Dumbo (Big Top Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Dumbo (Big Top Edition)
Movie Review: Absolutely wonderful in every way
Summary: 5 Stars
For some reason, I never saw most of the Disney classic movies when I was growing up - but I'm certainly having a good time watching them all these years later. Dumbo, of course, may be the most beloved Disney film of them all - despite the fact that it is relatively short (64 minutes), sports a pretty simplistic style of animation, and features a main character that never speaks a single word. The film's popularity is due in large part to the story itself, as there is a little bit of Dumbo in all of us. At some time, we've all been embarrassed by our appearance, laughed at and snubbed by those around us, and been made to feel like a complete loser.
Everyone knows the story already. Poor little Dumbo, with his big ears, is ridiculed and called a freak by the other elephants, harassed by kids going in to see the circus, separated from his mother, and eventually made into a clown, the very embodiment of his unhappy life. Only little Timothy Mouse befriends him, and his spirit of optimism and commitment to help Dumbo prove himself are needed more than ever when things go from bad to worse. In the end, the very thing that makes Dumbo different turns out to be the source of his greatest strength. The message of the film is pretty simple: believe in yourself, even when others put you down and, for heaven's sake, don't make fun of someone just because he looks different. Dumbo is also a story about love, particularly the love between a mother and child, and the importance of friendship.
Classic Disney films such as this are both wonderful and remarkable - yet so many of them are also sad. I imagine that children, while they will certainly understand the themes of this story, don't connect to the film on the same emotional level as I do as an adult. I really got emotional watching this - right from the start, with the sadness exuded by Mrs. Jumbo as she watches children being delivered to seemingly every one but her. It's tough watching Dumbo suffer ridicule and embarrass himself further by tripping over his big ears, suffer a cruel separation from his mother, and mope around with those tears spilling out of his big blue eyes, but I made it through all of that OK. Then came the scene where he visits his mother in her solitary confinement. If Leonard Maltin can admit that this film makes him cry every time he watches it, so can I. I don't know how anyone can get through that visitation scene without shedding at least one tear.
I said the animation was relatively simplistic, but that does not mean it isn't spellbinding, nor does it mean you won't encounter any scenes that are rather stunning in detail. Some of the professionals interviewed in a 15-minute featurette included on the DVD do a great job of pointing out the most remarkable scenes (and everyone has something to say about the Pink Elephant sequence, which is just bizarre and certainly memorable). Other special features include an audio commentary by film historian John Canemaker, a short, one-minute introduction to the film by Walt Disney himself, a photo gallery of conception art and storyboards, a video of the song "Baby Mine" performed by Jim Brickman with Kassie DePalva, and two short cartoons, Elmer Elephant and The Flying Mouse. Additional bonus materials aimed more specifically at young viewers are Sing Along Songs for Look Out for Mr. Stork and Casey Junior, a DVD storybook which children can read along with, and a "My First Circus" game that teaches children about the different kinds of animals normally found in a circus.
In a perfect world, Disney would just send a free copy of Dumbo to every set of parents in the country. Since that isn't economically feasible, I hope that as many parents as possible do make Dumbo a part of their children's young lives. This classic animated film is everything you would expect from Walt Disney - and more.
Movie Review: The Perfect Film
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite what I've said about previous films I've reviewed ("Mamma Mia!", "The Dark Knight", "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" etc.), this is my all time favorite movie. This is Walt Disney at his best. The story is simple and it is short at 64 minutes, but it delivers the story quickly so it doesn't plod along like some other Disney films. The characters are entertaining, especially Timothy Mouse for helping our young, speechless hero. Dumbo is one of the cutest animated characters and struggles throughout the movie because of his "deformity". The animation is outstanding, especially the Pink Elephants sequence and the sequence when the elephants stand on the ball and then the circus is destroyed. The songs fit well into the plot of the film and aren't shoehorned in. The most tearful/touching scenes are when Dumbo is with his mother, the "Baby Mine" sequence imparticular. Now, I'm going to go on a little rant here and it especially goes out all of the NARROW-MINDED and IGNORANT people who have given this gem of a movie a bad review. This movie and its portrayal of the crows are not racist, I mean, I'm sorry if crows are black, but you need to talk to the Big Guy Upstairs about that one. And even if they unintentionally were and you don't want your kid exposed to it, then you are raising them to be oblivious to a human condition that, unfortunately, will exist until the end of days. Its unfortunate that this and "Song of the South" are labled as racist films along with the great "Looney Tunes" and "Tom and Jerry" cartoons. They shouldn't have to address to people that these are products of the time and apologize that some people may be offended. We shouldn't have to be so PC all the time. It restricts creativity. Look at the Steve Martin remake of "The Pink Panther" and then look at the originals with Sellers (yes even the three made after his death). The Clouseau character had a greater dynamic and foil with Chinese manservant Cato than with Ponton (it was good but not like what he had with Cato). The character was supposed to be in the remake but the producers changed their mind because it might offend some people, despite the character being associated with the films. Even the "Super Friends" of the '70s/'80s. They try to put their best foot foward by including different races and all people do now is criticize them for being racist. When the Darkseid character was introduced in the '80s cartoons, the heads at ABC tried to change the name to "DarkSIDE" because the original spelling might offend their German viewers despite that's how the character's name is spelled in the comics and in the more PC era of the '90s with the Bruce Timm Superman animated series. If these remarks are going to garner a lot of negative comments for me, then so be it because these are my views.Movie Review: "The very things that held ya down are going to carry ya up and up and up!"
Summary: 5 Stars
(The title is my favorite line in the movie, spoken by Timothy Mouse to Dumbo.)
I rented "Dumbo" so that I could preview it before buying it for my 5-year-old, who saw a preview for it on another Disney DVD and wants to see it. This animated movie about a sweet-faced, sad-eyed baby elephant got a strong emotional reaction from me.....and I tend to have a somewhat jaded view of the world.
Regarding the quality of the movie itself: I thought the movie was visually pretty; not as gorgeous as, say, "The Lion King," but since this movie is 70 years old, that's to be expected. The story flowed well, though I wish the ending had been a bit more complete as it felt rushed to me. The songs were memorable, especially "Baby Mine." (I don't see how anyone can watch that scene and not get a lump in their throat, at the very least.)
Many people have commented on two scenes in the movie that many consider to be controversial. I agree that the "roustabout" number has some cringe-inducing lyrics. It was a reflection of the times, and that ugly aspect of history can't be hidden from the art of that time period. Regarding the highly discussed "pink elephants" number: I think it was merely a diversion meant to lighten up the mood of the movie since that number takes place after a couple of very sad scenes, plus it led Timothy Mouse to determine that Dumbo can fly.
Parents should know that this story is a variation of "The Ugly Duckling," and some children, particularly those who are very sensitive to the feelings of others, may be disturbed by Dumbo's treatment. That aspect of the movie is what got to me. The artists clearly convey the love that Dumbo and his mother have for each other, as well as the sadness they feel over the events that transpire. Dumbo triumphs in the end, but as I wrote earlier, the ending is very quick, and in my opinion, doesn't really allow the audience to share in his glory. Instead, the ending just assures us that he is going to be okay, then the credits roll.
My final decision on whether or not to buy this movie for my child is that while I do want her to watch it, I plan to wait a year or two. Dumbo is a wonderful movie, and there are many topics to be discussed after watching it, important topics that should be discussed in families. I just want to be sure that she has the emotional maturity to express what she's feeling and discuss it with me. If I were to give an age range that I think would be appropriate for this movie, I'd say age 7 and up.
Movie Review: Jumbo Jr. Flys High
Summary: 5 Stars
Dumbo has no big ambitions in story or art and was made with a mediocre budget. Still, it's a timeless classic with a story that resonates just as effectively today as when first released in 1941. Its charming characters will still bring audiences to tears and the music will stay with you long after the lights come back up. This film is simply bursting with heart and soul.
Is there anyone who doesn't cry when Mrs. Jumbo, locked in her cell, cuddles and swings her Jumbo Jr.? The sequence is a masterpiece. Combining the psychological pain we feel at the separation of parent and child, a beautifully touching song and warm, subtle character animation. But the truly amazing thing is that tucked into this unassuming little story is the highly imaginative pink elephant sequence, the greatly comic "When I See An Elephant Fly" and a few nods to German expressionism. Quite a combination, and proof that Dumbo is much more than just a distraction for the kiddies.
Dumbo was not given the extensive restoration that Snow White was given a few years ago and a bit of dust and scratches are seen throughout the film. But this is still the best the film has looked on home video. In fact, it appears to be the same transfer from the 60th Anniversary DVD of 2002. Even the menu screens are the same. All that's been added are a few games for the younger set and a music video for "Baby Mine"performed by Jim Brickman and Kassie DePriva. Not included from the 60th Anniversary release are a music video for "Baby Mine" performed by Michael Crawford, two trailers and a segment from "The Reluctant Dragon" that explains how the Casey Junior voice was achieved. Thankfully, the highly informative commentary by John Canemaker is included on this new release as well.
Also on this DVD are two animated shorts that pre-date Dumbo yet mirror some of its themes, and a 15 minute "documentary" that's really just myriad Disney alumni heaping praise on Dumbo. It's always good to hear great things about Dumbo but something a bit more in-depth and behind the scenes would have been better.
All in all this is a very solid release of Dumbo that should not be passed up by anyone who missed out on the 60th anniversary release. Its a film that the entire family will enjoy for many years to come. For those that already have the 60th Anniversary edition, this Big Top edition doesn't add enough to justify the purchase.
Movie Review: Classic.
Summary: 5 Stars
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).