The Film
It's hard to find a good kids' film today. We're talking a real kids film. Of course, Pixar produces stunning movies for all ages, but there needs to be movies specifically for the wee ones. Sadly, that leaves very little that doesn't involve flatulance or a week's worth of night terrors. Thankfully, the Hundred-Acre Wood is as happening as ever.
Disney goes back to basics with Winnie the Pooh, a movie that doesn't need farts or flash to captivate. Using a hand-drawn animation style, Disney has given life to a few of A.A. Milne's classic tales and even incorporates those books into the action on the screen. If you've read some of Pooh's adventures over the years, you may recognize Eeyore's plight to find a new tail and the fear of the dreaded (and hilarious) "Backson." It's unique, it's simple, and it's downright sweet.
Make no mistake; Winnie the Pooh is geared towards the young ones. After all, it's only 63 minutes long! Still, for most of us, Pooh is part of our past. If you were ever a fan, you'll find yourself completely captivated. This tubby little cubby is still stuffed with fluff (and well... honey), and as cute as ever.
Want to hear another story? Check out Chris Boylan's theatrical review of Winnie the Pooh.
The Picture
Despite its simplistic story and animation style, the image for Winnie the Pooh is far from primitive. These characters look absolutely huggable, with gorgeous colors that appear plucked right out of a bedtime story. Pooh has a wonderful color palette, whether deep in the forest-filled imagery of the Hundred Acre Wood or deep in Pooh's honey-themed (and toned) slumber. It's a clean, wonderful looking film. The detail is phenomenal, as well, in the characters, the backgrounds, and even when both are interacting with the text from those classic books. Don't pooh-pooh this Pooh; it's an absolute must-have.
The Sound
Disney has included a DTS-HD Master Audio track for Winnie the Pooh, and it's just right. Don't expect to be blown into the next room, but frankly, that's just not Pooh's style. All of the characters have a distinct sound, and that's the main focus here. That's not to say that there aren't some surround effects. That said, like the film itself, this track is soft and cuddly. Also, as expected, the score definitely has the boldest presence here, and includes some wonderful breathy vocals from actress/songstress Zoey Deschanel (TV's New Girl).
The Extras
Disney sent us the 2-disc combo pack, which features the Blu-ray and the DVD. For an extra few dollars, there is a 3-disc set, which throws in the Digital Copy.
The rest of the extras, are similar, though. First up, in case your kids are still in the mood to sit, there are two animated shorts. The first is "The Ballad of Nessie," which preceeded Winnie the Pooh in theaters. The other is "Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Pooh's Balloon." There's plenty of other animation, through deleted scenes. Some are just storyboars, while others are fully animated. For such a short movie, it's not surprising that there were moments left on the cutting room floor. The little ones will love these extras, without the confine of theater seats.
Since the music was such an important part to the film, it's also important in the special features. Unfortunately, there isn't a featurette on the music. There is, however, a "Sing Along" feature, as well as the option to find each of the songs within the movie -- where you can, of course, sing along as well. Another bonus is an extremely short, but still worthwhile piece, on the film as well as Pooh's humble beginnings.
Final Thoughts
Winnie the Pooh will whisk you back to a much simpler time, when cartoons were hand-drawn and all that "a bear of very little brain" needed was a smattering of honey. It's a wonderful tale that will captivate the kiddies and provide a nice flashback for the adults. Disney delights once again, with a Blu-ray release that will certainly leave your tummy grumbling for more Pooh adventures.
Product Details
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