BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT, the first computer-animated feature based on the popular LEGO franchise, arrives on DVD Sept. 16, 2003 presented by the LEGO Co., co-producer Create TV and Film, Miramax Films and Buena Vista Home Entertainment ($29.99). The animation was performed by Los Angeles-based Creative Capers Entertainment and Taipei-based studio CGCG. Having already captured millions of 12-year-old boys in the U.S. and abroad, BIONICLE cinematically explores this unique biochemical universe populated by the Toa and the shadowy Makuta, inspired by folklore of many exotic cultures. Producer Sue Shakespeare and directors David Molina and Terry Shakespeare (of Creative Capers) collaborated with Jeff Tahler, vp of acquisitions for Miramax, and Bob Thompson, exec producer for Create TV and Film.
Bonus features include "making of" documentary; Mata Nui Explorer, which delves into the paradise island of Mata Nui; Wall of History, which allows viewers to watch the movie and get a brief backstory whenever historical icon pop-ups appear on screen; filmmakers' commentary; storyboard-to-film comparison; deleted scenes; translation chart; and sneak peek at the 2004 storyline for the new story and characters.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
