Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The idea of remaking the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" franchise sounds completely cringe-worthy. Add to that a connection to franchise crusher Michael Bay and the innocuous appearance of Megan Fox, the film isn't half bad. Boasting impressive CGI and a more realistic take on the franchise, the film does have some inherent entertainment value. The Blu-ray features are robust enough to add some more value to the film, since so much is based on the amazing special effects. The motion capture technology allows the turtles to take shape in CGI but still feel photo real. And they managed it all without help from a Vanilla Ice Song.

The Blu-ray for the film is pretty robust. Some versions include two interchangeable eye masks so your can roleplay as your favorite turtles. "Digital Reality" explores how unique the film is for having real actors playing the turtles in scenes. Their facial intricacies and body movements were matched to the prototypes of the now larger and more realistic-appearing turtles. "In Your Face! The Turtles in 3D" is the requisite 3D TV addition that profiles...you guessed it: The 3D run of the film. "It Ain't Easy Being Green" is a more in-depth interview with the actors who played the turtles, and the other cast members, about their connection to the franchise.

"Evolutionary Mash-Up" is a strange featurette. It focuses on the biology of turtles and real information on ninjas. Another fun but strange bonus feature is the music video for "Shell Shocked," by Wiz Kalifah. It just feels like such a dated premise for the movie music video.

The less exciting features include the "Extended Ending," which just includes Fox as a reporter and Will Arnett, both of whom are hard to rationalize being in the movie. There's also the 'making-of' for the music video "Shell Shocked." "Turtle Rock" also profiles the composing of music for a film with a target demographic of children and nostalgic adults.

You may have reservations about the updating of the classic cartoon, however it's pleasantly entertaining. It doesn't reinvent the wheel or blow your mind away, but it is a refreshing, yet retro, take on the popular franchise.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy
$39.99
Paramount.com