While the Disney cavalcade of remakes of their animated classics continue, there was something about the announcement of Dumbo that truly caught our eye. I mean, come on … Tim Burton helming the story of the baby elephant, whose mother is stripped from him (right in front of him no less), who learns to fly and becomes a sensation—that is right up the famed director’s alley.
Dumbo is out now in DVD, Blu-Ray and digital formats and it is one you are going to want to own. After all, this is a Disney home video release and nobody does bonus features better than the Mouse House. Plus, the addition of featurettes centered on the artistry of Burton and the audio commentary track anchored by the revered director is like enjoying a masterclass on the art of filmmaking.
Everyone knows the story by now … after all the first animated Disney flick is a classic and was so instantly when it arrived on screens in October of 1941. I remember watching the film is a young kid and being utterly traumatized by the scene where Dumbo’s mama is taken away from him due to financial straits that the circus is in that they are a part of. Dumbo’s maternal presence was so strong and established so efficiently in the original film and it was as hard to witness in live action as it was all those decades ago in animated form.
The film then, and the Burton helmed soaring cinematic experience, hits viewers right in the gut and then as Dumbo learns to soar with those adorably enormous ears of his, it warms the heart to no end.
For a deeper look at the film itself, don’t miss our Dumbo theatrical review.
There is something innately Burton-esque about the entity that is the circus. Witnessing how he brings such an iconic film to life is pure joy on so many levels. The production design is pure Burton-esque and looks incredible on Blu-Ray. The transfer is uncanny and another feather in the cap of the Disney Animation film community for its stunning color-popping that already has the highest of appreciation from audiences globally.
The helmer has such an uncanny rapport with his acting ensembles, regardless of the story they are telling. If there was one knock that had to be leveled at the 1941 flick it is that the voice actors are good, but not out of the park great. Burton adds life to this already enlivened story in that his thespians collectively turn in stunning performances—from Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito and those two adorable kids who portray Farrell’s children, Milly and Joe Farrier (Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins, respectively). And then there’s Eva Green as Colette Marchant, the soul charged with making a breathtaking and jaw-dropping act out of this “gift” that Dumbo has brought to this financially struggling Depression-era traveling circus. The actress has always wowed us, but there is something uniquely impressive about what she does with a character that is truly not there, i.e. Dumbo—who was added in CGI. One of these days, Green is going to win an Oscar. Clearly, it won’t be from Dumbo, but one day …
There are a bevy of bonus features to take viewers deeper into the making of another instant Disney dazzling flick.
Circus Spectaculars is an informative and enjoyable featurette that gets the cast to share their insight into the making of the film, as well as some truly personal revelations that add layers to the experience. Also, is it too much to say that this featurette is as inspiring as it is entertaining? No, hardly!
The Elephant in the Room is a captivating look at how Disney took one of its most beloved characters and literally brought it to life. Filmmaking has changed, obviously, so much from 1941 to 2019 and what this featurette does above all else is highlight the underlying “reason” for why Disney has brought another one of its classic animated flicks to the live action arena.
Built to Amaze gets into the richness of the behind-the-scenes efforts that usually go unnoticed—even on home video releases. The film production design (as we extoled its virtues earlier) and its costume design showcase some truly incredible movie artists who brought their A-game and made a great Burton picture even better with their artistic gifts.
For those of you who adore Disney Easter Eggs, do not miss Easter Eggs on Parade. They run the gamut from the ever-present to the needles in a haystack Easter Eggs that this featurette spotlights that adds another layer of awesomeness to an already awesome picture.
Clowning Around is, first of all an incredible bonus feature moniker, a fun blooper reel from the set of Dumbo that is sure to put a smile on your face at the least and some LOL moments at the most.
Lastly, as a fan of the band, must salute the music video inclusion of Baby Mine by the always awesome Arcade Fire.
Film Grade: B+
Bonus Features: A