BUENA VISTA has released “GNOMEO AND JULIET” on blu-ray3d!  This reviewer has to admit being surprised at how entertaining it is. Especially after having not heard anything about it, and wrongly assuming it would be some cheap, boring attempt to cash in on the lure of more highly marketed “3d” family movies, as with the “PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES,” and others.

The plot revolves around “Gnomes,” those fixtures popping up occasionally in someone’s yard(Typically an older home-owner). Divided into sides, one red(the Capulets) and the other blue(The Montagues). Why they’re even divided to begin with, is never really explained. However, they live beside each other, with only a fence to divide them. After the Capulets resort to unethical tactics in order to win a lawnmower race, the Montagues are furious.  Gnomeo, the main attraction of the Montagues, sneaks into the opposition’s garden, planning on painting it the color of his home team. Before returning to safety, he meets the beautiful Juliet(Emily Blunt’s voicing), and is smitten.  There isn’t a whole lot of mystery as to where the story will go, but there are enough creative nuances(especially when humans occasionally appear), to make “GNOMEO AND JULIET” a really fun viewing with the entire family.  Blending some good laughs(plenty for adults, just above the heads of youngsters) with great animation, “GNOMEO AND JULIET” is one of the better animated films of the past year. The voice talents are really engaging here, and, for the most part, well cast. While it’s not in the same league as “TOY STORY 3,” it’s far more entertaining than “RANGO” or “RIO.”

The script is generally well-crafted, and while it’s not clever enough to entertain adults over repeated viewings, the youngsters(8-13)watching this blu-ray 3d offering, have enjoyed it even after several viewings already!

BUENA VISTA has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 encoded 1080p blu-ray3d.  The “3d” presentation is terrific! While most of the “few” blu-ray3d offerings out there have generally been a mixed bag, “GNOMEO AND JULIET” is a reference quality presentation for the “3d” format!  Unlike most “blu-ray3d” offerings, even the darker scenes still look terrific!  Colors appear vibrant, and while they’re less so in darker moments, not nearly as much as found on typical “3d” releases.  The level of detail is just as impressive as what’s presented on the included 2d blu-ray presentation. The depth found on the “3d” image is consistently amazing to take in! “GNOMEO AND JULIET” should really be used in promoting the format at every BEST BUY store!  While “HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON” is actually a noticeably better movie, the “3d” effects weren’t that much more impressive than the 2d presentation. Not so, here!  The images have been creatively designed to really wow the viewer, and this happens over and over, throughout the film, making it easy to be entertained, even when the story becomes just above average in quality.  Unlike other “3d” offerings in theaters and on blu-ray3d, as was the case with “MEGAMIND,” none of the ghosting problems are present for this release. The 2d version looks terrific of course, but it can’t compare to what’s offered on this blu-ray3d presentation.

BUENA VISTA has included a DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix. It’s a fun, immersive mix, filled with surround effects which compliment the film’s action scenes, in particular. The music, especially a great tune from Elton John, showcases the excellent dynamic range of this lossy mix.  While bass isn’t as impressive here as on numerous other lossy mixes, it does its job, for the most part.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free of distortion. It’s not something that stands up there with the best lossy mixes, but no one should be disappointed.

Extras include an examination of Elton John’s contributions to the film(1080p), deleted and alternate scenes/endings(standard resolution only), a music video(1080p), some other short featurettes, and the blu-ray(2d)version, dvd and digital copy.