The Peanuts Movie is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray and it is one that families, and film fans for that matter, are going to want to own. The world of Charles M. Schulz comes alive in a story that is fantastically framed for fans of the decades-old comics and newbies to the elementary school-set world of Charlie Brown, his dog Snoopy, Snoopy’s pal Woodstock, Linus, Lucy and the entire gang.
This is a true underdog story and in the hands of Charlie Brown, it is one where it is likely we could never see him triumph. But he sure will try!
Charlie Brown has his eyes set on a new girl that moved in across the street. See, he might actually have a chance with her, given that she knows nothing of his legion of failures that has come to define his life. Now, if he can just do something that will get her attention. Charlie tries everything, from dancing to baking, with hopes that the Little Red Haired Girl will gaze upon him. Meanwhile, his trusty Beagle Snoopy is having his own adventure… battling his iconic foe, The Red Baron.
The Peanuts Movie is inspiring, uplifting and completely entertaining, as we explore further in our theatrical The Peanuts Movie review. It was also quite the hit at the box office, so expect more Peanuts movies from Blue Sky and Fox in the future.
Even though the film itself is the big selling point, there is a bevy of bonus features that should enthrall the whole family long after the credits roll on The Peanuts Movie.
First, we have to highlight You Never Grow Up Charlie Brown. This stunning documentary is a must-see for longtime Peanuts fans as it delves deep into the life of Charles Schulz. Now only does it look into the creation of the iconic cartoon, but the featurette also chronicles how Schulz’s creation went from the pages of the world’s newspapers to the silver screen. After The Movie Mensch went to the Charles Schulz Museum in Northern California, we cannot salute this bonus feature enough for its breadth and brilliance at capturing the profound effect of the artist and cartoonist on popular culture.
For Snoopy appreciators, the next several featurettes are legendary. It’s a Snoopy family reunion in Snoopy’s Sibling Salute where we get to re-introduce ourselves with all of the bodacious beagle’s litter mates, from Andy, Olaf, Spike, Belle to Marbles! Think Snoopy’s a hoot? Check out the entire family together in this bonus feature and it’ll be impossible to wipe the smile off your face.
After witnessing The Peanuts Movie, the first thing you might want to show off to the kids is Snoopy Snippets. The featurette gives viewers six brand new short animated clips that show off the beloved Beagle interacting with your favorite Peanuts characters — never before seen!
By this point, Snoopy fever will be through the roof. Good thing Learn To Draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown is another fantastic bonus feature on The Peanuts Movie Blu-Ray. The film’s director, Steve Martino, does a great job of instructing anyone – from neophyte artists to seasoned cartoonist – into someone who can draw Snoopy, as well as Charlie Brown and Snoopy’s aviary buddy Woodstock.
The youngest The Peanuts Movie adorers will want to dive into the Get Down With Snoopy and Woodstock Music Video. Dance and sing along with those characters you just learned to draw — Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown — as you rock out to all-new version of everyone’s favorite Peanuts song!
Speaking of music, there are two versions of the Meghan Trainor music video for the film, Better When I’m Dancin’. There’s the lyric video and the music video itself. Then, learn how the video was put together with the bonus feature Behind The Scenes of Better When I’m Dancin’. Told you this was one fully enhanced Blu-Ray!
Last, but not least — and still in that musical realm — is Snoopy’s Playlist. This featurette allows viewers to select any of the music from the film and play it on demand.
This is one super set.
Film: B
Bonus Features: A