Wreck-It Ralph
Rated: PG
Genre: Family, Animated
Street Date: March 5, 2013
Available On: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo

The Film: Wreck-It Ralph (John C Reilly) has spent the last 30 years playing the building-smashing bad guy in the arcade game “Fix-It Felix.” He’s tired of the lack of respect he gets from his co-workers and has decided that the time has come for him to leave the game in hopes of finding a place where his talents will be rewarded.

The Extras: “Paperman” short, “Bit by Bit: Creating The Worlds of Wreck-It Ralph” featurette, Video Game Commercials, Deleted & Alternate Scenes and “Disney Intermission: The Gamer’s Guide to Wreck-It Ralph”

Recommendation: It isn’t necessary that you have a working knowledge of the history and evolution of video gaming to enjoy “Wreck-It Ralph,” but it certainly will help out. Most of the inside jokes and character cameos take place in the film’s first third. Once the world of the videogame characters has been established the story takes center stage and the nostalgia moves into the background (quite literally at times).

Ralph is a well-drawn anti-hero. He’s not evil, just misunderstood and frustrated by his role in society. He’s lost sight of his purpose and needs to work his way through a mid-life crisis. In his absence his co-workers might come to appreciate him a bit more. Without someone to destroy their high-rise apartment building they don’t serve much of a purpose either.

“Wreck-It Ralph” is more than an exercise in videogame nostalgia. It’s a heartwarming adventure with a sold message that will appeal to more than the gaming crowd.

The picture quality and audio of the Blu-ray, both in 2D and 3D, is flawless. The only place where this release stumbles is that there aren’t a lot of bonus features. Beyond the “Paperman” (in both 2D and 3D) the supplements are far too brief.

-Ryan Michael Painter