Planes: Fire & Rescue Blu-ray Review

In this heart-pumping, laugh-filled follow-up to last year’s smash hit “PLANES,” world famous racer Dusty Crophopper joins an elite fire and rescue unit and learns what it takes to be a true hero. Featuring non-stop action, memorable characters and never-before-seen bonus features, PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE is this fall’s must-own animated family film!

The high flying gangCourtesy of Disney

PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world-famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his courageous team, including spirited air tanker Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), ex-military transport Cabbie (voice of Captain Dale Dye) and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

The Bottom Line

It's never easy for a spin-off to live up to the original, or a sequel to live up to the first film - and in this case PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE is both. But if you got hooked on Dusty Crophopper's story in the first film, then the sequel is a nice continuatiom. After his success in the first film, Dusty becomes a famous racer, but in PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE  Dusty comes of age in another way, learning how to fight wildfires from an older, wiser helicopter.

Courtesy of Disney

Much like the first film, the action-packed flying scenes in this sequel look sharper than ever on blu-ray, and the majestic backdrop of Piston Peak Park is incredibly detailed. The first movie saw Dusty overcoming the odds - a story we can all get behind. This movie won't make you feel the same swell of emotion, but it's still original and interesting. Where the blu-ray really stands out is in the Bonus features, we especially enjoyed the "Welcome to Piston Peak!" (a fake promotional vid for the park and it's firefighting team) and the Animated Shorts.

If your someone who's engine is always ready, and your mad for mechanics, this one is a must-have.

Windlifter, Lil' Dipper and fellow firefightersCourtesy of Disney

Blu-ray Bonus Features:

• Exclusive Animated Short - “Vitaminamulch: Air Spectacular”
• "Welcome to Piston Peak! - This mock-umentary promotional piece shows off all the highlights of the acclaimed Piston Peak National Park and its aerial firefighting team.
• "CHoPs” TV Promo - An in-world TV promo with announce.
• Air Attack:  Firefighters From The Sky - This high-energy, music-driven behind-the-scenes piece takes an inside look at the real smoke jumpers and firefighters who attack wildfires from the air as Director Roberts Gannaway and Producer Ferrell Barron take us through their journey in making the film.
• Spencer Lee Music Video "Still I Fly"
• Deleted Scenes with Filmmaker Introductions:
  • “Honkers”
  • “Dusty's Dream No More”
• Animated Shorts:
  • “Dipper”
  • “Smokejumpers”

Lil' Dipper drops her load of fire retardantCourtesy of Disney

Planes: Fire & Rescue Blu-ray Rating:

Planes: Fire and Rescue Blu-rayCourtesy of Disney

Planes: Fire & Rescue is available on Blu-ray + DVD November 4^th!