On CLIPS In March, 2010
ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to find Wonderland ruled by The Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). Johnny Depp is The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's latest film.

TRIVIA: Who provided the voice of The Mad Hatter in Walt Disney's 1951 animated classic?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT

     (4 CAMS)           RATED PG

A grown up and almost engaged Alice (Mia Wasikowska) goes back down the rabbit hole to the wonderland of her youth called Underland, where the dreaded Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) rules. According to an ancient scroll, Alice's destiny is to destroy the monstrous Jabberwocky and restore the kingdom of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Rabbit (Michael Sheen), Tweedledee / Tweedledum (Matt Lucas) and the Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry) are among the bizarre inhabitants who aid the reluctant heroine. Based on the Lewis Carroll books, "Alice In Wonderland" is a visual and wondrous delight to behold in any dimension. The 3D version is a bit more involving - dropping the viewer into the middle of Alice's dream world. This is really director Tim Burton's world, where the dark and foreboding landscape has a lot in common with "The Nightmare Before Christmas". Once again, Mr. Burton surrounds himself with actors who bring his vision to life. Johnny Depp seems to have combined pieces of his past roles to create the maddest of Hatters. Helena Bonham Carter dominates every scene she's in, with a menacing Crispin Glover by her side as Stayne - the Knave of Hearts. Mia Wasikowska is a vulnerable and sympathetic Alice who finds courage on her journey. The Blue Caterpillar blows smoke with the distinct voice of Alan Rickman. As much as I enjoyed this immersive experience, Walt Disney's 1951 animated classic is still dear to my heart. Images of those memorable characters raced through my mind during the screening and even Danny Elfman's brilliant score couldn't get songs like "I'm Late" out of my head. Disney's magical cartoon wonderland is not present here. Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland" is a mind-blowing trip that Walt never even dreamed of.

The Blu-ray Way

"Alice In Wonderland" is now available for home viewing. The Blu-ray edition is loaded with featurettes on the characters and the making of Wonderland. But the real treat is the flawless transfer of the movie itself. The stunning visuals and spectacular sound are, at the very least, equal to the theatrical presentation. A standard edition DVD is also available. Better yet: buy the Combo Pack and prepare for the future.

FYI: I also watched the film with a pair of cardboard "PullTime" 3D glasses. Even with my less-than-perfect vision, the experience nearly matched the sensation in the theater.