Hello gang! Just posting a quick review for you to make sure you don’t overlook some fantastic content on the first edition 2011 LEGO® Club DVD. The arrival of the LEGO Club magazine is always an exciting event in our house and we were even more intrigued when we spotted the enclosed DVD in the November-December 2011 issue. I was assuming this would be full of advertising and clips of LEGO shows, BUT there is an amazingly wonderful selection of features on the DVD that every LEGO fan should see.
Honestly, I can’t believe these features are not better-promoted on the DVD sleeve or in the DVD menus, so I’m going to cut to the chase and discuss what I consider to be must-see content.
What I worry about is that most people will hit the PLAY ALL button on the DVD and start seeing the HERO FACTORY videos and then stop exploring the other areas of the disc.
The HERO FACTORY section is basically excerpts from some of the animated television shows which my kids had already seen. This section does feature an amusing “Designer Video” segment that is worth seeing.
What I consider the true gem on this disc is hiding in the LEGO – Cars 2 section of the DVD. The first feature is a nifty “remake” of the Cars 2 Trailer but as stop motion animation utilizing LEGO Cars 2 models in place of Pixar’s animation. Also amusing for younger viewers is the stop motion “Mater’s Brick Tales: The Great Race Case.”
But then things suddenly get intensely interesting with a 6-part feature called “LEGO – Cars 2 Revealed.” Trust me when I say…DO NOT miss out on seeing these features. This is LEGO video content that I have been wishing I could see for years. Presented in a very amusing top secret hidden-camera style employee espionage video, we get to see some amazing behind the scenes sequences about how new LEGO sets are developed. Chapters following element selection, 3-d model design, decoration creation, element production and building instructions were completely fascinating to me (and equally riveting to my kids who had the added layer of excitement fearing the “capture” of this employee as he secretly videoed the process). I’ve always imagined what the LEGO development offices looked like and with this DVD, we finally get to see it. You’ll follow the whole process of how Lightning McQueen was developed and made from initial tests, 3-D customization, use of 3-D printers and more.
Can you tell that I loved these “revealed” features on the disc? The end of these features discusses in an amusing way that LEGO has been planning on doing a video that shows their design process for quite some time. To be honest, I wound enjoy a complete 2-hour feature film expanding on the business and culture of LEGO, but for now, these shorter features are treasured must-see events for me.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
The rest of the disc is full of lots of funny features and animations that your household will certainly enjoy.
A series of highlight reels of computer graphics animation action can be found for LEGO properties like Ninjago and LEGO City.
There is a section of videos called LEGO Club TV that features some delightful stop motion animation shorts called “Adventures with Max” that are definitely worth seeing. I personally have a real soft spot for stop motion animation because I used to make my own animated films when I was a younger man. I hope seeing features like these encourage a bunch of you to grab up your digital devices and give it a try. (Believe me, it’s hard to do it well, but the tools today make it much easier than you think to get started!) Also be sure to see “The Art of the Brick” for some fine art takes on LEGO building. I also really enjoyed “Day at LEGOLAND” California as they give you some behind the scenes tours and information on how they inspect and adorn the park with the LEGOS. Do not mis the “LEGO Music Videos” for some hilarious LEGO action like “Black Eye Piece.”
The Heroica games are highlighted with an animated comic book of sorts set to music (but without voice acting).
The “Best of LEGO Shorts” has a neat hodgepodge of videos in it, but highlights for me were the amusing Alien Conquest shorts and the LEGOLAND Florida Walk in the Park.
Overall, I am stunned at the amount of content on this DVD and I certainly hope this review encourages you to dig deep in its chapters to make sure you don’t miss out on some awesome content.
Have you watched the LEGO Club DVD? What’s your favorite feature? Please share your top pick in the comments!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Now I feel supitd. That’s cleared it up for me
Wow I loved the DVD! I got it and was so exited to put it in and watch it! Thanks for the review!!! P.S. could you give me your opinion on my site if you visit it?