Toon Talk: Tinker Bell
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(c) Disney
Greatly exceeding expectations, Tinker Bell shines on its own merits; not at any time does it feel like a cog in a moneymaking machine like the Disney Princess videos. A lot of intelligent thought was put into creating the world of Pixie Hollow, and it shows. And even though some story elements are borrowed from what has come before (A Bug�s Life and Beauty and the Beast, for example), the choices are smart ones.
My only quibble, story-wise, is the characterization of Tink herself, who is miles away from the personality seen in the 1953 film. But then again, the assumed timeline suggests that Tink is a child here, a grown woman there, so we will have to wait and see how her character develops in the ensuing series.
Another possible drawback is the use of computer animation. It�s not a question of the quality of it (which is, by and large, perfectly fine). It is the thought that this wondrous world would have looked gorgeous in full-scale traditional animation, with backgrounds more lush and inviting and character animation more subtle and precise. On the other hand, a traditional animation direct-to-video budget wouldn�t have done it justice either, so perhaps we ended up with the lesser of the two �evils�.
What lifts this film higher than other previous Disney DVD sequel/spin-offs is the outstanding contributions of composer Joel McNeeley. His musical score, steeped deeply in Celtic flavors, is sublime. Plus, he is ably assisted with the dreamlike voice of acclaimed singer Loreena McKennitt.
In addition to the Fast Play option, the DVD offers a smattering of bonus features, highlighted by the interactive �Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow�. A �Tinker Trainer� activity is available via DVD-ROM, and two brief featurettes -- �Ever Wonder� (a live action short showing how fairies are everywhere) and the Selena Gomez music video of her end credit song �Fly to Your Heart� -- seem to round out the bonuses. �Seems to�, as there is a hidden Easter Egg on the bonus feature menu that takes you �To the Mainland�, where you will find the �making of� featurette, �Creating Pixie Hollow�, and six deleted scenes (some fully animated).
(c) Disney
Also found on the disc (in the �Sneak Peeks� section) is the trailer for Tink�s next DVD outing, the autumn themed Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. Here�s hoping that the second chapter of her solo adventures (due next year) is as winning and enjoyable as the first.
Toon Talk Rating: A-
Coming Soon:
- This year�s batch of Walt Disney Treasures includes the final
volume of The Chronological Donald and such TV favorites as
Annette and Dr. Syn, the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (Disney DVDs,
November 11).
- WALL-E
comes home on Disney DVD and Blu-ray November 18. - It�s Bolt to the rescue! Disney�s new canine crime fighter strikes in a theater near you November 21.
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-- Kirby C. Holt
-- Logos by William C. Searcy, Magic Bear Graphics
Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ... In addition to his Toon Talk reviews, Kirby is the creator of Movie Dearest, a blog for movie fans.
Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.
The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted October 28, 2008
-- Kirby C. Holt
-- Logos by William C. Searcy, Magic Bear Graphics