Blu-ray Review: The Hunger Games

For those who live under a rock, the Hunger Games are an annual event that pit children from different districts against each other in a battle to the death. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Evergreen must rely on her training and archery skills to survive and return to her family. Her feelings for another competitor in the deadly Games complicate matters.

Everything about this movie is thought-provoking. It also contains layers of social commentary which add to its allure for teens and adults alike. Is it violent and controversial? Of course it is. It wouldn't be as wildly popular as it is if it wasn't.

Director Gary Ross does a wonderful job of capturing the animalistic nature and tragedy of the Games in a faux-shaky cam way that makes viewers feel like they're in the thick of the action. However, it doesn't cause you to want to blow chunks at the screen like Paranormal Activity or The Last Exorcism do.

The high definition transfer of The Hunger Games is fabulous. The picture looks phenomenal and captures every color and image put forth. It's a visual feast for the eyes with all the nature shots and CG city scenes. The dynamic 7.1 surround sound mix guarantees that viewers won't miss one single tiny noise, piece of dialogue, or tree rustling in the forest.

Consumers and fans will be pleased with all the special features contained in the release. There's a two-hour documentary entitled "The World is Watching: Making 'The Hunger Games'" which includes interviews with the cast, crew, and author Suzanne Collins.

Five featurettes with varying lengths are found as well. They're "Game Maker: Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Phenomenon," "Letters from the Rose Garden," "Controlling the Games," "A Conversation with Gary Ross and Elvis Mitchell," and "Preparing for the Games: A Director's Process." Each one features interviews and conversations with Donald Sutherland, director Gary Ross, and film critic Elvis Mitchell.

The complete "Propaganda Film" which we see segments from in the movie is presented as well. A marketing archive with posters, trailers, and a photo gallery are here, too.

The 2-Disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy Edition of The Hunger Games will please enthusiasts of the film and books. We get a great high-definition transfer of the movie and a satisfying amount of special features to give everyone insight into the making of this excellent movie. If you're looking for an entertaining yet mentally stimulating movie for teens and their parents alike, this will hit the spot and encourage them to discuss the themes explored in the film.