Set in Rockwell, Maryland circa 1957, grade schooler Hogarth Hughes (voiced by Eli Marienthal), is a lonely boy whose single mother Annie (Jennifer Aniston) has to work long hours at the local diner. Always in search of a pet his mother will let him keep, Hogarth regularly brings home squirrels, racoons, and other critters. One evening, Hogarth hears a noise outside. By the time he goes to investigate, nothing is there, but he can see a path of destruction: the ground is trampled, fences broken and trees down. He follows the trail to a nearby power station. It’s there that he spots the Iron Giant (Vin Diesel), chomping on live wires. After Hogwarth saves the giant from electrocution, the 100-foot robot is his friend for life. Now, Hogwarth must keep his new friend a secret from his mother and the federal government.
It’s easy to see why The Iron Giant has gained such a large, devoted following. With a story by Brad Bird and a script by Tim McCanlies, is well-paced, smart and emotionally satisfying. The characters are worth caring about, developed enough to capture the imaginations of children and adults. Though The Iron Giant was Brad Bird’s directorial debut, several of his later films, including The Incredibles and Ratatouille showed that he understood that animation done well can have an audience across all ages.
Adapted from the novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes (widower of poet Sylvia Plath), the films themes of life and afterlife are apparent (Hughes apparently wrote the book to explain the death of their mother to his children) are apparent, but it’s also an interesting examination of 1950’s America, technology and the fears of the Cold War. Admittedly, that’s pretty intense for kids. Thankfully, for the youngest viewers, things are framed so it’s also a tale about a young boy and his friendship with an oversize robot.
Made up of both hand-drawn and CG animation, Warner’s 1080p presentation is presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The 35mm preservation elements have been newly scanned and color-corrected by Warner’s Motion Picture Imaging facility, under the supervision of director Brad Bird. The result is fabulous. Colors are bright and vibrant throughout, when appropriate. Dark nighttime scenes add the appropriate mix of light and shadow. Oversaturation is never a problem and the image is pristine. Video wise, this release approaches reference quality levels.
The 5.1 DTS-HA Master Audio soundtrack is impressively robust. Dynamic range is excellent, surround impressive and LFE is full. Like the video, there’s nothing to complain about here. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise, while effects are strong and well prioritized.
English SDH, French, German SDH, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech, Korean, Romanian and Thai subtitles are included.
Warner released two DVD versions of The Iron Giant in 2004, a basic disc and a “special edition.” Most of the extras from both DVDs have been ported over to Blu-ray. The omissions include a music video, still galleries and DVD-ROM features. New to Blu-ray is an hour-long documentary entitled “The Giant’s Dream”, two short featurettes (“The Salt Mines” and “Hand Drawn”) and several add-ons to the commentary.
- The Giant’s Dream (HD, 55:47) This new documentary serves as not only a “making of’ featurette for The Iron Giant, but also a look at the career of Brad Bird. This one is well worth your time as it includes original animations, test footage, interviews, anecdotes and more. Narrated by Bird himself, this is the best behind-the-scenes look I’ve seen in a long time.
- Commentary with Director Brad Bird, Head of Animation Tony Fucile, Story Department Head Jeff Lynch and Animation Supervisor Steven Markowski: The same commentary that appeared on the 2004 “Special Edition” DVD. Informative as you might expect, Bird returned to record remarks for the newly added scenes.
- Deleted Scenes with Introduction by Brad Bird (HD, 15:16) A “Play All” function is available. Original Opening Sequences, Campfire, The Drag Race, Tired at Breakfast, Original Introduction of Hogarth and Annie, Classroom.
- Teddy Newton: The X Factor (SD, 5:38) A member of the film’s story department shows his wild imagination.
- Duck and Cover Sequence (SD, 2:23) Teddy Newton discusses the nuclear bomb instructional film within the film.
- The Voices of The Iron Giant (SD, 8:16) A look at the actors behind these characters. A “Play All” function is included. The Voice of the Giant, Hogarth Hughes, Dean McCoppin, Annie Hughes, Kent Mansley.
- The Score (SD, 4:49) Michael Kamen discusses his score, particularly as it relates to three scenes. A “Play All” function is included. The Opening Sequence, The Deer, Kent and Hogarth.
- Behind the Armor (SD, 17:31) A collection of short featurettes produced for the “Special Edition” DVD. The Warner Bros. Logo, The Origin of the Giant, The Origin of the Movie, Bringing the Giant to Life, Storyboards and Animatics, The Battle Sequences.
- Motion Gallery (SD, 4:22) Clips from the movie intercut with concept art and animatics.
- “Brad Bird” Trailer (SD, 1:29) Narrated by Bird.
- Signature Edition Trailer (HD, 2:32) The trailer for the 2015 re-release.
- The Making of The Iron Giant (SD, 22:05) Hosted by Vin Diesel, this made-for-TV documentary aired on the former WB channel. It includes interviews with Bird, Jennifer Aniston, Eli Marienthal, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney and Harry Connick Jr.
- Vintage Easter Eggs (SD, 1:48) There’s a letter dated January 8, 1998, from the novel’s author, Ted Hughes, lauding the screenplay, plus a various animatics and concept drawings.
- The Salt Mines (HD, 7:06) Crew member Andrew Jimenez visits the Hutchinson Facility in Kansas, where all of the physical drawings for the film are stored in an underground vault beneath an active salt mine.
- Hand Drawn (HD, 1:40) Bird explains his continued appreciation for hand drawn animation despite the rise of CG animation.
