|
|
Rating:  - Delightful!
The best part of "Dumbo" is seeing the delight on my 3 year old's face as he watches it. We just bought the film 2 days ago, and he's already watched it 3 times. He gets especially tickled during the bubbles scene. As for me, I am moved during the "Baby Mine" scene. Overall, "Dumbo" is a wonderful story about maternal love, innocence and friendship. I only wish that there were more age appropriate films like "Dumbo" for young children.
Rating: - For Children and the Child in Adults
My review won't be helpful to anyone reading it, as I can only talk about it from pure feeling. I hide the fact that I own a copy of this film because I'm an older adult male. Shame on me for that, but that's how it is. I'm very glad to see so many reviews of high praise for "Dumbo". I always loved this film, but I always assumed it was taken for granted by most people and, like it's title character, considered the runt of the illustrious library of Disney classic feature cartoons. Many of these customer reviews prove me wrong. "Dumbo" is elegant in its simplicity, honesty, humor, and positive message of hope. As for the "Baby Mine" number....it's the reason I'll only watch "Dumbo" alone. No matter what your age, give "Dumbo" a chance. It may just become something very personal for you as it did for me.
Rating: - Sometimes being different isnt so bad
I look forward to this timeless Disney classic returning to DVD.The story of a little elephant that arrives with oversized ears, only to realize later that a supposed 'handicap' contributes to his unique individuality.
This story contains all the timeless morals that all of us need to be reminded of: Friendship, loyalty, love, self-respect, and faith. Dumbo's best friend-ironically-is a mouse who shows the little guy what he is possible of; a friendship that results in the elephant reaching his full potential.
This movie can be viewed over and over again-in short, a classic; and when you are done watching it, it will remind you that even a floppy-eared elephant can fulfill his true destiny and discover how truly special he really is.
Rating: - Indispensable Disney Film Receives Deserved "Big Top" Treatment
Walt Disney's beloved, modest classic "Dumbo" carries a different history than most in the studio's library. It lacked "Fantasia's" groundbreaking animation/music choreography. Its story wasn't as familiar as timeless tales of Snow White, Cinderella, or Alice in Wonderland Disney stamped as its own. Its dialogue was sparse, its main character silent. Even its home video history is unique, being Disney's first "classic" title released to the format and consistently in print while Disney withdrew and re-released others.
But 1941's "Dumbo," deservedly updated in this deluxe "Big Top" edition, was Walt Disney's favorite films (he says so in one of the DVD's bonus features.) It's no surprise; this simple story of a long-eared, baby elephant, cherished by his mother, mistreated by nearly everyone else and eventually victorious, addressed themes of maternal love, perseverance, and self-esteem covered in Disney and other children's films to this day.
The movie is still a speedy 64 minutes (which cynics would say is about your wait for Dumbo's Disney World ride). Yet young Dumbo and his mother's story are fully and economically told around them through characters like Timothy Mouse, jazz-jiving crows (singing the musical highlight "When I See An Elephant Fly") and elephants cruel and catty (at the circus) or pink and near psychedelic (in the film's fantasy sequence). "Baby Mine," where Dumbo's mother cuddles and rocks him through circus prison bars, is among animation's most moving scenes.
Besides the TV "Disneyland" intro, the "Big Top" edition also holds two Disney "Silly Symphonies" ("Elmer Elephant" the better of the two), a newly sung "Baby Mine," a Dumbo DVD storybook, matching cards and an appreciation led by film critic Leonard Maltin. Overall, this "Big Top" edition gives "Dumbo" the well-deserved treatment its hero received at the end of the film. It's indispensable for Disney fans, an essential diamond among children's films.
Rating: - Classic.
Before the modern-era of Disney animation began with THE LITTLE MERMAID, the best animated Disney movies were the more original ones that they basically came up with themselves, e.g. BAMBI or THE FOX AND THE HOUND. DUMBO is another one of those. The movie is basically a story about believing in yourself and accepting the things in your life that make you different from others.
The story is quite simple. A circus elephant, Mrs. Jumbo longs for a baby. The stork comes a little late, but delivers her bundle of joy. She names the boy elephant Jumbo Junior, but as soon as the other elephants see his humungous ears they christen him Dumbo and the name sticks. Dumbo's ears cause all sorts of problems. Mrs. Jumbo is imprisoned after defending Dumbo from some teasing, reckless youths and Dumbo is made into a clown after he causes the big top to literally come down. Dumbo is one sad baby elephant, but then he meets Timothy Mouse and Timothy quickly becomes Dumbo's aid, confidant, and mentor. In the end, everything turns out okay.
There's quite a bit that's appealing about DUMBO. To begin with, the movie (at around 63 minutes) is one of the shortest feature films ever released. The story says all it needs to say and there really isn't any fluff (even the pink elephants have their place). The animation is quite spectacular, especially considering that the film was released in 1941. The music and songs are top notch, with everything from catchy tunes to tear-jerking lullabies. The movie has a great message and it appeals to both children and adults. It truly is a Disney classic (and I don't use that term lightly).
This edition of the film includes more extras that the length of the film. There are a couple of games, some sing-along-songs, a "music video", and a featurette. My favorite part of the extras were the two Silly Symphonies that are included, "Elmer Elephant" and "The Mouse That Could Fly". Both go along with the theme of DUMBO and compliment the film nicely (and the Mouse short includes an appearance by the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio).
|
|