This is one of my personal favorites in the growing Pixar/Disney library. However, what I do not enjoy on such DVD titles is the weight of children's games and the like. As a childless adult, I hope to see funny created outtakes, deleted scenes, tours of the Pixar facility, which this disc does have, but the remaining guff is just that for a guy like me.

For those who don't remember, "Monsters, Inc." follows industrial scary monsters Mike and Sullivan "Sully," as the world of closet monsters is engaged in a "scream" shortage. Screams are the monster world's prime energy source.

Eventually, as Mike and Sully unravel an evil corporate plot to steal human children and extract their screams, a little girl is trapped in their graces and soon show them laughter is a much stronger energy source than fear.

This animated picture is so adorable and hilarious, it stands out among contemporary classics. Billy Crystal (City Slickers) as the voice of Mike is so well delivered and accompanies John Goodman (TV's Roseanne) as the voice of Sully. I don't know one person who grins when I mention this title to him or her.

However, the picture's humor, voice and strong story work is only complimentary to the world Pixar created as the setting. Once all the mishaps and conspiracy go into full swing, the viewer is sucked into the characters' world.

Again, the picture is amazing and sweet, but the disc contains generated outtakes which--let's admit it--makes Pixar discs well worth the rental cost. Kids or none, "Monsters, Inc." is one for the DVD shelf at home.

In lieu of performances, listen for indie nomad Steve Buscemi (Coffee and Cigarettes) and the late Academy Award® winner James Coburn (Maverick).

Benn - Where's the Humanity?