The first thing you should know about Peter Rabbit, new to DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download, is this isn’t exactly Beatrix Potter’s version of the beloved rabbit who finds trouble around every corner. Well, who wouldn’t when your entire existence is trying to get those tasty carrots and other veggies from the neighbor’s garden?
James Corden voices the titular character and is a fantastic choice to bring Potter’s bunny to life. We find Peter living a quite blissful life in the garden rich yard of Bea (Rose Byrne). She dotes on all the rabbits who frequent her landscape, including Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki) and Cotton-tail (Daisy Ridley, Star Wars: The Last Jedi). Problem arise when a not-so-nice fellow, Mr. Jeremy Fisher (Domhnall Gleeson) moves next door. He immediately makes his yard rabbit proof, which is the ultimate of bummers for our bunny clan because he has the best carrots and other delicious wares.
To make matters worse, it seems that Bea has taken an interest in Jeremy and that just sends Peter Rabbit and his pals over the edge. This is war!
The film itself seems to major in slapstick humor, which the kids will adore. I certainly don’t recall from Potter’s books. But, many literary licenses are taken with books to films all the time and when it comes to custom fitting Peter Rabbit to today’s children-centric audiences, there is nothing they love more than a story with heart and a whole lot of physical hilarity.
Peter Rabbit’s cast shines, particularly Corden as the lead. He captures his pesky behavior brilliantly and manages to modernize the role in a multitude of ways. This is certainly not your parents Peter Rabbit, this is something entirely different, while simultaneously staying true to the original vision that made the character to beloved and iconic.
Robbie is a delight, and so too is Ridley and Debicki. All the voice actors keenly know their audience and turn in a performance that is laser focused on that group. The live action stars also charm, especially Byrne. But, then again, when does the actress not do that?! Gleeson has a blast playing the foil on one hand, and also the charming neighbor next-door on the other. It is a dichotomy that is at the heart of this particular Rabbit tale.
The Special Garden Edition Blu-Ray combo pack that we received to review contained an element that is sure to please parents and youngsters alike… carrot seeds! After witnessing Peter doing his best to secure those tasty veggies, your kids will certainly take boundless joy and pride in planting and nurturing their own carrots. Each seed pack comes on a character card that you just place in the ground, cover with dirt and water. Then, watch your child’s awe as the fruit of their labors produce some tasty carrots!
When it comes to bonus features, the Peter Rabbit Blu-Ray features a nice, albeit brief making-of featurette, Mischief In The Making. It has cast members and filmmakers waxing poetic about bringing the beloved children’s book series to life in a live-action/CG animated film that hopes to appeal to the children in all of us.
The best part of the bonus features is an extra, all-new, movie short entitled Flopsy Turvy that shines the spotlight on Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail! It is a true delight for the kiddos and one that we guarantee will conclude with them saying, “Again!” And, given that it is short, go ahead and hit that play button again.
Shake Your Cotton-Tail Dance Along is also fun for the littlest viewers as it allows the viewer to dance along to the hit song from the film, I Promise You.
So, when it comes to the film itself and the bonus features, I Promise You your kids will love it.
Film Grade: B
Bonus Features: B-