The Film
Dumbo is celebrating a birthday. While the loveable little guy will be a baby elephant forever, he's actually 70 -- and Disney is honoring this momentous occasion with a new Blu-ray release.
Dumbo was Disney's fourth theatrical release, making it one of the oldest films to come out of the House of Mouse. It was also one of the cheapest. It had nothing to do with when the film was made and everything to do with the flop that was Fantasia. Designed to make a quick buck and recoup some of that film's losses, Dumbo is a mere 64 minutes long with very little dialogue. Despite these facts, or perhaps because of them, the film works extremely well, and remains one of Disney's most heartfelt and endearing films.
Born Jumbo Jr. to a loving mother (via stork, of course), this sweet little guy is also an outcast, thanks to his ginormous ears, large even for an elephant. Dubbed "Dumbo" by a group of snotty circus elephants, he is soon separated from his mom and forced to perform as a clown, which apparently is social suicide in the circus world. Dumbo perseveres, of course, with the help of his mouse friend and the same ears that previously made him a misfit.
Based on the only book by Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl, Dumbo has had its share of controversy. It's dated to be sure, but it's still a sweet story -- and it has inspired one of the world's most infamous theme park rides. Kids will just love to root for this little underdog (and it's just enough time to keep them from being fidgety). Dumbo isn't a freak, but he is a must-see. Young, old or in between; you're going to want to pick this one up.
The Picture
At the ripe old age of 70, Dumbo looks insanely good for its age. Disney has yet to disappoint us with these "vault" reissues, and Dumbo is certainly no exception. If it weren't for the animation style, we'd almost be fooled into thinking this was a new release. Well, maybe not. However, this 1.33:1 transfer is as clean as a 70-year-old film can get. It also includes wonderful detail and the colors are bold and bright. Dark blues, in particular, offer a nice pop.
The Sound
From the first few minutes, it's obvious that Disney has given a nice boost to Dumbo's soundtrack. The studio has added a new DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, which isn't always the most immersive experience. In fact, some moments have a bit of a tinny sound going on. That said, the film is 70, and it sounds wonderful. Musical numbers pack the best punch, but the dialogue, as sparse as it is, comes through with crystal clarity. There's also a remastered 2.0 track, which is worth a listen.
The Extras
In typical Disney fashion, Dumbo is packed with extras, just in case you are on the fence about this set. Besides the bonus DVD of the film, Disney provides a few ways to watch Dumbo on the Blu-ray. Viewers can opt for the original 4:3 aspect ratio or go for DisneyView, which fills out those sidebars with artwork by James Coleman. There's also an option to use Cine-Explore, which offers picture-in-picture interviews, clips and tidbits about the film while you watch.
The commentary offers the best bang for your buck, as far as insight about the film's production. However, "Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo" has a few tidbits for those not interested in a running narration over the film. This 28-minute retrospective is fascinating, covering the book, the filmmakers, the characters, and more.
Disney doesn't leave out the kids, either, throwing in one deleted scene and one song, shorts, games, and a little something about the theme park ride.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, Dumbo is one of Disney's most beloved films. So why exactly would you pass on it? Besides, there's a bevy of extras, decent audio and a befitting image for this beautiful film, all of which makes this misfit a must-have for your Blu-ray collection.
Product Details
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