The Incredibles DVD scoop

Video Store Magazine

Oct. 26, 2004

By Kyra Kirkwood

When it comes to putting a Pixar film on DVD, Buena Vista Home Entertainment doesn't disappoint. Take Finding Nemo: this two-disc collector's edition contained everything from virtual aquariums to filmmakers' visual commentaries, documentaries to behind-the-scenes animation tours. With The Incredibles, the latest Pixar opus hitting theaters Nov. 5, fans are already chomping at the bit to learn what superhero-sized extras will be featured on the DVD.

But they may have to wait a bit longer.

Like a superhero's identity, the details of the DVD are closely hidden and guarded by all involved with the animated action/family comedy. What's known is that the disc is almost complete, and it's loaded. At a recent gathering in Santa Monica, Calif., to discuss the film, no oneãnot even the supervising technical directorãwould whisper anything other than a tease regarding the disc.

Why not?

"Because it's really cool, and it's offbeat," said director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant). "If you feel that the movie is different than the average animated film, then I would say the DVD is different than your usual DVD."

"It's a big secret right now," echoed producer John Walker. "I know what's on the DVD, and I won't tell you."

Teased supervising animator Steve Hunter: "It's jam-packed full of goodies, [but] it's a surprise."

The Incredibles tells the tale of the Parrs, former superheroes who, after 15 years leading "normal civilian lives," rediscover the true source of their powersãeach other. Throughout the film's 115 minutes, countless scenes scream "Extra feature!" Take the oft-witty banter between Helen Parr (Holly Hunter) and her husband Bob (Craig T. Nelson)ãperhaps a documentary about the Parrs behind the masks? And who's the animating genius who created lifelike broccoli, or those who masterminded the molten lava scene? Or maybe a piece on Bird transformation into Edna Mode, the pint-sized designing diva with a snappish demeanor? No one is saying; not even kryptonite could extract any clues from this crew.

Don't look for any nifty outtakes at the end of the theatrical releaseãand probably not on the DVD.

"If they do [put them in], I don't know where they're getting them," said Walker. "Somebody else has made them, because I didn't make them."

Fans of the film and animation aficionados alike can keep their collective fingers crossed that certain aspects wind up as bells-and-whistle extras. Whereas Monsters, Inc. became known for the amazingly detailed depiction of Sulley's swaying fur, The Incredibles wrote an entire chapter on how to animate wet hair, or run across waterãpotential subjects for riveting featurettes, say fans.