There are some great moments in "JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH," but more than a few disappointments as well. Based on the Roald Dahl story, young James is forced to live with his cruel aunts, after his parents are killed during a storm. Living a life akin to an indentured servant, amazing changes begin after an old man gives James a bag filled with magical crocodile tongues! Travelling home with the gift, James stumbles, dropping the magical gift by a preach tree. In the morning, a gigantic peach has formed. James quenching to taste the peach(as well as more in life) enables him to venture within the magical tunnel (wormhole?)that manifests upon it, transforming the rest of the film into stop-motion imagery, and introducing the boy to wonderful new characters, including a spider, centipede, ladybug, worm and grasshopper. James and his unlikely new friends take on new adventures, creating plenty of entertainment and the chance for a young boy to grow and begin to recognize his own ability to direct his life.

While there's a lot to like about "JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH,"(the 11 and 12 year old viewing it have re-watched it three times in 1 week!), its uneven tone, jumping back and forth between humor and extremely dark, depressing moments, can be uncomfortable. Worse, the musical moments from Randy Newman are just dreadful! Why are they here? BLECH! Kids seem to enjoy it, but adults will likely be turned off of this film before the half-way mark.

BUENA VISTA has provided the correct 1.67:1 aspect ratio for this AVC-MPEG 4 1080p blu-ray.  Colors appear to be intentionally subdued, throughout, lessening the impact of certain moments. While this is part and parcel of Selig's decision, the inconsistent contrast, and various artifacts is more troubling. The live-action parts fare the worst. While most of the middle portion of the film looks good and with notably better detail than the dvd counterpart, the ultimate presentation is less than endearing!

BUENA VISTA has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. It's a great mix!!! While there are a few instances wherein layers of effects, music and dialogue overshadowed each other, for the most part, the dynamic range, discrete effects and great use of bass, are very engaging! While even a great mix can't make the crappy songs, better, it does go a long way in making the overall experience easier for adults to take, and for children to delight in without ever exactly knowing why.

A music video is offered in HD. A few extras are offered in 480p, but none of these are worthwhile.