Finding Nemo (DVD 2004)

Finding Nemo is Pixar's fifth animated feature film and, arguably, their most succesful. It is the prime example of Pixar's method of blending story, comedy, technology and heart together to make a highly entertaining film.

The Film - 5 out of 5

Like all of Pixar's films, it is committed directly to DVD from the digital source. This shows in its crystal clear quality of imagery. The 5.1 Dolby Sound is amazing as well, almost making you feel like you're there. Thomas Newman shines as the film's composer, with exciting, funny and tender moments interlaced throughout the film.

The film tells the story of Marlin (Albert Brooks), a clownfish who is extremely overprotective of his only son Nemo (Alexander Gould), after his wife and all his other children are killed by a Barracuda. One day, Nemo is taken by a scuba diver and Marlin, despite his terror of it, swims out into the open sea to find him. He encounters Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a fish with short term memory loss, and her happy-go-lucky nature, combined with the assortment of characters they meet, help Marlin understand what it takes to be a good father.

Pixar have once again made excellent choices with voice actors such as Barry Humphries, Brad Garrett, Eric Bana, Willem Defoe, Geoffry Rush, Elizabeth Perkins, John Ratzenberger and Joe Ranft, each of whom fit their character perfectly. The story is beautiful for children of all ages. Be sure to watch through all the credits, as you might spot an old friend.

DVD Extras - 5 out of 5

The Finding Nemo DVD is a textbook case of how to do a special edition disc. One of the most interesting features is a "Visual Commentary" on disc one. Like most films released these days, there is a commentary provided by some of the makers, in this case Andrew Stanton (Director, "Crush"), Lee Unkrich (Co-Director) and Bob Peterson (Story Supervisor, "Mr. Ray"). In this case, however, they will occasionally pause the film and go to a small clip, expanding on one of the productions issues such as technical simulation, animation, composition or even a deleted scene. As far as this reviewer knows, Finding Nemo is unique in this style of commentary, and I like it very much. The very last sub-clip is a moving tribute by John Lasseter (Toy Story, Cars) to Glenn McQueen, a Pixar animator who died of Melanoma in 2002, and to who Finding Nemo is dedicated.

Disc two is equally packed. First, Alexander Gould (The Voice of Nemo) takes a tour around Pixar Animation Studios, and learns about how the film is made. In "Making Nemo", there is an indepth documentary about the making of the film. "Beyond the Reef" is hosted by Dory, Marlin, Nemo and Jean-Michael Cousteau (Son of Jacques Cousteau), and shows what a real coral reef is like, and the threat pollution has on it. There is also the 1989 Academy Award Winning Pixar short "Knick Knack", which tells the story of a snowman trapped in a snow globe.

Mr. Ray shows you his encyclopedia, in which you can find out about all your favourite characters and how they live in real life. You can play charades with a school of moonfish, and you can view theatrical trailers for Finding Nemo (as well as a sneek peek at Pixar's next film, The Incredibles)


Finding Nemo is a film that should be part of any family's collection. The story is a classic, and the extra features will keep technical buffs entertained for hours. A must have!