When THE POLAR EXPRESS hits retail shelves on Nov. 22, the two-disc special edition (Warner Home Video, $29.95) will contain lots of bonus features devoted to the performance capture (Imagemotion from Sony Pictures Imageworks) that was the driving force behind the Robert Zemeckis/Tom Hanks movie adaptation of the popular Christmas tale by Chris Van Allsburg.
Disc two bonus features include:* You Look Familiar: Hear about Hanks' five unique roles, how each character was different and what it took for him to bring each one to life.* A Genuine Ticket to Ride: Behind-the-scenes secrets:Performance CaptureVirtual CameraHair and WardrobeCreating the North PoleMusic* "Flurry of Effects: (Easter Eggs) Showcases the performance capture process used to create the animation. This feature allows viewers to watch short scenes from the film with the ability to toggle between several video sequences:All AboardHot ChocolateHobo on top of TrainI BelieveGood Bye* Additional Song: The never-before-heard "Smokey and Steamer" song.* True Inspiration: An Author's Adventure: Van Allsburg discusses his artistic background and how he conceived the idea for THE POLAR EXPRESS book.* Believe: Josh Groban Music Video: Groban at the Greek Theater performing the Academy Award-nominated original song Believe.* Behind-the-Scenes of Believe.* POLAR EXPRESS Challenges (two menu challenges that kids can play).* Meet the Snow Angels: The Moviemakers' Christmas Memories.* THQ POLAR EXPRESS Game Demo.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
