Compare Prices
Postage & Packaging: £1.​21
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery
Postage & Packaging: £0.​00
SHOPPING > DVDs > Family > Monsters, Inc. (DVD) > Reviews

Monsters, Inc. (DVD)

from (4 offers) · Product Information

Monsters, Inc. (DVD)

Quote-start

Monsterrific

Quote-end

5 Oct 6th, 2002 

66 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
Great Family Viewing

Disadvantages:
None

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Did you enjoy it?

Story

Characters / Performances

Special Effects

How does it compare to similar films?

Wolfie1974

Wolfie1974

About me:

Opinions are like bottoms ..... we all have one!

Member since:12.07.2002

Reviews:42

Members who trust:65

~ Introduction ~

I watched this film on DVD a couple of weeks back, prompted by reading many raving reviews but still not really knowing what to expect in terms of the quality of this production.

Monsters Inc is a CGI (computer generated imagery) movie, I am not really a great fan of such movies after watching films like Final Fantasy as it seemed to be too false, however this film in my point of view is an absolute master-piece that is put together very well.

Disney partnered with Pixar for this production; they have a number of successes under their belt, including ‘Toy Story I & II’ and ‘A Bugs Life’.

Director: Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich
Length: 95 minutes
Certificate: U


~ Story ~

The story is centred around a parallel world that the monsters live in named ‘Monstropolis’, in particular the ‘Monsters Inc’ factory – the factory actually powers Monstropolis and the power is obtained by the monsters visiting children’s bedrooms by accessing doors that resemble their closets, scaring them and bottling up their screams.

There is however, an energy crisis due to the fact that children are not scared as much as they used to be and with this is mind the CEO Henry J Waternoose (voiced by James Coburn) encourages his workforce to greater productivity by the use of league tables of the top scarers.

Here we are introduced to James P. Sullivan or ‘Sully’ (voiced by John Goodman) and Mike Warzowski (voiced by Billy Crystal). Sully is currently the top monster on the scare front and is set to break the all-time scare record. He does however face some stiff opposition by a particular monster - Randall Boggs (voiced by Steve Buscemi) who appears to be somewhat of a devious character.

One particular evening at clocking-off time, Sully notices that a door has been left on the factory floor and not returned to the store – Sully decides to investigate and enters the doorway to find the room empty. Unknowingly at first, he has let a human girl into Monstropolis (that he later names Boo).

Human children are believed to be toxic to monsters if they actually have physical contact and when he discovers what he has done, a mad panic ensues – here the irony being that the monsters are actually scared of the children. He tries to get Mike to help him in the task of returning the child whilst the feared CDA (Child Detection Agency) are on the case in true task-force fashion.

The story really does evolve here on with lots of action packed scenes, with twists and turns at every corner – Does Sully evade the CDA? Do they manage to return Boo to her bedroom?

You will have to watch the film to see it for yourself – what I will say though is that it becomes totally unpredictable from this point on.


~ Characters / Performances ~

All in all the voices fit the characters very well and with a script to fit. Now a brief overview of each of the main characters in the film:

Sully (John Goodman) – gets the majority of screen time, the gentle giant of a monster who is blue in colour, although he is the top scarer, he is a softy at heart and the un-phased Boo aptly names him Kitty.

Mike (Billy Crystal) – Short green tennis ball type character with stick-like legs and one huge eye, a bit of a wimp really who is portrayed as not being very good at his job, especially the paper-work that sees him getting on the wrong side of Roz. He is also somewhat in love with Celia.

Roz (Bob Peterson III) – The despatch manager who can be best described as a somewhat unattractive creature with a somewhat slug-like body, however there is more to her than meets the eye.

Celia (Jennifer Tilly) – also a one-eyed creature that has a medusa style head with snakes as hair. The secretary, who is dating Mike, but is often let down during the courtship.

CEO Henry J Waternoose (James Coburn) – the CEO of the company who is a crab like creature. He appears to be desperate to save the company in hard times whilst maintaining the power supplies to Monstropolis, however there is also more to him than meets the eye.

Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi) – a long centipede type creature that has chameleon abilities allowing him to appear to be invisible when he is up to something. The devious competitor for those league table rankings of the scariest monster.

Boo (Mary Gibbs) – sweet little girl. She has hardly any words to say because she hasn’t learned many words yet, the only word I recall her sayings is “Kitty” – apart from this there are many emotions that she has to show such as fear, crying and laughter.

It is somewhat difficult to rate the performances of the actors/actresses due to only their voices being used, however they were all effective in their individual roles.


~ Soundtrack ~

There are a total of 25 tracks played during the movie, each one fits perfectly with the mood of the particular scene. The style of music in the main is Jazz. Randy Newman composed these tracks and the tracks are as follows:

1. If I Didn’t Have You (Billy Crystal & John Goodman)
2. Monsters Inc
3. School
4. Walk To Work
5. Sulley & Mike
6. Randall Appears
7. Enter The Heroes
8. The Scare Floor
9. Oh Celia!
10. Boo’s Adventure In Monstropolis
11. Boo’s Tired
12. Putting Boo Back
13. Boo Escapes
14. Celia’s Mad
15. Boo Is A Cube
16. Mike’s In Trouble
17. The Scream Extraction
18. Sulley Scares Boo
19. Exile
20. Randall’s Attack
21. The Ride Of The Doors
22. Waternoose Is Waiting
23. Boo’s Going Home
24. Kitty
25. If I Didn’t Have You (Randy Newman)

There are many good tracks, but the first track would have to be my favourite, a nice touch that the two main characters are singing it. If you like movie soundtracks and are considering buying this album, Amazon stocks this at £12.99.


~ Summary ~

A thoroughly entertaining film to watch, definitely recommended as family viewing with a number of very funny scenes. The film contained numerous one-lined gags, some aimed at children and some aimed towards the adult viewers that brought a smile to my face.

Unlike many of the films that are geared towards children, the plot was unpredictable and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next - a fantasy film that does not go over the top. The story is great and something that the majority of us can relate to as part of our childhood – I have memories of being scared of the curtain monster as a child and often left my curtains open before being able to go to sleep.

Despite being a little skeptical about animated films, I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer quality of the animation, great attention was paid to the detail and you can even see the movement of Sully’s fur, which looks very realistic and typical of the movement of animal fur.

At the end of the film, they have provided some make-believe out-takes which is also very funny, indeed a nice touch to end the film.

As per usual I provide you with a link to the official Monster Inc website that has a flash tour of the facility at Monstropolis - disney.go.com/disneypictures/monstersinc

So all in all a super film that is definitely worthy of my 5 stars – a film that I am going to buy on DVD after seeing it on renal.

Current prices on Amazon are:

Monsters Inc – Wide-screen 2 Disc collector’s edition DVD - £17.99
Monsters Inc – Full-screen (4:3) Single disc edition DVD - £15.99
Monsters Inc – Gift-pack (DVD and Toy) - £19.99

 

How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines

exceptional

very helpful

helpful

somewhat helpful

not helpful

off topic

Products you might be interested in »

A Christmas Carol (DVD)

A Christmas Carol (DVD)

(+) Looks very Christmassy, Well Directed
(-) The people look creepy

User reviews (4)

Buy now for only £ 0.99

The Land Before Time (Box Set) (DVD)

The Land Before Time (Box Set) (DVD)

Family - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal

User reviews (1)

Buy now for only £ 15.97

Harry Potter - Years 1-5 (Box Set) (DVD)

Harry Potter - Years 1-5 (Box Set) (DVD)

(+) Convenient to keep them together. Great prices around.
(-) Individual boxes smaller than normal.

User reviews (9)

Buy now for only £ 16.68

Anne Of Green Gables (Box Set) (DVD)

Anne Of Green Gables (Box Set) (DVD)

Family - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance

User reviews (3)

Buy now for only £ 29.99

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (DVD)

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (DVD)

(+) fantastic storyline and special effects
(-) slightly long

User reviews (146)

Buy now for only £ 2.34

Trumptonshire (Box Set) (DVD)

Trumptonshire (Box Set) (DVD)

Family - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal

Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 9.93

Comments about this review »

jesi 14.12.2005 17:13

You mean the out-takes weren't REAL? Awwww . . . - ♥♥ -.................................................................................................... ~ ♥ ~ jes ≈≈≈≈{; -)-{{::::: |||||< ♥♥

charkai 17.06.2004 21:38

i really like this, can watch it over and over agin, and my son loves the monsters... he goes grrr at them! Sweet!

staceycav 15.04.2004 23:58

Great film and your review does it justice! Great op! Stace x

Compare prices for Monsters, Inc. (DVD) »

1 to 4 out of 4 offers for Monsters, Inc. (DVD)   sorted by: Price 
Monsters Inc. [2002] [DVD]

Monsters Inc. [2002] [DVD]

The monsters inMonsters, Inc.are just so incredibly cute--and they know it. Whereas Woody, ... more

Buzz and pals in theToy Storysaga were filled with
self-doubt about just how much the children in
their lives would continue to love them, here our
heroic monste...

amazon marketplace dvd

Postage & Packaging£1.21
AvailabilityUsually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon marketplace d...
Monsters Inc. [2002] [DVD]

Monsters Inc. [2002] [DVD]

The monsters inMonsters, Inc.are just so incredibly cute--and they know it. Whereas Woody, ... more

Buzz and pals in theToy Storysaga were filled with
self-doubt about just how much the children in
their lives would continue to love them, here our
heroic monste...

amazon dvd

Postage & Packagingfree Super Saver Delivery
AvailabilityUsually dispatched within 24 hours...
 Visit Shop  >
amazon dvd
Monsters Inc.: Family Edition DVD

Monsters Inc.: Family Edition DVD

Monsters Inc. is the largest scare factory in the monster world and the top Kid-Scarer is ... more

James P. Sullivan (John Goodman)  a huge 
intimidating monster with blue fur  large purple
spots and horns  known as "Sulley" to his friends.
His Scare Assistant...

play.com (films)

Postage & Packaging£0.00
Availability3-5 working days
 Visit Shop  >
play.com (films)


More reviews »

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by LR_17

Advantages: Brilliant voice casting/Great DVD extras!
Disadvantages: None that I could see!

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by LR_17 LR_17 04.06.2004 (04.06.2004) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by fingers

Advantages: May injure yourself laughing
Disadvantages: I was wet with tears (and nothing else)

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by fingers fingers 17.04.2002 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by GR-Design

Advantages: see op
Disadvantages: none

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by GR-Design GR-Design 08.09.2002 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by LostWitness

Advantages: It's a smashing film...
Disadvantages: ....that just doesn't last long enough

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by LostWitness LostWitness 10.09.2002 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by daveops

Advantages: Its a great film
Disadvantages: None

Monsters, Inc. (DVD) - review by daveops daveops 21.04.2003 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)



Are you the manufacturer / provider of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)? Click here