Fantasia Collector 2-DVD
That's right, France has a 2 disc Fantasia release. A hint at what could be on the eventual Fantasia Platinum release, or something else?
Well, as expected it's actually something else.
What we have is the French single disc Fantasia release (which like the other European versions and the Australian version does not include the "Making of" documentary or the commentary tracks) and the third disc from the "Fantasia Anthology" which covers both Fantasia and Fantasia 2000. I can only assume the French released this in addition to the single and three disc releases to provide a mid-price alternative to French customers.
I'm surprised the bonus disc covers Fantaisa 2000, I was expecting it to be cutdown to just Fantasia, but logically I suppose it stops a whole new disc having to be authored and replicated.
The movie disc has optional English DD 5.1 or French DD 2.0 soundtracks and no forced subtitles. The bonus disc comes with English language filmed supplements (with removable French subtitles) and French language menus and on-screen text.
The whole thing comes in a thick 2 disc case - just like the ones inside the Walt Disney Treasures tins.
All in all, a disappointing release and only recommended for DVD collectors. Others will be better off grabing the much more packed R1 Fantasia Anthology before it goes out of print, or even the lacking proper 3 disc Fantasia collection in R2. If you do want this French 2 disc release you'd better hurry up, as I think it's now OOP.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire Collectors Edition
Now this is more like it - an absolutely stunning cover featuring a fantastic reproduction of one of the more subtle poster designs. As with other European Disney digi-packs, the holders inside the cardboard slipcase open up to reveal a beautiful colour artwork spread. (Sadly, handsome as this packaging is, it doesn't quite manage to beat the silver cardboard slipcase and simple but effective cover art of the UK release).
The release is a copy of the R1 collector's edition, but a couple of features have been added. As with all European Disney discs, the intial menu of the movie disc lets you choose to view the film in English if you so desire. Choose this option and the disc copies the R1 disc with all the features intact (but missing the DTS track - the only DTS track is French on this disc). View the disc in French as three additional supplements are available - two showing the French voice overs being recorded and another is Lana Ka singing the closing song in French.
Although these three supplements are entirely in French, they're still interesting to view - especially the voice work where unlike the original voice artists, the voices have to be timed to the animation. Jean Reno voices Vinny and does an amazing job. The song is nothing more than film in the recoding studio while the French lyrics are being recorded.
The second disc is a copy of the R1 disc, and as far as I can tell it includes everything from the US and UK releases. However it is entirely in French - from the on screen menus and text to the interviews which are overdubbed by French voices.
But the packaging of this release makes it a worthwhile purchase to sit on the shelf next to the decidedly dull looking R1 2 disc set and the shiny UK 2 disc set.
