Though it will probably be overshadowed by the more heavily-promoted release of Mulan II from Disney, Universal is offering up its own direct-to-video animated sequel on Tuesday -- a third Balto movie, "Wings of Change." Any other Balto fans around here?
I've been a Balto fan since the release of the original movie ten years ago, and I was nervious about it being sequelized, especially since Universal's track record with The Land Before Time and An American Tail "franchises" is arguably worse than Disney's. But then came the second one, Wolf Quest, and it looked good, so I bought it. It wasn't the best ever, but they certianly got more right with it than they got wrong, despite having the voice cast entirely recast from the original (Disney at least makes an effort to get the stars back.) Characterization was right on and the story was an interesting companion piece to the first one, even though the first one's story was closed and didn't need a sequel to finish anything. It did, though, take on a different tone than the first one and was a bit more spiritual which was a slight misstep; I also think that including songs was a mistake, when the original movie never was a musical (though they weren't bad.) But, overall, I was pleased with how it had continued. On repeat viewings the new directions they took the sequel in warmed to me, as well. Then I heard that Universal was pleased enough with the second one to greenlight a third, and I got really excited.
Well, strangely enough they ran the third one on Cartoon Network this afternoon prior its DVD release on Tuesday, and I saw it. I'm happy to say that it is absolutely GREAT. They keep all the elements that made Wolf Quest good, but have the sense to toss out the wax spiritual stuff that took away from it a bit. They've really re-evaluated what they're going to do wit the franchise, and Wings of Change has a sense of adventure that harkens back to the original movie. There's still unnessesary musical sequences here and there, but they're no worse than the second one; also, the opening credits sequence features an amazing voiceover song (think Tarzan, Toy Story, Brother Bear type, without the characters singing) that's spot on and puts you right back into the Balto world. Not going to say much else to avoid spoilers, but I'm enormously pleased with this. It improved on the second in every regard that needed improving and reminded me why I love the first one so much. I'll definately be buying it and encourage anybody who likes the first Balto to see it.
Even if you were let down by Wolf Quest, as some of us fans were, this one avoids its mistakes and is worth checking out. Of course, the $19.95 list price doesn't hurt either...
Universal -- I can't believe I'm requesting this, but bring on Balto IV! If it can be produced with the same care and thought as the third one was, I'm all for it. Just don't stop the quality product; Balto shouldn't turn into the gutter of DTV like the Land Before Time series did.
