The Iron Giant Signature Edition – Remastered, rereleased, in-theaters and coming to DVD/Digital
The Iron Giant, the beloved animated film directed by Brad Bird, is being re-released in theaters this fall by Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events. Known as The Iron Giant: Signature Edition, the re-release is a remastered version of the movie that also contains two bonus scenes. It played as a special engagement at 7 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Sept. 30, followed by an encore presentation at noon on Sunday, Oct. 4, in select theaters across America. For those who didn’t make it to the screenings, a high-definition digital version of The Iron Giant: Signature Edition will be available to purchase later this fall.
The Iron Giant, Bird’s directorial debut, premiered in the summer of 1999 to rave reviews but didn’t come close to breaking even at the box office. The film, which is based on Ted Hughes’ 1968 novel The Iron Man, tells the story of a young boy who finds a giant robot that fell to earth from space. Bird went on to direct The Incredibles and Ratatouille at Pixar, winning two Academy Awards, before breaking into live-action filmmaking with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This film is truly wonderful. Brad Bird, the director, is famous for making some of the best animated films and I think this is one of his best work even through it is one of his first.” See his full review below.
The Iron Giant : Signature Edition
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
The classic animated film, that millions and millions people loved, from the genius mind of Brad Bird, comes the sixteen-year-old, ultra-famous, The Iron Giant.
The Iron Giant has a lot of action. However, this isn’t just about explosions and fights. It is also a major drama with many twists and turns in the story that make it compelling and interesting. There is still a good amount of comedy to keep the viewer entertained. Actually, there is a fantastic amount of drama that keeps you at the edge of your seat and still a good amount of comedy to make sure you enjoy it.
The story begins when a nine-year-old boy named Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) accidentally finds a 200 foot Iron Robot from outer space. They become close friends until the government realizes its existence and tries to destroy the robot. It is up to Hogarth and his family to protect the Iron Giant from destruction.
This film is truly wonderful. Brad Bird, the director, is famous for making some of the best animated films and I think this is one of his best work even through it is one of his first. Considering it was made in 1999, the animation is excellent and, some of the more tricky shots, such as the giant explosion, all done wonderfully well, just as if it was made more recently. The message of the story is truly sweet and is an important one – Don’t judge a character by his appearance. The army looks at this giant iron creature from space and thinks it is there to kill them. Really, he has no idea why he is here. It’s as if he is just a young boy.
My favorite scene is the opening shot. It starts by showing the first satellite in space in the 1950s. Then, a meteor flies by the satellite straight into the ocean. This meteor holds the one and only Iron Giant. I loved it because the animation is just amazing. You can even see some 3D animation, which was very new at the time.
Because there are some dramatic and intense scenes, I recommend it for ages 7 to 18. I also give it 5 out of 5 stars since this film is a wonderful animated classic. The voice acting, the animation, the storyline and everything about this film is simply magical. I do hope there will be a sequel!
