Blu-ray & DVD Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2-Disc Criterion Edition)

"I was born under unusual circumstances"

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is the tale of a man who is born old, resembling something that got cut from an Aphex Twin music video for being too unsettling, and grows to become Tyler Durden before dying of old age as a baby. The movie is executed beautifully with such stunning directing, acting and effects that you’ll quickly forget you’re re-watching Forrest Gump with better CGI. This is one of those movies that you know will be remembered and referenced for decades. For generations to come, the first of your friends to go bald and the last of your remaining friends who has control over his bowel movements will be referred to as “Benjamin Button”.

Extras
This really is a monumental film and the meat of the accompanying bonus features is the four part “making of” featurette that covers the filmmaking journey from concept to final product. This section is really what you’re paying for with the extra disc in the special edition. If you’re really interested in how Benjamin Button was made or into filmmaking in general, it’s definitely worth picking up. Aside from the “making of” extras, the special edition includes director’s commentary, featurettes on the art direction and still galleries.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON two-disc and single-disc DVD are presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The two-disc Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. The two-disc Criterion Edition DVD and two-disc Criterion Blu-ray include the following special features:

• The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button—four-part documentary:
• •Academy Award-nominated director David Fincher introduces the surprising beginnings of what would become an epic masterpiece including the casting of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the decision to change the location of the story to New Orleans and more.
• •Follow the production from day one including the challenges of aging Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, designing over five thousand costumes and creating the animatronic baby.
• •Explore the incredible visual effects techniques created specifically for the film that allowed Brad Pitt to play the title character at virtually every age. Also includes a visit to the scoring stage with composer Alexandre Desplat.
• •Walk the red carpet at the film’s premiere in New Orleans, with final thoughts from cast and crew.
• Audio Commentary by director David Fincher

Overall
Everyone really should see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The bonus features are on a person-by-person basis, you’ll know prior to watching the movie if you’re the kind of person that wants to see what made this cinematic achievement come to life. Personally, I thought the movie was amazing, but with the main feature being close to three hours, I felt like I could do without the detail of how it was made.

ComicsOnline gives The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Two-Disc Special Edition) 4 ½ out of 5 Weekly World News Babies.