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A Monstrously Good Find: Revisiting the Monsters, Inc. & University 2-Movie DVD

A Look Back: The Widescreen Monsters, Inc. & Monsters University 2-Movie DVD Collection

 

A Monstrously Good Deal: Revisiting the Monsters, Inc. & University 2-Movie DVD Set! 🚪

Step back in time to 2013, a great year for Disney•Pixar fans in Australia! I remember the excitement of finding the Monsters, Inc. & Monsters University 2-Movie DVD Collection on the shelves. It felt like a must-have, bundling the heartwarming original with its hilarious prequel. It wasn't just a convenient package; it was the complete story of Mike and Sulley, presented in its original cinematic widescreen format, just as the creators intended. Released by the creative minds at Disney•Pixar, the same storytellers behind Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3, this set presents both films in their original cinematic widescreen format, just as they were meant to be seen.

I was particularly thrilled that both films came with their own special features. For me, hearing the audio commentary from the directors and artists is like finding a hidden key to the magic behind the animation. Let’s explore what makes this two-disc PAL collection a timeless treasure.

💡 Good to know!
This Australian release is a PAL format DVD, which means it's designed for playback in regions like Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The ‘G’ rating makes it perfect for a family movie night, though the cover rightly notes that “Some scenes may frighten young children.”

 

The Prequel & The Classic: A Tale of Two Movies 🎬

What I love most about this collection is how it presents the full circle of Mike and Sulley's friendship. You start with their rivalry and eventual bonding in Monsters University and then see that friendship put to the ultimate test in Monsters, Inc. It’s storytelling at its finest.

The technical presentation is also top-notch for the DVD format. Having both films in widescreen is a huge plus. It preserves the original cinematic composition, so you're not missing any of the visual gags or stunning details that Pixar packs into every frame. The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound also brings the bustling world of Monstropolis and the energetic campus of MU right into your living room.

Feature Monsters University (2013) Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Run Time Approx. 100 mins Approx. 88 mins
Aspect Ratio 1.78:1 Widescreen 1.85:1 Widescreen
Key Special Feature "The Blue Umbrella" Short & Audio Commentary Audio Commentary
⚠️ A Collector's Note!
While this DVD collection is fantastic, keep in mind that Blu-ray or 4K UHD versions will offer higher visual and audio fidelity. However, for its time, this DVD set provided an excellent home-viewing experience and remains a charming physical-media collectible.

 

Conclusion: Key Takeaways 📝

Revisiting this 2013 Australian DVD collection of Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University has been a delightful trip down memory lane. It represents a perfect pairing of films that, together, create a richer, more complete narrative.

  1. Complete Story: The set provides the full arc of Mike and Sulley's relationship, from rivals to an inseparable team.
  2. Cinematic Experience: Both films are presented in widescreen, preserving their original aspect ratios.
  3. Collector's Value: This Australian PAL release is a great snapshot of physical media from the era, complete with insightful special features.
  4. Family Fun: With its 'G' rating and timeless stories of friendship, it remains a perfect choice for viewers of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: Who directed these two movies?
A: Monsters, Inc. was directed by Pete Docter. Monsters University was directed by Dan Scanlon.
Q: What are the main audio languages available on this DVD set?
A: Both discs feature Dolby Digital 5.1 English. Monsters University also includes Arabic and Italian, while Monsters, Inc. has a wider selection including Dutch, Swedish, and more.
Q: What is "The Blue Umbrella" short film?
A: "The Blue Umbrella" is a charming Pixar short film that was shown in theaters before Monsters University in 2013. It's about two umbrellas in a rain-swept city who fall in love. It's a visual treat!
Q: Is there a significant difference between the 1.78:1 and 1.85:1 aspect ratios?
A: The difference is very minimal and virtually unnoticeable on most televisions. Both are considered widescreen formats that preserve the original theatrical presentation, as opposed to a "pan-and-scan" 4:3 format.