Amazon.co.uk Review
After viewing
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote to Walt Disney about adapting his novel of an ape-man into a feature animated cartoon. Sixty odd years later, the tale is finally told with brilliant design work that looks unlike any previous animated film. The story is a natural for Disney since the themes of misunderstood central figures have been at the heart of most of its recent hits. Disney's
Tarzan doesn't wander far from the familiar story of a shipwrecked baby who is brought up by apes in Africa. What gives the film its zing is its clever use of music (the songs are sung by Phil Collins himself rather than onscreen characters) and the remarkable animation. Deep Canvas, a 3-D technology, was developed for the film, creating a jungle that comes alive as Tarzan swings through the trees, often looking like a modern skateboarder racing down giant tree limbs. The usual foray of sidekicks, including a rambunctious ape voiced by Rosie O'Donnell, should keep the little ones aptly entertained. The two lead voices, Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Minnie Driver as Jane, are inspired choices. Their chemistry helps the story through the weakest points (the last third) and makes Tarzan's initial connection with all things human (including Jane) delicious entertainment. Disney still is not taking risks in its animated films, but as cookie-cutter entertainment,
Tarzan makes a pretty good treat.
On the DVD: It's the dish--mistakes, unused footage, creative differences, embarrassing behind-the-scene stories--that makes collector's editions so much fun. Unfortunately, this goes against the Disney philosophy of picture-perfection, and this two-set disc shows it; only half of the new material is engaging. The other half of this second disc, the "Tarzan Archives," is a slickly produced filler--more publicity fluff than real insight on the development of the film and the animation process. Much better are the three abandoned scenes (with voices and storyboards), including a much fiercer opening and ending, plus dozens of sketches made over the years as the designers pursued the luscious look of the film. The original audio demos Phil Collins made for the film are also intriguing (mostly filled with dummy or place-holding lyrics). The new audio commentary (by the producer and two directors) is a "fireside chat" variety, hardly worth more than one listen. Two side-by-side comparisons of storyboards to final film are a great tool to show youngsters how the animated process works, as is animator Glen Keane's talks on animating Tarzan. Also for kids: a read-along book and trivia game. --Doug Thomas
Video Description
DVD Special Features
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Widescreen 1.66:1 Ratio
Region 2, Dual Layer Format.
Dolby Digital 5.0: English
Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired.
Over 1 1/2 hours of Bonus Footage on Disc Two:
History and Development,
From Burroughs to Disney
Early Presentation Reel
Research Trip to Africa
Music of Tarzan,
The Making of the Music
Tarzan Goes International
You'll be In My Heart Music Video
Strangers Like Me Music Video
Trashin' the Camp with Phil Collins & N Sync
Original Phil Collins Song Demo
Story and Editorial
Building the Story
Storyboard to film Comparison
Abandoned sequences - Introduction from Bonnie Arnold
1). Alternate Opening
2). Trek Discovers Human Camp
3). Riverboat Fight
Characters of Tarzan
1). Creating Tarzan
2). Animating Tarzan
3). Creating Jane & Porter
4). Creating Kala & Kerchak
5). Creating Terk & Tantor
6). Creating Clayton
Animation Production
Deep Canvas Process
Deep Canvas Demonstration
Production Progression Demo
1). Story Reel
2). Rough Animation
3). Cleaned Up Animation
4). Final Film in colour
Intercontinental Film Making
Release
Trailer 1, 2 & 3
Read Alongs
Story read to you
Read by yourself
Trivia Game
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