This weekend marks the official release date of The Hunger Games DVD in what is to be coined the biggest DVD release of the year. I received a copy of the film on 2-disc Blu-Ray {plus digital copy} for review, which includes over three hours of extensive bonus materials including the comprehensive eight-part documentary, “The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games.”
Now, I read the complete set of The Hunger Games books while on vacation early this Spring. Actually, I read them all in less than 4 days, from the comforts of a pool-side lounge chair in the tropics. So, I was eager to see the story depicted on film even though the film follows just the first book in the series.
Synopsis: Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Sixteen year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister’s place and must rely upon her sharp instincts when she’s pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared their entire lives. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. {Cast includes: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson}
Coming from someone who has read and enjoyed the books, I have to disclose that the movie-version is never as good as the books, but this one is a ton better than others that have tried. As usual, I feel that some of my favorite parts were left out {I would have thought Primrose would have made more appearances}, but it is needed when packing in a story into 142 minutes.
That being said, in general I think the film was great in itself. I felt each character cast was ideal for the role, and portrayed each character just as I would have imagined. One the real action started ‘in the ring’, the movie does keep you on your toes and attention held. The costumes were fabulous, just as the settings. Really, just as described in the book.
Not one to spoil the plot, those that have read the book – watch it. Those that haven’t, watch it as well. Yet, if you like reading, I also think it’s about time you pick up the books. Is there anyone who hasn’t read them yet? In fact, I might read the books again, then re-watch. I’m sure you could pick up more details the second time around.
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Great review! I too read the trilogy in just under a week – and no, my house did not get cleaned that week, ha! Am definitely grabbing this Blu-ray, thanks for reminding me to put it on my shopping list!
Good date night flick!
Great review, indeed!
I had never HEARD of the series before the movie came out – but instantly fell in love with the characters. I’ve since read the series and cannot WAIT to re-watch the movie and wait for the next one to come out!
The Hunger Games definitely had my attention, although the first hour or so kind of dragged. I read the books first, which I normally do for movies that are made from literature, and I was still happy with the movie. A coworker at Dish originally recommended the books to me and I was very impressed, so I decided to rent the movie. I got it from Blockbuster @ Home the first day that it was released and sat down to watch it with my girlfriend. It definitely kept both of us entertained, and hopefully we will be just as satisfied with Catching Fire when it comes out.
Hunger Games is AMAZING!!! Although the books are definitely better than the movie!
I purchased the Dvd on the weekend and really enjoyed the movie.
I bought the books but still have not read them. Since I wanted to read them before seeing the movie, I didn’t see the movie while it was in theaters. The other day, while in Walmart. I saw that it was on sale and picked it up. I now have books I haven’t read and a movie I won’t watch. Ridiculous!
I read the first book and loved it. I haven’t seen the movie yet though but I’m soooooo anxious to.
I haven’t read the book yet…but I am really excited about buying it after reading all of these comments. I would prefer to read the book before the movie. It is hard sometimes after enjoying a book only to see the film and find favourite parts missing in the movie edition. I remember reading ‘A Time To Kill’ and then seeing the movie when it came out after. The movie was great. People and places were just as I had imagined while reading the book…that has to be the sign of a truly good author.