UltimateDisney.com/DVDizzy.com Reviews: Discussion Thread

[PeterPanfan]

Suberb Wall-E review, Luke! I'm extremely excited to see The Pixar Story, and relive the magic of WALL-E once again. Thanks, and I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow!

[Barbossa]

Good review of Donald Duck Volume 4.

(and good that you mentioned the cut 5 seconds of Bee on Guard)

[Jules]

Luke's latest review is particularly entertaining. Although Hannah Montana is a guilty pleasure of mine (and Albert's a fan, so I don't need to feel too bad ), Luke's review does hit a lot of valid points, though it's perhaps overly harsh (nevertheless I'm glad we agree Jackson is not funny. Who does he think he is? The next Jim Carrey!?)

By the way, Luke, I'm surprised the HM DVD looks so bad. Do you mean it looks worse than broadcast quality? I get Disney Channel UK over here and the It's a Laugh produced shows are all quite watchable, video quality-wise (though one thing that always baffles me is why in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody the fakey CGI footage of the Tipton on the outside always moves jerkily...).

[BrandonH]

I was entertained by the review. It sounds like the best part of the show is the parody episode titles.

[pinkrenata]

I would recommend that everyone stop what they're doing right now and read Luke's <i>Walker, Texas Ranger</i> review. It is highly amusing.

http://www.dvdizzy.com/walkertexasranger-season6.html

[Escapay]

When a UD review begins with the sentence "Chuck Norris had his tonsils removed with a chain saw", you know you're in for a rollercoaster of a ride.



Totally echo Renata's recommendation. Read the review for the entertainment it brings (it's likely more entertaining than the show!)

albert

[Barbossa]

I would recommend that everyone stop what they're doing right now and read Luke's <i>Walker, Texas Ranger</i> review. It is highly amusing.

http://www.dvdizzy.com/walkertexasranger-season6.html

Are there Chuck Norris facts involved?

[blackcauldron85]

I just read Luke's The Secret of the Magic Gourd review. I thought that the trailers looked cute. I was (and still am) planning on getting this...I think it's funny that Corbin voices produce.

I'm disappointed that there's no bonus feature on dubbing the film or anything (what I really mean is that I'm disappointed that Corbin isn't in any bonus feature...). But, I'm excited for the 28-minute documentary!

[blackcauldron85]

So, I just started reading the Fireproof review, and the first question that comes to mind: "Who's Leonard?" Then I read "DiCaprio"...oh, he means Leonardo DiCaprio. You might want to go back and add the "o" to his name?

The widespread incompetence gives the proceedings a basic cable TV movie feel, which the rambling focus, untidy pace, and unspectacular technique all seem to actually fall short of.

I agree- I saw the movie in the theater, and I came out of it thinking, "Did I just watch a Hallmark film?"

assuming you haven't beaten up your computer on your front lawn

I had forgotten about that. Silly movie.

Regrettably, the only times the film moved me was with unintended humor.

I basically agree. The action scenes kept me on the edge of my seat, but the movie was kind of sappy and I did find myself laughing at some moments that probably weren't meant to be funny.

I really liked your review, Luke- I thought that it was pretty spot-on. I'm not planning on buying the DVD- I only saw it because Bobby wanted to see it, but I liked the review, nonetheless.

[Escapay]

Just wanted to chime in and say kudos on the new Mary Poppins DVD review. It's always cool to read thoughts on a film, then to read thoughts on the film again 4 years later.



I likely won't be picking it up, though I suspect Kram will, he loves the musical and I think he won't mind not having "Deconstruction of a Scene" or "The Party". I wouldn't mind seeing the "From Page to Stage" documentary, but I don't wanna buy the DVD just for that.

Also, regarding the shrunken Pop-Up facts, is it bad to read on a 4:3 display but better on a 16:9 display? Or is it just shrunken and harder to read regardless the display? And the lack of disc art is disheartening, especially on a title as highly-regarded as Mary Poppins. I know the disc art ultimately doesn't matter (cause, after all, we buy a DVD to play it in a machine, not sit and admire it ), but if Disney's passing on disc art for stuff like Prince Caspian and Mary Poppins, I shudder to think what'll happen come March with Pinocchio.

albert

[Luke]

Also, regarding the shrunken Pop-Up facts, is it bad to read on a 4:3 display but better on a 16:9 display?

That's what I thought might be the case, but nope. It's just smushed either way. Definitely different from the last appearance.

Thanks all for the ongoing feedback and corrections!

[Escapay]

That's odd. I wonder why Disney chose to shrink it like that. I feel bad now for people who get the 45AE (without being aware of the 40AE) and having trouble reading the pop-up facts. Of course, it'd probably be easier if Disney just made them regular subtitles instead of the flashy colorful stuff (as nice as they are).

albert

[Escapay]

Bad Scaps doing a double post...

Anyway, excellent review of the Not-So-Special Edition of Oliver & Company, Luke. It's not a favourite film of mine, but it's always fun reading reviews regardless.

It's such a pity this release is rather wasted, and quite ironic that it's the only single-disc double-dip to actually retain the trailer section, even though the previous ones (Dumbo, Saludos, Amigos, The Three Caballeros, The Aristocats, Robin Hood, and The Fox and the Hound) all lost theirs. I guess Disney overlooked it in their "what else can we do to piss fans off?" list for this rush-job of a re-release.

I won't be picking this up as the 2002 DVD is good enough for me, so it looks like I'll be missing out on that all-new game. Oh poo.

for Luke

for the DVD

for anyone who owns the 2002 DVD but will get this new DVD because of the snazzy new slipcover.

albert

[Barbossa]

for anyone who owns the 2002 DVD but will get this new DVD because of the snazzy new slipcover.

albert

But it's got DMR points! I got the 2002 edition and I don't think I will be double-dipping. I would rather save my money for Pinocchio and Snow White - 2 movies that I don't have yet.

[Pasta67]

My goodness, does Oliver & Company look really saturated to anybody else, judging from the caps used in the review? That's probably the worst case of that I've seen on a Disney animated film.

Thanks for the awesome review, Luke! You've helped me decide which version to get. I was considering double dipping on Mary Poppins as well, but thanks to your review, I've decided my old disc is just fine. Thanks again!

[blackcauldron85]

I really enjoyed reading the Mary Poppins review. I'm not going to double-dip, but it was a great review!

I'm reading the Oliver & Company review right now, and I'm confused by:

Howard Ashman wrote the music for Lewis' film-opening "Once Upon a Time in New York City", making it his first of many successful tunes he would create for Disney in his final years.

Did you mean Ashman wrote the lyrics? Because he was a lyricist...?

even if the climax is a bit more action-packed and frightening than it ought to be.

You really feel this way? I love it when there are action-packed, edge-of-your-seat moments in a Disney film, Oliver & Company included.

The 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is marked by grain and flicker. The two issues maintain a constant presence and keep the video from satisfying.

I think the word "being" should be between "from" and "satisfying"...?

at

and a promotional booklet on the Blu-ray "revolution" that's so big most of Disney's new catalog DVD releases can't even find the entrance.

at the last 2 captions...I thought that they were funny...

I really liked this review! If I had to choose a favorite decade for DACs, it'd be the '80s, so I have a special place in my heart for O&Co. The soundtrack is in my top 3 for Disney animation soundtracks (Tarzan & Pete's Dragon being the other 2)...I'm disappointed that Disney didn't think enough of this film to give it new special features, but my wallet is kind of happy, what with all the DVDs and CDs coming out soon that I want.

[CJ]

Wow! That was a spectacular Pinocchio half review/article, Luke. Even though I have gone Blu, I agree with your thoughts about the studios using "aggressive tactics" in marketing Blu-Ray. Disney needs to wake up and realize that they can't force a new format on people, before they are ready. I look forward to reading the other half of your Pinocchio review, and I look forward to reading the Blu-Ray review by whoever reviews it.

[Just Myself]

Despite feeling somewhat embarrassed (I shrank in my seat when you read the sales statistics about BD buyers being more aggresive.... ) I have to commend Luke for a great article / review for Pinocchio. While I do support the format, I recognize that the studios rediculousy agressive marketing push is getting out of hand. It's a neat format, and it cowtows to people who drool for high-definiton, but there isn't much reason for your typical DVD buyer to upgrade and it's not the greatest thing since sliced bread like some would lead you to believe. The fact that the studio only sent out the BD copy of Pinocchio is sad and somewhat pathetic, and it's one of the most shameless things a studio can do to reviewers. (Another thing would be sending only the foolscreen version or a DVD screener with its low quality.)

Overall - I love Blu and it works for me, but I'm not gonna shove it down others' throats like some studios would like me to do. And seriously - The overmarketing has gotta stop. Like now.

Cheers,
JM

[disneyboy20022]

I agree with Luke even though I do buy Blu Ray but not as much as some people who have invested in it...I mean do I really need to See High School Musical in 1080p compared to DVD...or how about Space Buddies....

I just hope Luke isn't getting too much hate mail from Blu Ray Supporters that say its the future is period the end

[David S.]

Luke,

FANTASTIC review of Pinocchio!

Your critique of the feature itself is right on the money! This has long been one of my favorites and your detailed thoughts on the film reminded me why.

I am really sorry Disney pulled the stunt of not sending you the complete DVD set. Your resulting thoughts on Blu-Ray and specifically, the overzealous marketing of it by the studios and the scary fanaticism of some of its supporters who resort to juvenile personal attacks and namecalling against anyone they percieve as a threat to BDs world domination (such as people happy with DVD) could not have been said any better!

Like you, I have nothing against Blu-Ray in and of itself. I am simply happy with DVD's and don't feel a compelling reason to "go Blu". When studios leave off bonus features from the DVD to make the BD more appealing, that only serves to alienate me from the new format. I could especially relate to where you said

It's my personal nature that the more somebody tries to sell me something, the less I think I really need it.

because I'm the same way!

Anyway, thanks for speaking your mind and keep up the excellent work with the site and the reviews. I am looking forward to your usual thorough breakdown of the bonus features, picture and sound, and all the other details that make the UD reviews so special.

Well done, sir!



PS. I am also really looking forward to buying Pinocchio next week... on DVD, of course!