The Show
Fresh from this past summer's debut on Cartoon Network, LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace is the first animated TV special to delve into that uniquely stylized rendition of George Lucas' science-fantasy world. Anyone who has ever played one of the many LEGO Star Wars videogames, which take us through familiar events recreated in virtual plastic bricks and tiny action figures, will recognize both the look and the humor, as well as the characters' recurring need to reassemble vehicles and more.
Set during The Clone Wars, The Padawan Menace is a survey of the entire Star Wars Saga, following a group of young Jedi students on their way home from a field trip as a lot of family-friendly treachery unfolds. A mysterious stowaway further complicates these unplanned side-trips across the galaxy, with Yoda and C-3PO as chaperones.
Reminiscent of the Disney Star Tours ride for its fast-paced action and big surprises, LEGO Star Wars also pokes some good-natured fun at some of the sillier conventions of George's universe, assuring a good time for young and old viewers.
The Picture
The TV special is approximately 99% computer-generated (one quick bit incorporates a clip from Episode IV: A New Hope), with the distinctive esthetic of tiny, simply-emblazoned toys come to life, and yet the different textures of the plastic are readily evident. We can also make out scratches in C3PO's shiny finish and the weave of Yoda's cloth cape within a 16:9 image that is truly photo-realistic. The brief run time affords an extremely high video bitrate despite a single-layer disc.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack seeks to mimic the sonic style of the feature films and for the most part is succeeds handily, weaving in the original recordings of John Williams' iconic musical score as well as many familiar sound effects. Then again, I just spent quite a bit of time with the movies on Blu-ray, and while these aren't quite up to that same complex, aggressive level, there are plenty of inventive touches as part of the wide, engaging mix, including directional flyovers, gunshots and the frequent airy clatter of building blocks all around us.
The Extras
A collection of simple, themed video shorts is provided for our further entertainment. "The Quest for R2-D2" and "Bombad Bounty" (about five to six minutes each) are further comedic adventures in that same CGI/LEGO style. "Star Wars in 2 Minutes (Part 1)" and "Star Wars in 2 Minutes (Part 2)"--actually 2:15 and 2:24, but who's counting--summarize The Classic Trilogy and The Prequels with LEGOs, this time in old-fashioned stop-motion animation. All of these are in HD.
"The Clone Wars Animated Comics" splices together about 13 total minutes of brief exploits starring LEGO Captain Rex. These are in standard definition, along with Disc Two, a DVD of the Padawan Menace program and all its special features. The two-disc set also comes packaged with an exclusive LEGO character minifigure, but to say who would spoil one of the show's cleverer revelations.
Final Thoughts
This Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is highly recommended to just about everyone, great animated fun in great audio/video quality, and a must-own for fans of LEGO, Star Wars, or LEGO Star Wars.
Product Details
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