Last week, Wes Anderson’s animated classic Fantastic Mr. Fox was released on Blu-ray as part of the Criterion Collection.  Based on the book by Roald Dahl, the 2009 film tells the story of the clever and suavely dressed Mr. Fox (George Clooney), who is facing a bit of an existential crisis while trying to outwit three evil farmers who are determined to stop the animals from stealing their chickens.

Brought to life through beautifully detailed stop motion and filled with memorable characters voiced by a brilliant cast, Fantastic Mr. Fox is an animated masterpiece and a cussin’ fantastic entry into Wes Anderson’s perfect filmography.  Complete with an excellent soundtrack, this modern classic comes highly recommended on Criterion, and is especially worth revisiting before the director’s latest film The Grand Budapest Hotel opens in March.

The Blu-ray includes commentary with Wes Anderson, numerous featurettes, the TV special Fantastic Mr. Dahl and tons of other bonus material.  Also in the beautifully packaged set is a wonderfully illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Erica Wagner and a 2002 article by Wes Anderson about Roald Dahl, as well as the White Cape comic that appears in the film.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is 87 minutes and rated PG.

-John Corrado