Review by John Delia
Relive the fun and journey of The Good Dinosaur, Disney/PIXAR’s kid friendly and graphically stunning animated adventure. Now on Blu-ray and DVD, it’s a fun family film that features good values about growing up, facing your fears and friendship. The story may be a little familiar for the teens if they have seen most of the animated films in the past 6 years or so, but the youngsters should love the dinosaurs, Arlo and young Spot.
The youngest of a family of five dinosaurs, Arlo has a lot of growing up to do so he can keep up with the farm that provides food for the long harsh winter. He finds the going rough, especially since his older brother Buck to play tricks him for fun. His sister Libby works with Momma and Arlo’s father Poppa plows the field so planting can begin. Poppa knows he has to help Arlo become a man so he takes Arlo on a trip to familiarize him with his abilities.
During one trip Poppa saves Arlo from the rampaging waters of the river only to be sucked into a torrent and disappear. Arlo gets washed up along a bank of the river, now lost and alone. When he meets a human cave child he calls Spot, the two start to bond as Arlo tries to get back to his family many miles to home.
The film moves along providing a wide-eyed adventure with many prehistoric animals, difficult challenges and a lot of growing-up. Director, writer, voice actor Peter Sohn puts together an experience for youngsters and families that should rank mid to high among other PIXAR greats. His very colorful with extremely real looking rivers and landscapes are a good setting for the dinosaur family to farm and keep their food supply plentiful. And the high mountains and rivers provide some very tough going for our young central characters. It’s this amazing animated world Sohn creates that makes the film work. And his funny little characters who roam the vast stage have plenty of settings to bring the creative little story to life.
Speaking of characters it’s easy to fall in love with Arlo, an Apatosaurus who lived 150 million years ago in the age of the Tithonian. The landscape he roams may be a little familiar because their habit included Western United States in the area of what’s now Colorado, Oklahoma, and Utah. When we meet Arlo he’s an awkward little guy who doesn’t have much agility to do chores and keep up with his family. But, as the film progresses we find him meeting many challenges that strengthen and teach him to become wiser, responsible and stronger.
His new found friend Spot has already learned the ways of living alone in the vast mountainous wilderness of Earth. He hunts dog-like for food, even steals Arlo’s family crops and gets himself and Arlo into some sticky situations. A son of a caveman family, he found himself alone when they perished. Rising above harsh conditions the young tike has become Tithonian smart, able to fend off flying creatures, unfriendly dinosaurs and the changing Earth to survive.
BONUS FEATURES
The bonus features are many and include fun, education and additional entertainment.
Included in Digital HD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) are:
“Theatrical Short†“Sanjay’s Super Team†- Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance quickly turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.
“True Lies about Dinosaursâ€Â - We know – it’s preposterous to think Apatosaurs spoke English. Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of The Good Dinosaur from what scientists know about real dinosaurs.
â€Recyclosaurus†- Pixar takes creative competition seriously. Maybe a little too seriously. Watch as The Good Dinosaur crew competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only discarded items from the studio’s “free table.â€
“The Filmmakers’ Journey†- Finding your way from an idea to a film takes a lot of exploration. Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making The Good Dinosaur.
“Every Part of the Dinosaurâ€Â - The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of The Good Dinosaur – including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who’s really a boy, and a boy who’s got the spirit of a dog.
“Following The T-Rex Trail†- Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film.
“Special Commentary†- Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi.
“Dino Bites†- Montage of original animated pieces produced to promote The Good Dinosaur.
“Hide And Seek†- A short animated clip produced to promote TheGood Dinosaur.
“Deleted Scenesâ€- Three deleted scenes with an introduction by Director Peter Sohn involve an introduction to the family farm before a predator attack, building the silo, and Arlo waiting for his father’s return on a stormy night.
The Good Dinosaur has been rated PG for peril, action and thematic elements. There are some Ptrodactyl birds that attack most anything for food, hungry Raptors, an ugly snake, and a treacherous river. You may want to sit next to your youngest child as they may need a hug during those scenes.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very cool adventure about friendship and growing up. (A-)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Jack Bright, AJ Buckley, Sam Elliott, Frances McDormand, Raymond Ochoa, Anna Paquin, Marcus Scribner, Jeffrey Wright, Steve Zahn.
Directed: Peter Sohn
Genre: Animated, Comedy, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG for peril, action and thematic elements
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: November 25, 2015
Video Release Date: February 23, 2016
Language: English (can be switched to French or Spanish)
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
Audio: Â Blu-ray- 7.1 DTS, DVD- 5.1 Dolby Digital
Video: Blu-ray & DVD-1080p High Definition Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 Discs
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment