Movie Info:
Writers: J.M. Barrie, Jeffrey M. Howard
Director: Bradley Raymond
Cast: Mae Whitman, Anjelica Huston, Kristin Chenoweth, America Ferrera, Lucy Liu, Jesse McCartney, Kathy Najimy, Raven-Symoné, Jane Horrocks, Jeff Bennett, Rob Paulsen
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Release Info:
DVD Release Date: October 28, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $23.95
I wasn’t expecting much (if anything) from the new Disney movie, Tinker Bell. I’m not one of those “fans” who has a problem with Tinker Bell talking. I do know that many sequels and spinoffs are more thrown together to “make a profit” than the original film to feature a particular character. That is part of why I didn’t expect much, if anything from Tinker Bell. Sure, the overall idea of a movie about Tink seemed exciting, but I wasn’t exactly sure how the movie would play out.
Having watched Tinker Bell on Blu Ray and had a few days to think about how much I liked the movie (or not) I can honestly say I have mixed feelings about this movie. Ash liked Tinker Bell quite a bit. Our son liked it, as well. There were a few things Ash would have liked to change about the movie, but I am the odd man out, when I say that there were more than a few things I wished would have been changed.
First, I felt the movie was too rushed. It skipped over parts I would have liked to see. Secondly, I thought that there were a few laughable moments, but not as many as there could have been. My son seemed to laugh in all the right parts, but the humor I felt for those same scenes was halfhearted. I also have come to the conclusion that the days of traditional animation for Disney are gone. Sure, you can do so much more with a digitized image, but oh how I long for the days of simplicity, where the story stood up for itself and the animation was vibrant, yet didn’t pop off the screen. Nowadays, it seems like the animation is used to overcompensate for a halfhearted story.
So, I should probably be more specific about my actual complaints. First, I really like the cast that was used in this film. Sadly, most of this talent was wasted. While Mae Whitman (who I love – especially since she voiced Katara on Avatar the Last Airbender) had plenty of screen time, it seemed like Anjelica Huston, Kristin Chenoweth, America Ferrera, Lucy Liu, Jesse McCartney, Kathy Najimy and Raven-Symoné were there in name only. The story also didn’t explain how Tink became best friends with Rosetta, Iridessa, Silvermist, and Fawn. They just sort of appeared and were her friends without Tink even introducing herself. I’d wager some scenes were cut in regards to this. It made this part of the film seem choppy.
As mentioned previously, the jokes weren’t as funny as they could have been. Sure, I laughed, but I didn’t get into this movie the way I have with past Disney releases such as The Lion King or Oliver and Company. By the same token, while Tinker Bell won’t be added on to my list of favorite Disney movies, it does have a good lesson for kids. Children and some parents are going to enjoy this movie because it is simple, has a lesson, and isn’t a horrible story. But…for those who expect more out of Disney, this will be a disappointment.
TheTinker Bell Plot
Tinker Bell is born in the fairy village of Pixie Hollow. Like all fairies, the sound of a baby’s laugh has been carried to the Hollow from the mainland. The sound is what creates fairies. Before Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) can be named, Queen Clarion (Anjelica Huston) has her play with various objects. The one that calls out to her will determine her path as a fairy. Through this process, something witnessed by all of the other fairies, Tinker Bell is determined to be a tinker fairy. Aptly, she is given the name Tinker Bell.
Two of the tinker fairies (who seem a little odd) Clank (Jeff Bennett) and Bobbie (Rob Paulsen) are supposed to show Tink the ropes, and introduce her to the overseer of the Tink fairies, Fairy Mary (Jane Horrocks). Tink soon realizes that tinker fairies build things. They don’t get to go to the mainland like the other fairies to help with the coming of spring. Tink is very upset at having to be what she deems as a “lowly” tinker fairy. This is further instigated by the vindictive Vidia (Pamela Adlon), who makes Tink feel horrible because she doesn’t have the same gifts that Vidia has.
Tink decides to enlist her friends to help teach her their gifts. Fawn (America Ferrara) loves animals. She teaches the baby birds to fly and gives other animals confidence to accomplish their every day tasks. Silvermist (Lucy Liu) is skilled with water. She can put the smallest of water droplets on a web, to provide moisture and beauty. Rosetta (Kristin Chenoweth) brings beautiful flowers to life. Iridessa (Raven-Symoné) can manipulate light. In fact, she harnesses the light, giving this light from the last glimmer of sunset to the lightening bugs. While all of them try to help Tinker Bell hone their gifts, it becomes clear that Tinker Bell doesn’t share their gift.
In her desire to leave the tinker fairies behind, Tink will go to any bounds necessary to find her new gift, but with the manipulations of one and time not on her side, Tinker Bell could ruin the chance of spring and a year full of hard work for everyone.
Storyline/Plot: 
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:
Audio/Visual:
The area where Tinker Bell shines the most is in its visual quality. I must admit this movie looks stunning. I’m a sucker for traditionally animated features, but for CGI/digitized animation, this looks about as good as it gets. The Blu Ray image is at a stunning 1080p screen resolution. The 1.78.1, widescreen, AVC MPEG-4 presentation is flawless. While I’m not sure I’m in love with Tink’s new design, it is hard to complain about the quality other than such specifics. The colors are vibrant, the animation is smooth, the contrast is perfect and the transfer is free of any type of visual errors. Overall, a near-perfect transfer. Disney should get credit for that, if nothing else.
There are two tracks, both of which are full, robust, and make good use of the movie’s, hauntingly Celtic score. The tracks are English Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 and English PCM 5.1. The tracks make good use of the speakers. There is great balance and several audio channels are used. Sound effects (though not in mass abundance) make exceptional use of the surround capabilities. The soundtrack comes through nicely and balances well with the dialogue. No volume toggling was necessary. Subtitles are available in English.
Visual:
Audio: 
Bonus Features:
I wasn’t overly impressed with the bonus options offered on the Tinker Bell DVD. The most positive thing is that all of these bonuses are presented in High Definition.
The bonuses on this DVD are as follows, with a brief description for each featurette:
“Tinker Trainer” – This is an interactive game (especially for kids). As a Tink fairy, you have to find hidden objects that are in specific clips from the movie.
“Magical Guide To Pixie Hollow” – In this interactive featurette, you’ll get to explore Pixie Hollow with Tink and Queen Clarion. Learn nearly everything you wanted to know about Tink’s first home.
“Ever Wonder” – Live kids get the chance to interact with the CGI fairies from Pixie Hollow.
“Creating Pixie Hollow” – This is pretty much your standard making-of featurette for the movie. It looks at how this movie came to fruition from idea to completion.
“Fly to Your Heart” – This is a music video that is performed by Selena Gomez of the Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place.
Deleted Scenes – There are several deleted scenes here, but only two of them are completely animated. Still, this had to be my favorite feature.
There are additional options for BD Live, but that’s the extent of the bonuses.
Bonus Features:
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a simple story that is going to entertain your children and teach them good moral lessons then Tinker Bell is right up your alley. If you’re looking for a movie of the caliber of Lady and the Tramp or other classic Disney movies, you’re barking up the wrong tree. While fans of Disney will want to at least see this, parents are going to be the ones more willing to buy this movie for their children. I recommend renting this one first, just to make sure you like this DVD, before spending the money to buy this, especially on Blu Ray.
Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: Tinker bell, DVD Review, Walt Disney Video, Mae Whitman, Anjelica Huston, Kristin Chenoweth, America Ferrera, Lucy Liu, Jesse McCartney, Kathy Najimy, Raven-Symoné
Written by Dominick Evans – Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.
