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| Alvin and the Chipmunks | 
 enlarge | Actors: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.99
Buy Used: $4.46
You Save: $25.53 (85%)
New (58) Used (49) Collectible (2) from $4.46
Avg. Customer Rating:  132 reviews
Sales Rank: 300
Format: Ac-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 2250301
UPC: 024543503019
EAN: 0024543503019
ASIN: B0013FSWT2
Theatrical Release Date: December 14, 2007
Release Date: April 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Ships Within 24 Hours - Satisfaction Guaranteed!
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| Customer Reviews:
 Celebrity in a Nutshell December 14, 2007
14 out of 25 found this review helpful
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" is a cute film, but it's also the cinematic equivalent of empty calories--light, airy, and sweet, with nothing of value except for maybe a few moments of enjoyment. After it's over, the experience is forgotten, and we're no better or worse than before we saw it. There really isn't much that can be analyzed, deconstructed, or even explained; this is one of those films that puts absolutely everything on the table, able to capture the attention of even the most inattentive five-year-old. I'm not saying that this is a bad movie, but I'd be lying if I said that I'm the right person to have seen it. This is for kids and kids alone, a bright, energetic, simple film unfettered of complexity and meaning.
Now that I've gotten all my adult-level jargon out of the way, let me summarize the plot for you. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is a struggling songwriter, unable to impress anyone with his music, least of all Ian (David Cross), the executive of a record company. When he steals a basket of muffins out of spite, he discovers three small, furry, squeaky-voiced chipmunk stowaways: the troublemaking Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), the brainy Simon (voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler), and the meek overeater Theodore (voiced by Jesse McCartney). Dave soon discovers that the three are natural born singers, and thus negotiates an arrangement: they can stay in his home so long as they sing the songs he writes. The film begins at Christmastime, so naturally, Dave's first song with the chipmunks is "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)." You know--the one where Alvin wants a Hula Hoop.
This song soon brings Ian back into the game, and he immediately shows his true colors by tempting them away from Dave. He lavishes them with expensive gifts. He tells lies about how Dave feels about them. But most importantly, he turns them into full-blown music superstars, allowing them to live a carefree lifestyle of food, toys, and video games. These things sound juvenile, but as Simon explains, he, Alvin, and Theodore are only kids; their parents left them a week after their birth, which is supposedly the way it's done with chipmunks. Of course, if you actually care one way or another about where they came from, how old they are, or even why they're able to talk and sing, then this is definitely not the movie for you.
But I digress. As the chipmunks are lured deeper and deeper into the crazy world of pop music celebrity, Dave realizes that he misses them, despite the fact that they drove him crazy. They in turn feel the strain of constant performing, and even though they believe that Dave doesn't want them back, they still would like to go home. Ian, of course, finds this unacceptable; he sees the chipmunks as nothing but cute moneymakers, an excuse to manufacture and distribute a boatload of rodent-related merchandise. He repeatedly says that he never loses, and isn't that exactly what you'd expect the villain of a kid's movie to say? Anyway, in realizing that the chipmunks are about to launch a twelve-month world tour, Dave vows to save them, not only from Ian, but from fame, as well. Helping him is a press photographer named Claire (Cameron Richardson), and as you might have guessed, she and Dave have feelings for each other.
That's about as much of the plot as there is to summarize. If this doesn't fit the bill as pure child-friendly escapism, then I must have missed something along the way. Short of the direct to video Barbie films, "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is about as fluffy and generally unimportant as they get. It's filled to the brim with sight gags, such as the chipmunks trashing Dave's house, ridiculous character quirks, and a scene in which Simon puts Theodore's accident into his mouth, convincing Dave that a raisin had somehow landed on the couch. There's also moment when Alvin inhales helium from a balloon; apparently, helium makes an already high-pitched voice sound deeper. Pretty much the only things saving this film from being too sickly sweet are the numerous pop culture references--songs such as "Funkytown," "Don't Cha," and "Only You" find their way into the film, as do a number of present day slang terms like, "My bad." Even chipmunks have to keep up with the times.
Or do they? This film adaptation of "Alvin and the Chipmunks" definitely accomplishes what it set out to accomplish, but honestly, did it really have to be made? I know that kids will like this film, if for no other reason than the joy of seeing cute CG rodents on the big screen. I don't debate the fact that this is a good-looking film, and to some extent, it is fun--or rather, about as fun as simple films can be. But that doesn't mean that it was necessary, and I have no doubt that adults will feel the exact same way. I don't know what original "Chipmunks" creator Ross Bagdasarian would have to say about this film, but I suppose it doesn't really matter. At the very least, he would have been glad to hear Dave's trademark shout: "Allllllviiiiiin!"
 CHIPMUNKS ROCK! February 19, 2008
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
The day after Christmas my 87-year-old mother said, "I'd like to go see that Chipmunk movie." This caught me off-guard as she never asks to go to a movie anymore (too much blood, guts, violence, nudity, swearing) and the movie had gotten terrible reviews. I am not a fan of MY NAME IS EARL so I was skeptical about the "human star" too. But we went, and along with the 200 or so kids, we had a fantastic time. We both LOVED this movie. Everything about it is adorable. I can't wait to own it so we can enjoy it over and over. I bought the CD of the music to tide me over until the film is released.
 Alvin and the Chipmunks is a fun filled ride! April 4, 2008
10 out of 13 found this review helpful
I just finished watching Alvin and The Chipmunks and thought it was pretty good. The Movie is tailored more for kids, but if you grew up with the chipmunks you will appreciate this film. After having there tree cut down by loggers, Alvin and his buddies Simon and Theodore end up in Los Angeles where they meet a struggling musician named Dave. After turning Daves house upside down Dave throws them out only to discover their vocal talent. Realizing their potential, Dave introduces them to a record executive named Ian who turns the chipmunks in to an overnight sensation. After Ian takes the chipmunks under his wing and spoils them with toys and gifts, the chipmunks start to miss their home with Dave. Will the chipmunks let fame change them or will they go back to the life they had when they lived with Dave? This is a fun filled movie with the cool little trio many generations have grown up with. As for the Blu-ray high def release the picture is good, but not one of the best. The sound is also mediocre as is the lack of bonus material. I was very disappointed at fox for pulling the extra disc with the digital copy (lets you copy to your ipod) from this blu-ray release at the very last minute. Other than those minor flaws I really enjoyed this film!
A subliminal morality tale on the dangers of celibacy. April 14, 2008
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
(please read this review in a pompous, snobbish tone) Alvin and the Chipmunks is one of those great pieces of cinematic bliss that causes the viewer to take one of two paths. The first is to follow the storyline for what it appears to be and the other is to see the story for what it really is.
What we see is a man who adopts three young chipmunks and begins a record career with them. What we're supposed to see, however, is a man, perhaps mid to late thirties, and his frantic, feeble cry for help.
Exhibit A: "Dave", if that is his real name, is the quintessential metro- male, possessing a lavish garden full of fresh flowers, an immaculate house that doesn't so much as show a hint of dust throughout, and a wardrobe that would make even the fastest trigger-tongued females pause out of respect for his delicate taste and touch. And yet, poor Dave can't catch a break. He's creepily overbearing with the ladies (and on a side note, there is enough eye-candy in this film to keep most men delightfully happy) and his entire demeanor screams one deft-defying truth as we psycho-analyze poor and pathetic Davey: that he is celibate, has been so for a VERY long time, and in an effort to proscribe the immensity of his innate desires, creates three fictitious "chipmunks" as a form of psychotic catharis. They are to him the elements that drive the demons away at night as he rocks himself to sleep in the fetal position, the saviors who keep his mind occupied when his hot neighbor walks by in a bouncy-bounce blousey-blouse. They are figments of poor Dave's baseless soul.
So our lesson is clear, kids. Celibacy is a good thing for a while, but not forever. 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' offers cathartic proof in what celibacy will do to you if you hold onto it too long.
sincerely,
the pompous, smug reviewer
The critics are crazy February 18, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
The critics were very harsh on their reviews of this movie. My husband and I took our four toddlers (5, 4, 4, and 2) to see this yesterday and I am pre-ordering the DVD today. It is cute, laugh out loud funny in places, and the music is actually very catchy. Lee is not the best actor, but he is supposed to be a washed up, committment phobe of a man...so what do they want? I think if your children are under 14 they will get a kick out of this movie. My husband and I also enjoyed it and thought it was a great day out. I can't wait to watch it again! The new chipmunks definitely have their groove on!
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