Zathura

Though not technically a Jumanji sequel, Zathura is also based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg revolving around the amazing things that happen when a young boy unearths an old board game and makes the mistake of opening it. This time, what's unleashed isn't an orgy of jungle effects but rather an outer-space adventure, in which the house where six-year-old Danny, his older brother Walter, and teen sister Lisa are home alone is magically transported to the rings of Saturn, from which the perpetually quarreling brothers must “play” their way back to Earth. Happily, one throw of the dice brings them help in the shape of a time-traveling astronaut; unhappily, another brings a shipload of nasty lizard-like aliens. Still, by learning to work together and support one another, the three siblings bond and overcome their challenges. While there's certainly nothing wrong with the ultimate message of the story—that brothers and sisters should set aside their squabbling and appreciate one another's company—most of Zathura is either shrill or flat, with the bickering between Walter and Danny growing extraordinarily tiresome. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Jon Favreau and co-producer Peter Billingsley, a 17-minute “Zorgons, Robots, and ‘Frozen Lisa'” featurette on creating the creatures, “The Right Moves” making-of featurette (15 min.), a 14-minute featurette on the creation of the board game, “The World of Chris Van Allsburg” featurette on the author (13 min.), “The Cast” (13 min.), a 12-minute “Race to the Black Planet” visual effects featurette (12 min.), “Miniatures” (10 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven family film.] (F. Swietek)[Blu-ray Review—Sept. 22, 2015—Sony, 101 min., PG, $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2005's Zathura features a fine transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by director Jon Favreau and co-producer Peter Billingsley, behind-the-scenes featurettes (93 min.), a motion storybook read by author Chris Van Allsburg (18 min.), reflections on the film (5 min.), a virtual board game, trailers, and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a meaty extras package for this Blu-ray debut of the popular semi-sequel to Jumanji.]