DUMBO – A Blu-ray/DVD and Digital HD Review by John Strange
Tim Burton has given us his vision of the classic story of the baby elephant who can fly. So many people who love the original animated feature from 1941 worried that going to live action with a CGI elephant would ruin the story. Not so. Mr. Burton has given us a story that speaks to our hearts.
Set in 1919, the country is reeling from the first world war. The former star of the Medici Brothers Circus, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) returns from the war to be met at the train station by his two children, Milly (Nico Parker) and her little brother, Joe (Finley Hobbins). The veteran has not come through the war whole. The former trick rider is missing his left arm, lost due to battle wounds.
He comes home to a circus dealing with the recession rampant in the country. With attendance down and missing their stars, the circus is in danger of going under if they can’t find a draw soon! Max Medici (Danny DeVito) buys a pregnant elephant, hoping the baby will be a big draw.
The visuals from this film are truly Burton-esque. His circus and its performers are eye-catching and heart-warming. The family spirit of the troupe as the face the adversities thrown at them. The humor comes in quick little jokes and sight gags. The dangers are faced with courage and honor.
This is a wonderful film but the youngest of your family might be frightened by some of the scenes of danger. These scenes are what brought my original rating down from an A+ to an A.
But this is a review of the home editions. The bonus extras are great. Every film does a different variety of featurettes to tells us more about their story. Dumbo gives us a nice selection that highlights the actors and the sweet little baby Dumbo.
My favorite featurette was exclusive to the digital offering, “Dreamland: Anatomy of a Scene”. The filmmakers give us a behind-the-scenes look at the circus troupe arriving at V. A. Vandevere’s Dreamland. V. A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) plays a larger-than-life villain in the film. His theme park was a marvel that the people of the early 1900s would have gone wild over but his desires were disastrous for the troupe. These scenes were excellent and the bonus is awesome.
My second favorite bonus was “Circus Spectaculars” where we met the main players and hear them talk about their experiences. We also learned about the supporting cast that rounded out the circus and Dreamland scenes. The sheer number of performers was mind-boggling! This one really brings us into their world and opens our eyes to what it takes to make a film this dynamic and visual!
Next was “The Elephant In The Room” where we get to see how they brought baby Dumbo to the screen. The stunt man who wore the green outfits (there were several different styles) had a tough job but it helped get the live performers fully into each scene.
My least favorite bonus was “’Baby Mine’ Visual Video Performed by Arcade Fire”. The song is wonderful but this rendition was weak and the visuals were truly a bit boring.
Buying Dumbo is something your family will thank you for each time they watch it. I know that I loved it!
Directed By:
- Tim Burton
Cast:
- Lucy DeVito, Eva Green, Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Joseph Gatt, Michael Keaton, Nico Parker, Alan Arkin, Sharon Rooney, Jo Osmond
Extras:
- Digital HD
- Nico’s Journey
- Built To Amaze
- Circus Spectaculars
- Easter Eggs On Parade
- The Elephant In The Room
- Deleted Scenes
- Clowning Around – Bloopers and Outtakes
- Exclusive – Dreamland: Anatomy of a Scene
- “Baby Mine” Visual Video Performed by Arcade Fire
- Multi-Screen Edition: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital
- Circus Spectaculars
- The Elephant In The Room
- Built To Amaze
- Deleted Scenes
- Easter Eggs on Parade
- Clowning Around – Bloopers and Outtakes
- “Baby Mine” Visual Audio Performed by Arcade Fire
Specifications:
Runtime:
- 111 Minutes
Studio:
- Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.
Release Date:
- 06/25/2019
Region:
- A/1 (U.S. and Canada only)
Website:
MPAA Rating:
- PG (for peril/action, some thematic elements, and brief mild language)
Selig Rating:
- BRAND NEW
Selig Rating Scale:
BRAND NEW: Should add to your DVD collection at any cost
SALE ITEM: Worth owning, but try to catch it a sale
SECOND HAND: Plan to get it, but wait to buy it used
RENTAL: Worth taking a look at, but not owning
COASTER: Pick it up at a garage sale and use it for drinks
PULL!: Makes a great Trap Shooting target
