DVD Review: Futurama: Bender’s Game

Park your hover-car and saddle up your unicorn for the most fantastical “Futurama” yet: Futurama: Bender’s Game. With fuel prices skyrocketing, the Planet Express crew sets off on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the world’s only dark-matter mine, source of all spaceship fuel. But deep beneath the surface, they discover a far stranger place… a medieval land of dragons and sorcery and intoxicated knights who look suspiciously like Bender.

Joining the cast are guest stars George Takei, the iconic Captain Sulu from the original “Star Trek” series, and comic impressionist Rich Little.

The third installment of four all-new feature-length adventures, the Futurama: Bender’s Game DVD and Blu-ray are packed with special features. Hosted by David X. Cohen, “Dungeons & Dragons & Futurama” chronicles the influence of the classic role-playing fantasy game on the franchise. Other special features include outtakes, cast commentary, an anti-piracy message from Bender, an interactive Futurama Genetics Laboratory, a sneak peek at the next “Futurama” epic, and much more!

Review:
This latest Futurama movie is all about the fantasy world and definitely my favorite thus far. With fuel prices increasing, the Planet Express crew finds themselves on a dangerous mission to break into the world’s only dark-matter mine. Events ensue that leave the crew in a mysterious new world that bares an uncanny resemblance to some of the great fantasy movies of the recent years. The fantasy world seems to evolve right out of Bender’s new-found imagination that gets a bit out of hand when he becomes a bit too addicted to the well known game of “Dungeons & Dragons.”

The film tackles issues such as dark-matter shortages from the Mombil company, ran of course by the Mom. The parallels between Mombil and Mobile with the current gas prices is amusing and well thought out by the writers. But this isn’t where the parallels end. There are highlights from movies such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and even Star Wars all with a Futurama twist to them.

This title is also available on Blu-ray, which I always recommend due to the quality and the extra features that come with it. If you’re a Futurama fan it’s a must! Either way, be sure to check it out!

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: A-
Official site: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/futurama/index.jhtml
Buy on Amazon: Futurama: Bender’s Game