One of the silver screen’s most cherished characters makes his triumphant return in Disney’s spectacular all-new movie, Bambi II. The eagerly-awaited next chapter of Bambi’s unforgettable story continues for a whole new generation in a film that’s sure to delight your entire family. Join Bambi as he reunites with his father, The Great Prince, who must now raise the young fawn and teach him the ways of the forest. But, in the adventure of a lifetime, the proud parent discovers that there is much that he can learn from his spirited young son. Thumper, Flower, Owl and your favorite characters return – and you’ll meet some wonderful new friends – as Bambi’s magnificent legacy continues. Illustrated in the breathtaking animation style of the original classic and bursting with enchanting new songs, Bambi II is truly a wonder to behold. A sequel to the 1942 Disney classic, Bambi, is laden with expectations since audiences are justifiably protective of this beloved tale abounding with enchantment and nostalgia. Rest assured: Bambi II rises to the occasion, succeeding at every turn. Brian Pimental directs the 70-minute direct-to-video release, which seamlessly integrates the beauty, subtlety, and essence of the original film. The new tale is actually a “midquel” as it takes place in the middle of the original film’s story line, exploring Bambi’s coming-of-age challenges. The saga begins soon after Bambi’s mother has died–and for viewers who shudder at the thought of having to relive that traumatic movie experience, you won’t. With gentle inferences to her passing, Bambi (voiced by Alexander Gould, Finding Nemo) is left to the clumsy-though-well-meaning care of his father, the Great Prince (voiced by Patrick Stewart) who faces the difficult task of raising a son while silently mourning his own loss. Yet the weighty subject of death is soon overshadowed by the wonders of forest life. Through skillful storytelling, the film takes an early turn toward levity. After all, it’s spring and Bambi’s familiar friends, Thumper and Flower, are ready to play. Especially charming are the scenes where the forest animals give each other lessons in bravery and soon have a chance to test their mettle in scuffles with a newcomer to the mix, a blustering bully named Ronno (voiced by Anthony Ghannam). A strong soundtrack includes selections by Martina McBride, Michelle Lewis, Alison Krauss, and Anthony Callea. There is even a nostalgic nod to the original composer, Frank Churchill, with “Let’s Sing a Gay Little Spring Song.” The film’s strength, however, is in its well-crafted humor: simple one-liners and animated antics that refrain from 21st century trends to cloak inappropriate innuendoes and double entendres in G-rated clothing, hoping to pander to an adult audience. This is vintage Disney; it panders to no one yet pleases all–delightfully worth the wait. The DVD’s bonus material includes a “making-of” featurette, Bambi trivia, and a mini-tutorial with a Disney animator. (All ages) –Lynn Gibson
List Price: $ 29.99
Price: [wpramaprice asin="B000B8QG3G"]
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – DVD MovieJane Austen’s wonderful novel has been adapted to the screen many times, with this 1940 version representing the golden age of the Hollywood studio era. Greer Garson, then just on the cusp of her stardom, plays the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, smartest of five daughters who must be married off. Laurence Olivier is that difficult fellow Mr. Darcy, whose mulishness about the Bennet girls begins to thaw when he gets a dose of Elizabeth’s sense and sensibility. The film is done up in the glamorous MGM house style, which means we’re stuck with the less-than-inspired direction of Robert Z. Leonard (The Great Ziegfeld), redeemed somewhat by a collection of handsome sets (Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse won the Oscar for Interior Decoration) and the dandy photography by Karl Freund, one of the greats. Anyone accustomed to the 1995 miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice will need to adjust to the swifter demands of a two-hour movie, and to be sure this version, like the 2005 Keira Knightley remake, simplifies some of Austen’s scenes. It’s one of the few films, by the way, with Aldous Huxley as a credited screenwriter. Edmund Gwenn is lovely as Mr. Bennet, and Mary Boland brash as Mrs. Bennet; Garson, although MGM liked to corset her in fine-lady roles, manages to let Elizabeth’s sauciness come through. Actually, the movie’s weak spot is Laurence Olivier’s elaborate performance as Darcy, which feels too theatrical. Not that it matters; Austen’s story is so good, the film sails through to its delicious finish with all flags flying. –Robert Horton
List Price: $ 19.98
Price: [wpramaprice asin="B000GRUQKQ"]
Tags: alexander gould, animation style, bambi ii, coming of age, disney classic, enchantment, fawn, finding nemo, forest life, inferences, levity, magnificent legacy, new songs, patrick stewart, pimental, proud parent, silver screen, triumphant return, video release, weighty subject
Solidbodies, The 50 Year Guitar War
Core Biology
Metallica - Some Kind of Monster
The Big Lebowski [HD DVD]
Mad Men: Season Two
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.