The Book of Life - love rivalry the spark for animated fun

That's unfortunate, because the film's a treat. Top-notch animation, talented voice work (Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman and Christina Applegate) and an emotionally entertaining story make this a winning movie.

Suitable for family viewing, the picture follows two young men - Manola and Joaquin - engaging in a friendly rivalry to win the affections of Maria. Manola is from a bullfighting family, but he wants to be a musician. Joaquin is from a family of great soldiers, and that's the future awaiting him.

As Manola and Joaquin fallinto their professions, Maria arrives back in town from her days at a private school. The men resume their rivalry, but their attention turns toward a dangerous bandit who threatens to destroy their town.

Commentary is the only extra available on standard DVD and Blu-ray. However, there are plenty of making-of featurettes - packed with interviews - found exclusively in Blu-ray packages.

McClatchy-Tribune