP: $29.95
Further Details
Warner has announced three editions of the Robert Zemeckis directed movie The Polar Express, which features the voice of Tom Hanks. Firstly, the double-disc release will be available to own from the 22nd November this year, and should retail at around $29.95. The film itself will be presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen, along with English, French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Extras will include a never before seen Smokey and Steamer song, a You Look Familiar: The Many "Polar Faces" of Tom Hanks featurette, A Genuine Ticket to Ride featurette, a True Inspirations: An Author's Adventure feature (profiling Chris Van Allsberg), and a Believe: Josh Groban performs at the Greek Theatre feature. Completing this new package will be a featurette on the making of the song "Believe", a Polar Express Challenge, a Meet the Snow Angels: The Moviemakers feature, a THQ PC game demo with two playable levels, and DVD-ROM features. A limited edition giftset housing the two-disc release along with a Polar Express Snow Globe and a Brio Wooden Train, will also be available. This one should retail at around $45.95. Lastly, there will be a single-disc edition with just the theatrical trailer included. Art is attached:
Double-Disc Artwork

Single-Disc Artwork


Limited Edition Artwork

News by Tom Woodward
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Existing Posts
The gift set sounds pretty good, but
Spoiler I think it should at least include a bell, like one of the CD's did, to go along with the point at the end of the movie about how the main character could still hear the sound the sleigh bell made while his sister had stopped believing and became unable to hear it.
Well, it's what I'd do anyway. That little bit was one of the things about the movie I remember best.
Spoiler I think it should at least include a bell, like one of the CD's did, to go along with the point at the end of the movie about how the main character could still hear the sound the sleigh bell made while his sister had stopped believing and became unable to hear it.
Well, it's what I'd do anyway. That little bit was one of the things about the movie I remember best.
Unfortunately, I just dont think anything will ever make this movie as good as when I saw it at the Imax-3D despite the added editions since this was first announced.
Are the rumors about the Star Wars films all being released in Imax 3D true? Does anyone know or have a link about that happening?
Are the rumors about the Star Wars films all being released in Imax 3D true? Does anyone know or have a link about that happening?
I'll probably just give this a rent.
Quote: Originally posted by Chris Gould
What, buying toys for spoiled kids?
Do I detect cynicism in that comment, Chris? There are plenty of people that haven't let the commercialization of the Christmas holiday overwhelm its true meaning. Hell, I know that and I'm a Jew.
What, buying toys for spoiled kids?
Do I detect cynicism in that comment, Chris? There are plenty of people that haven't let the commercialization of the Christmas holiday overwhelm its true meaning. Hell, I know that and I'm a Jew.
I don't particularly care to see the movie. The artwork on the double disc set is amazing.
I can understand why people (unfairly?)say the animation is horrible. It has a weird quality. It's too realistic to be animation, and yet too unrealistic to be live-action. It's very unsettling. It's almost a case of, if it were any more real, it WOULD be real and then why not just make it with real actors.
Anyway, stick with the book. Pass on the movie.
Anyway, stick with the book. Pass on the movie.
Nice to see that, unlike Fox, Warner is giving three editions of the movie for us to choose from: a movie-only disc, a 2-disc SE, and a gift set.
I saw this, and I really liked it. Whoever said the animation was horrible deserves to be shot - it's gorgeous. I think people are panning it just because Tom Hanks is in it and that the characters look "creepy" - and most of them haven't even seen the film. See the movie first before you say anything horrible about it.
I saw this, and I really liked it. Whoever said the animation was horrible deserves to be shot - it's gorgeous. I think people are panning it just because Tom Hanks is in it and that the characters look "creepy" - and most of them haven't even seen the film. See the movie first before you say anything horrible about it.
I saw this movie in IMAX-3D and it was incredible...because of IMAX-3D. I would watch anything like that!
THe movie itself? Boring...creepy...it's definitely aimed at children, but it's so slow moving that I think children would get bored. Not to mention that it has the most depressing Santa ever. I don't think he smiles once...and they portray the elves as slaves that bow down to Santa. VERY creepy.
Unless it comes with my own imax 3D theatre, I'll DEFINITELY pass.
THe movie itself? Boring...creepy...it's definitely aimed at children, but it's so slow moving that I think children would get bored. Not to mention that it has the most depressing Santa ever. I don't think he smiles once...and they portray the elves as slaves that bow down to Santa. VERY creepy.
Unless it comes with my own imax 3D theatre, I'll DEFINITELY pass.
What, buying toys for spoiled kids?
Quote: Originally posted by floyd dylan
What I want to know is....
Why did a Jewish director make a film about Christmas in the first place?
Kind of going against his beliefs don't you think?
Maybe the same reason a jewish composer wrote the classic song "White Christmas." You don't have to be a Christian to celebrate the Christmas season and the values it celebrates.
What I want to know is....
Why did a Jewish director make a film about Christmas in the first place?
Kind of going against his beliefs don't you think?
Maybe the same reason a jewish composer wrote the classic song "White Christmas." You don't have to be a Christian to celebrate the Christmas season and the values it celebrates.
Quote: Originally posted by tom normandy
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
Sorry, but that's a pretty damn ignorant statement. The release windows for DVDs are shorter than ever. As mentioned earlier, this is a seasonal release and it is totally appropriate for the studio to release it at a time that would maximize sales of its property. People that sell bootlegs are no more than thieves. If you buy a bootleg, you are supporting the theft of someone else's property. Something you should remember if your car gets stolen or your home gets robbed ...it's essentially the same thing.
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
Sorry, but that's a pretty damn ignorant statement. The release windows for DVDs are shorter than ever. As mentioned earlier, this is a seasonal release and it is totally appropriate for the studio to release it at a time that would maximize sales of its property. People that sell bootlegs are no more than thieves. If you buy a bootleg, you are supporting the theft of someone else's property. Something you should remember if your car gets stolen or your home gets robbed ...it's essentially the same thing.
Nice box set for the kids!
I've not seen this one, i thought the animation looked horrible...
The train and snowglobe are a cool idea, Elf did the smae by having an alarm clock with it.
Me want.
im gonna try this one
i had a bad experience with the ELF dvd, it took a year to come out on dvd and the movie was AWFUL!!
i hope not to be repeated with 'The Polar Express'
i had a bad experience with the ELF dvd, it took a year to come out on dvd and the movie was AWFUL!!
i hope not to be repeated with 'The Polar Express'
They're gonna fix that box art, right?
2 discs...that's more like it, althought it drives me nuts when studios leave off theatrical trailers. I enjoy looking back to see how a film was marketed.
-
What I want to know is....
Why did a Jewish director make a film about Christmas in the first place?
Kind of going against his beliefs don't you think?
Why did a Jewish director make a film about Christmas in the first place?
Kind of going against his beliefs don't you think?
Full details now added. It'll be a two-disc set afterall!
Chistmas comes but once a year...
...and there is good reason for the phrase "nothing's worse than a Christmas movie after Christmas Eve".
Anyway, to put us in the mood for the big day, we pig-out on our favourite seasonal movies on the 24th, which always include:
The Nightmare Before Christmas (with Vincent as a starter)
Gremlins
Black Christmas
A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version, still the best in out eyes)
All on a huge raft of alcohol, of course.
As for Polar Express, a friend lent us a gorgeous bootleg of it, in which all of the signage was in French, but the thumpingly-powerful stereo soundtrack was in the native tongue. But that it had not one, but numerous versions of Tom Hanks in it repelled us with almost garlic-like ferocity.
Anyway, to put us in the mood for the big day, we pig-out on our favourite seasonal movies on the 24th, which always include:
The Nightmare Before Christmas (with Vincent as a starter)
Gremlins
Black Christmas
A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version, still the best in out eyes)
All on a huge raft of alcohol, of course.
As for Polar Express, a friend lent us a gorgeous bootleg of it, in which all of the signage was in French, but the thumpingly-powerful stereo soundtrack was in the native tongue. But that it had not one, but numerous versions of Tom Hanks in it repelled us with almost garlic-like ferocity.
Single disc? No way. Good family film but I'm not falling for that eventual double-dip.
I saw this in the Theatre.
Thought it was pretty good other than some problems with the animations.
Thought it was pretty good other than some problems with the animations.
I didn't watch this one, I watched The Incredibles instead. Both where release about the same time.
Few more details added, including the street date - 22nd November...
The 3D Imax version was amazing....not sure if just watching this "regular" is even worth it after the Imax viewing :/
Quote: Originally posted by tom normandy
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
Geez so impatient.
I prefer my Christmas movies to be released around the holiday season. I cant believe so many people want them so soon. I saw so many people complain that 'Elf' was taking forever to get to DVD.
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
Geez so impatient.

I prefer my Christmas movies to be released around the holiday season. I cant believe so many people want them so soon. I saw so many people complain that 'Elf' was taking forever to get to DVD.
The only seasonal film that has a place in my collection is Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life." Generally, I feel Christmas movies are like Christmas songs.... I have a two month window of enjoyment. So if I happen to get the urge to watch one of these films, it's a rental.
Quote: Originally posted by Me You
I wonder if they are going to include a 3D version. I hear that was really the only reason to see the movie.Here in Aus, the 3D version was released at IMAX cinemas...
I wonder if they are going to include a 3D version. I hear that was really the only reason to see the movie.Here in Aus, the 3D version was released at IMAX cinemas...
Quote: Originally posted by tom normandy
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
What are you talking about? Back then people would have to wait two years for a movie to be released on Video. If anything DVds are released too soon.
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
What are you talking about? Back then people would have to wait two years for a movie to be released on Video. If anything DVds are released too soon.
I saw this last christmas with my mom and have to say it wasen't that bad. The animation was spot on to the book. It is probably more aimed for kids, and rightly so. I say give it a chance. It is better to think of it on its own than compared to other computer animated movies.
"all that good?" I think it looks awful.
Quote: Originally posted by Matt Joseph
Because it's a seasonal film that will sell better when it is a new release around the holidays versus a release that has been sitting on shelves for several months leading up to Thanksgiving/Christmas. It's all in the marketing to get the maximum exposure and sales.
Exactly. They did the same thing with Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf as well.
Also, Christmas with the Kranks was originally supposed to be released a couple months ago, but I'm pretty sure that's being put off until the end of the year as well.
That said, I actually have no desire to see this. I don't think it looks all that good.
Because it's a seasonal film that will sell better when it is a new release around the holidays versus a release that has been sitting on shelves for several months leading up to Thanksgiving/Christmas. It's all in the marketing to get the maximum exposure and sales.
Exactly. They did the same thing with Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf as well.
Also, Christmas with the Kranks was originally supposed to be released a couple months ago, but I'm pretty sure that's being put off until the end of the year as well.
That said, I actually have no desire to see this. I don't think it looks all that good.
Yeah I need to catch this one. Finally give it a chance one year later. Lol.
Quote: Originally posted by tom normandy
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Because it's a seasonal film that will sell better when it is a new release around the holidays versus a release that has been sitting on shelves for several months leading up to Thanksgiving/Christmas. It's all in the marketing to get the maximum exposure and sales.
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Because it's a seasonal film that will sell better when it is a new release around the holidays versus a release that has been sitting on shelves for several months leading up to Thanksgiving/Christmas. It's all in the marketing to get the maximum exposure and sales.
Year's wait
Just like they did with "The Santa Clause 2" and, i think, "Elf". Both these flicks were released to DVD almost a year after they were made so they could capitalize on their Christmas theme... Why should this one be any different?
I wonder if they are going to include a 3D version. I hear that was really the only reason to see the movie.
Pretty nice artwork, but it would look cool with the red frame from the soundtrack.
I hate when they do this. They wait a whole freakin year to release the movie.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
Well I guess thats why bootleg is good.
It looked pretty cool in theaters, Ill check it out.
THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)
Expect this to be a 2-Disc Special Edition available in seperate 2.35:1 animorphic widescreen and fullscreen editions. And the rumored release date is November 15, 2005.
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