Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of Disney's best, 3 Nov 2007
Dumbo was probably the first Disney film I ever saw. I remember popping my old video tape into the player, sitting through all the previews and copyright warnings, and then smile with joy as the opening credits came up. I loved Dumbo because it was colourful and fun, despite the intense cruelty that our little protagonist and his mother go through.
Of course, there were some things I noticed that I'd been blind to at the age of three. For example, there are a few WWII refernces - I'll leave you to figure them out. Another example is the crows. They sound a lot like the stereotype of black people in America at the time. This might seem a little insensitive, but trust me, there's worse things out there. Dumbo is not racist. Remember that those crows, aside from Timothy Mouse, are the only characters who feel sympathy for Dumbo. I feel that the crows all share a close bond and that they are somewhat outcasts too. And oh yes, they have the most catchy and irresistable song!
Dumbo is such an adorable little elephant. Like similar characters such as Pinocchio and Bambi, he has that round 'pudding like' charm. This gives him the appeal of a human baby. He has adorable little blue eyes which give away all his emotion. He does not speak a single word and yet he moves you to tears. It's the way he acts and his innocent expressions that really talk to you. As well as not being much of a talker, Dumbo isn't much of a thinker either. He just naively follows Timothy mouse, all in his own little world.
The other characters are interesting too. Timothy is a fiesty little rodent with a kind heart. The other elephants remind me of the girls at my school who like nothing more than to gossip. I might also mention the train - Casey Junior. He seems to be alive but he isn't creepy. (Thomas the Tank Engine scared the heck out of me!) He has his own catchy rhythm which is just pure fun to listen to. The Ringmaster has the most funny expressions too!
The soundtrack is a real treat. If you do not tear up during 'Baby Mine,' then please see your doctor for your heart has turned into coal. 'Pink Elephants on Parade' is a funny but slightly disturbing sequence that gets stuck in your head with it's clever lyrics and artistic animation.
Dumbo is a very colourful film, but there are times when life in the circus can be very bleak. In an attempt to protect a her youngster from some harassing boys, Mrs Jumbo is cruelly seperated from her baby and poor Dumbo is ignored by the other elephants. The film expertly conbines the romantic view of the circus - bright lights and colours, animals and clowns with the realities - greed, hard work and animal cruelty. Anyone who thinks that some circuses can be 'humane,' then they'd better see Dumbo as it will change their mind.
Bambi may be at the top for me, but Dumbo is just too good to put down. For a film that's only sixty minutes long, it's a real emotional feast upon the eyes and the mind.
However, I'm only giving four stars because Dumbo really needs restoring and remastering. Hope there's a Platinum Edition coming soon.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect in every sense..., 8 Feb 2008
I bought this DVD recently having not seen it for at least 15 years. I couldn't have imagined how profound an effect it would have on me watching it now in my late twentys. As a child I remember the colourful characters, catchy tunes and an enjoyable story. Watching it now it's as if all of this has been magnified a thousand times. In a flash everything came back to me but this time I can clearly see the messages of acceptance, loyalty, companionship, courage etc.
It's not difficult to see why this film has survived for so long (since it's release in 1941). It's a simple tale without any complexity but with so much compassion. It's neither too long or too short and every scene focuses on delivering a powerful sentiment without over-doing it. The mother-child dynamic is very touching culminating in an emotional scene where they are briefly re-united. The vigour and energy of Timothy Mouse is a real marvel to watch not to mention his compassion towards Dumbo.
The musical score is a gorgeous accompaniment and really adds to the impact of the scenes. I've since found out the film won an Oscar for its musical score and was nominated for best song with the heart-felt "Baby Mine".
I noticed that there was some stereotyping of African-Americans with the Crow characters which passes you by as a child. However, it's not a negative stereotype at all and in the end the Crows come out looking like heroes for their part in the finale.
This is a film that just couldn't get made today without an audience feeling cynical about it. So I hope this one remains a classic for years to come. After all, films like this are the reason cinema was invented.
Finally, one of the special features is a clip of Walt Disney himself introducing a television screening of Dumbo. He states it is his favourite of the films he's produced and as you might have guessed, I'd have to agree with him on that.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best Animated Movies ever. , 13 Aug 2008
Dumbo (1941), Disney's 4th movie, is a film that should be viewed by every child. Touching on subjects important to all children, bullying, parental love and friendship, it is a moving, entertaining and heart-warming story of an elephant, bullied because of his over long ears, who over comes his bullies with the help of his best friend Jeremy the mouse and four, halarious crows to become the most famous elephant ever. The animaton, as always is faultless, at only one hour it isn't as over-indulgent as many of Disney's films and the "pink elephant" sequence is something to be amazed. Definatley one of the best animated films ever.
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