Is 'Brother Bear' worth it ?

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:27 pm

I had planned to buy Brother Bear on DVD, which is released at the end of the month, but, first, I would have liked your opinion 'bout the movie since I didn't see it and I'd like to know if the movie is good and if it derserves money from me ?

I read nice reviews about it buti'm not sure... Plus I don't know if the extras on the DVDs are worth it...

Wha would you advie me ?
Thanks guys !

MickeyMousePal · Post by **MickeyMousePal** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:32 pm

Yes, Brother Bear is worth it.
Go buy it very good movie.

Jens · Post by **Jens** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:34 pm

A lot of "proffesional" critics say it isn't a very good movie but I think it's great! I haven't seen the Disney magic so alive before in any movies from Disney! (yes including Lilo & Stitch, that really wasn't Disney magic, but it was a great movie by them!). I REALLY think you should buy the dvd as this is a very great movie, the person I viewed the movie with in theatres said "Hey, isn't this competition for The Lion King?". Of course, she's not a Disney freak like us and she doesn't know anything about the Disney movies in general, but I do see her point!

My advice: Yes, buy the dvd

Squirrel · Post by **Squirrel** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:22 pm

I say, yes, go for it.

I didn't think Brother Bear was as good as Lilo & Stitch (but I love Lilo & Stitch; it's my favorite film), but it was good. I saw it three times, actually (same amount I saw Stitch, the most I've ever seen a film in the theater). Try not to let all the negative reviews (and they were negative, too much so, I think), try not to let them make you eye the film too critically. Enjoy it. Yes, there are points in the story that, perhaps, aren't original, or perhaps could've been done better in this way or that way, but really...

It was a fine, fun film. More dramatic, I thought, than Disney's more recent animated efforts...and along with the drama, healthy doses of action, humor, and touching relationships between the brothers (and bears). The animation is lovely. Especially when Kenai awakes as a bear. And the songs fit the tone of the film, they were pleasant pop songs. (Though some people may not like that style of music.)

Anyway, yeah, the animation was a plus. Rich colors of the forest, the Pacific Northwest, the animals, the scenery. And well-realized characters (especially Kenai and Koda, of course). The moose were nice comic sidekicks. And it has the usual feel-good, warm Disney elements...along with the messages. And the voice work is solid, too.

I really did love this film. It wasn't my "best" film of last year (Master and Commander was), but it was my "favorite," if that makes sense. It's not a masterpiece, and not Disney's best, but dang it...it didn't deserve to be critically shredded as it was. I think Brother Bear is a fun, engaging film. One you could surely allow yourself to love and appreciate, and watch over and over again...especially if you're already a big Disney fan. And depending on how critical you are when approaching the films you watch.

Anyway, I can't wait for the DVD! I'm sure it'll be great to have.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:52 pm

Well, Brother Bear is my favorite Disney movie since The Lion King. However, I can't recommend buying it blind to someone - unless they are animated classic completists or are a fan of everything Disney anyway. If you're neither of those, I recommend renting it first, as its not a very original film that some may find lackluster. But I believe the way the movie is delivered and composed truly brings back the Disney magic that I've thought to be absent for years.

Just Myself · Post by **Just Myself** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:13 pm

Yes, buy this film. It is my second favorite Disney animated film, being scond only to The Lion King. This is a must have for any Disney lover.

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 5:20 pm

I've posted this twice before, but here for your viewing pleasure. This is a half review of the film, half a comment on the supplements as we know it...

(From Sat Dec 27, 2003 7:48 pm) and again later....

" (I) was pleasantly surprised.

"Some of you may have noticed that I was (perhaps unfairly) running down BB before it came out - this was due largely to what I felt was a poor marketing strategy. The initial trailer made it seem like a wishy-washy "touch your heart and stuff is good" film. To some extent, this was true but I think it has more to offer than the trailer (and most initial reviews from people who 'know') would lead the casual observer to believe.

"The first thing that struck me was the beauty of the film. Escpaially when it pushes out into 'scope. It is amazing that a movie which is "just" paint and ink can look as beautiful as this film did. 'Nemo' had beauty too, but in a different way. To say those backdrops were stunning would be an understatement. I thought they were magnificent. Anyways, I'm gushing.... Actually, I was reminded of my favourite Disney film 'Lilo and Stitch' when watching this, and not simply because of the 2D-method. Some of the character designs, especially the human ones, struck me as very Lilo-ish. In other words, I think the visual element was a very strong one in this film.

"I'm not a huge fan of "Disney songs", nor am I a fan of Phil Collins and this film didn't do anything to change my mind. Having said that, the use of the songs was not annoying or distracting, but I still question as to whether they were needed. At times they seemed a little "tacked on", and I think the story would have been just as strong (if not stronger?) without them.

"The story does seem to start out a little Lion King-ish, but I think soon departs from that and holds it own. I think I was more interested in the "human" story than the animal one though. The human characters were well defined in those first 20 minutes or so, and I was intrigued by them. I know the point of the story was about 'a boy who became a man by becoming a bear', and it worked in this case, but recent years have proven that Disney can make good "human" stories (Lilo and Stitch, Atlantis) without having talking animals (but they are fun too). It will be interesting to see what direction Disney takes after 'Home on the Range' (cows are the excepction to every rule. We need more cow movies. Now).

"And more importantly, it passed the ultimate test. My girlfriend "couldn't see why people disliked it". So there you have it. Thumbs up all 'round Well done, Disney..."

In other words [INSERT NAME OF PERSON DOING THE ASKING HERE - today it is Jordan], I think it was a fine movie, and I didn't expect as much as I did. I think the DVD will absolutely shine, and given the decline of 2D Disney, something to keep for the future!

Then again, I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a DVD. If you just want the movie, as you can see from my comments above I recommend it. If you want extras, there are a few "kiddified" ones there, and not much in the way of substantial stuff (I think the "commentary" is actually just the Moose duo, which kinda sucks), so it may not be what you are looking for.

It it makes any difference, I'll be getting it

Post by **Luke** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 9:17 pm

My movie portion of the DVD review is now complete. To paraphrase, "Yes, it's worth it, [your name here]."

DDMAN26 · Post by **DDMAN26** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 8:26 am

I would say a rental first, I wasn't all that thrilled with. Of course I'll probably end up buying it, but maybe when it hits the discount bins.

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 9:11 am

Thanks you guys for your opinions.

Actually, I saw a preivew of the movie at theaters and I had the impression that it was a good movie, but nothing more... plus with a childish story a little.... you know kind of what Disney do with the all the sequels (I'm not talking 'bout the design of the movies here, but just 'bout the stories themselves). I first "worry" about the sotry itself actually c'ause I know that the desing of the movie is worth it.

Last question, that will make me decide if I buy the DVD or not : what Disney animated classic could you compared Brorther Bear with ? I unserstood that some of you said The Lion King.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 10:59 am

Jordan wrote:What Disney animated classic could you compared Brorther Bear with ? I unserstood that some of you said The Lion King.

At times it feels like Pocahontas, since the main characters are all part of a native american tribe, other times it feels like Tarzan (because of the music obviously), and other times it feels like Shrek or Finding Nemo (the characters go on a long journey and there is that standard re-using of the line "We? There is no we!" and the moose do a gag thats very similar to one in Nemo). The only time it reminded me of The Lion King was the very beginning when there's a stampede, and the very end, when the title bangs onto the screen again in TLK fasion.

Describing it the way I did probably makes it sound more unoriginal than it actuallly is, but it is unoriginal at times, which is why I recommend renting it first, despite my affection for it.

MickeyMousePal · Post by **MickeyMousePal** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 5:00 pm

I guess no one really saw Bother Bear this movie was great since Tarzan.
Very powerful film.

Sethp · Post by **Sethp** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 4:00 am

How will they solve the aspect ratio thing on the Brother Bear dvd? One disc has an 1.66:1 version and the other one has a 2.35:1 version. The first disc will be enterly in 1.66:1 and most likley open matte.

But what about the OAR-version? Is the beginning of the film going to be presented in 1.66:1 within the 2.35:1 frame just like in the theaters?

Joe Carioca · Post by **Joe Carioca** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:16 am

Sethp wrote:How will they solve the aspect ratio thing on the Brother Bear dvd? One disc has an 1.66:1 version and the other one has a 2.35:1 version. The first disc will be enterly in 1.66:1 and most likley open matte.

But what about the OAR-version? Is the beginning of the film going to be presented in 1.66:1 within the 2.35:1 frame just like in the theaters?

"Brother Bear" will be seen on DVD the same way it was seen in theaters. There is a paragraph in the official home page which says: The original theatrical presentation utilized two different aspect ratios. The film opens here in 1.85:1 then transitions to 2.35:1.

I'm very glad they are keeping the integrity of the movie! In theaters, the effect was wonderful. Of course it won't be the same on TV, but the spectator will get the idea.

By the way, it is a great picture.

wizzer · Post by **wizzer** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:23 am

so , on a widescreen tv, will there be a picture that fills in the whole tv screen and then when the aspect ratio changes, there will then be bars on the top and bottom? because if so, that is not how it was in the theater exactly.

in the theater there were bars on the sides at the begining when the movie was in 1.85 and then when it switched to 2.35, it filled in the screen.

so, is the dvd going to be presented completely in 2.35 anamorphic where it will have black bars on the top and on the sides in the begining?

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:24 am

Oh no Joe! I'm not going to have to eat my hat am I? With a side serving of humble pie?

Joe Carioca · Post by **Joe Carioca** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:28 am

2099net wrote:Oh no Joe! I'm not going to have to eat my hat am I? With a side serving of humble pie?

I beg your pardon...

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:37 am

Joe Carioca wrote:
2099net wrote:Oh no Joe! I'm not going to have to eat my hat am I? With a side serving of humble pie?

I beg your pardon...

Well, I've been pretty vocal in insisting that Disney wouldn't windowbox the start. Looks like I'm wrong.

Joe Carioca · Post by **Joe Carioca** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:41 am

2099net wrote:
Joe Carioca wrote:
I beg your pardon...
Well, I've been pretty vocal in insisting that Disney wouldn't windowbox the start. Looks like I'm wrong.

Oooh, that's it! I though I might have said something wrong

Well, I'm also curious to know if the frame will be windowboxed or if it will fill the whole screen in the first minutes! Well, the release date is getting closer!!

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:48 am

It it fills the whole screen, so therefore gets SMALLER when opened up, then it sort of defeats the object and frankly, in my opinion, isn't worth doing. It would be preferable to ignore the changing ratio.

It must be windowboxed. And I'm surprised. Very surprised Disney are doing this. And then people still complain about Eisner.

(ducks)

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Is 'Brother Bear' worth it ?

Is 'Brother Bear' worth it ?