DVD Review: “Firebreather” (& Giveaway Ends 4/15)

Firebreather

Released: March 22, 2011

Studio:  Cartoon Network

Running Time: 69 minutes

ABOUT:

This spring, Cartoon Network Enterprises and Warner Home Video are bringing the heat with the release of Cartoon Network’s first original CGI movie event – FIREBREATHER – on Blu-ray and DVD. Based on the comic book series written by Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn and on the heels of a fantastic broadcast debut on Cartoon Network, the spellbinding film follows 16-year-old Duncan (Jesse Head, Summerland, So Little Time) as the new kid in school, who struggles with normal teenage problems like making friends and bad luck with girls – while also dealing with orange skin and an appetite for coal instead of sandwiches. After all, it can’t be easy having an overprotective mom (Dana Delany, Tombstone, Desperate Housewives) who wants you to lead a normal life and a dad (Kevin Michael Richardson, The Cleveland Show, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien) who wants you to take over the world!  Watch what happens as Duncan struggles to find his place as half-human and half-Kaiju – a race of ancient, powerful creatures.

Bonus Materials:

• Deleted Scene
• 2D Animation Test
• Animatics
• Visual Development

Directed by Peter Chung (Aeon Flux), written by Jim Krieg and executive produced by Julia Pistor (Lemony Snicket’s a Series of Unfortunate Events), FIREBREATHER garnered amazing ratings for Cartoon Network when it premiered on the network on November 24, 2010.  The action-packed movie attracted 3.7 million persons ages 2 and up – beating all other television networks by double digits and winning the night.  Furthermore, it was the #1 show with Kids 6-14, Boys 9-14 and Tweens 12-17 versus programming on all broadcast and cable networks, according to Nielsen Media Research.

MY THOUGHTS:

I had never seen or heard of Firebreather before watching this DVD, but after seeing the cover of the DVD I knew my boys would like it.  The DVD is about Duncan Rosenblatt who is a typical high school student or so you think.  He is half-Kaiju, a race of hundred foot tall monsters who are fighting for control of the planet.  Duncan is stuck between his Kaiju dad and his normal mom, and living the life of a typical teenager.  Even though I am not really into monsters, I liked this movie and so did my boys (2 and 4 years old.)  There is a dragon which may be scary to some young kids, but my boys didn’t mind it. I can definitly see future DVDs for Firebreather as Duncan continues to fight for Earth but still be true to who he is.

Firebreather is set in CGI animation which is actually really good.  I mean it is no Disney or Pixar but it is also not cheesy or low budget looking.  Overall, I have no complaints about this DVD and look forward to more.  I think Firebreather could definitely appeal to a wide range of age groups too, even though my 2 year old didn’t understand the whole Kaiju part he liked watching it.  I also think the 69 minutes is a great length to keep kids entertained.

BUY IT: You can buy “Firebreather” wherever DVDs are sold or check it out on Amazon.

WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive the DVD “Firebreather”

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on whether or not your child has seen or heard of Firebreather?

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Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent this DVD to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.