16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
A true classic
Pinocchio has always been regarded as one of Walt Disney's finest, if not finest, animated films by animation historians and film critics alike, and it's good to see that it's finally received a 2 disc DVD version a film if its stature deserves, with a well-made documentary and other rare footage. It's miles better than the one disc Special Edition released a few years...
Pinocchio has always been regarded as one of Walt Disney's finest, if not finest, animated films by animation historians and film critics alike, and it's good to see that it's finally received a 2 disc DVD version a film if its stature deserves, with a well-made documentary and other rare footage. It's miles better than the one disc Special Edition released a few years ago. Pinocchio has always been a special film for me personally, as it was the first film I ever watched as a child in the cinema. The story is timeless, and the picture and animation are even more beautiful with this latest digital restoration. A true classic.
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Great to see this on DVD. What a brilliant film it is, early Disney mastery. Oddly enough it wasn't a big success when it first appeared in the 1940s!
There is so much to revel in here. The animation is sublime, beautiful artistry that shows 2-D animation is every bit as effective and evocative as 3-D - and is timeless. The script is taut, fast-moving and as much fun as you could wish for; managing to get the humour to balance the moralisitc tale - without banging on the 'be good' trail!
The songs and characters - Jiminy Cricket!!!! - are up there with the very best Walt ever created. That really does say it all. This is up there with Snow White, Jungle Book & Dumbo as the best of the pre 1980's Disney films made.
This is film every parent should have and every serious film fan should owm.
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Typical of Disney, Pinocchio is a film with a message, the message in this is quite simple - be good. The scene's where Pinocchio is with Guppetto and Jimminy Cricket are truly wonderful. As a young child there were certain aspects of the film that scared me, most obviously the scene's at Pleasure Island - I'm from Blackpool and have had a thing against Blackpool Pleasure Beach ever since! I was also terrified of the character honest John, if ever there was something to teach a child not to talk to strangers then it was this character.
I think this is a thoroughly enjoyable film, Disney at his best, but I would recommend it for slightly older children (8+) due to the scariness of some of the scenes.
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To this day, animations can still be overlooked when critics judge some of the greatest films of all time. It's a pity, because such stories as Pinocchio are up there with the best, if not challenging the more conventional 'movies' with real actors. Don't get me started on Mister Wooden Keanu Reeves....
How fitting then a fictional wooden character in the name of Pinocchio can act better than a full grown man?
Their is no denying that this is Walt DIsney's masterpiece. His second full length feature film, Pinocchio is as appropriate today as it was 70 years ago (I know.. It beggars belief even saying the number), and will remain a timeless piece forever, now thankfully preserved on DVD (this product) and Blu-Ray. Why? Quite simply, it captures some of our rawest emotions in the most beautiful of imagery. Although it was the animators that grafted each cel out day by day, it was Disney himself who had the final word on every shot, to make an experience that was so engaging it brings a tear to your eyes, whether it a couple of bars from "Wish Upon A Star", or seeing Pinocchio himself cry inside his cage, locked up.
The story itself encounters a wooden Puppet (Pinocchio), whom is wished by his creator to come alive and be a real boy. Granted by the stars, a fairy brings Pinocchio to life, but is told he can only become a 'real' boy if performs acts worthy enough to help others.
Perhaps the single greatest theme throughout this movie is the idea of trusting ones conscience. For Pinocchio, this is beautifully symbolized by the cute little character Jimminy Cricket, who is assigned the task of helping Pinocchio learn what is right and wrong. Though he appears to be just a secondary character, he actually has the most important role in the film; directing his thoughts to the audience, and addressing morals that we all learn from, no matter what age we are. The whole scene and ideas surrounding 'Pleasure Island' are absolute genius, when taking into account the idea of rebellious natures without a reason. For Pinocchio, he has the choice of whether to be led along by the 'bad boy' gangs, or to stick with his conscience.
Lets not forget about the animation either. Although Disney almost went bankrupt after his first three films (Snow White, Pinocchio, and Fantasia), they are not just coincidentally his best either. The extra man power, attention to detail, and sheer research that went into animating these three films is quite mind boggling in a day and age were computers do most of the work now. This is perhaps the reason why Pinocchio looks so friendly and comforting - you know that someone, somewhere put their heart and soul into making this the best looking feature Disney could afford, and despite it's immense Digitial clarity, looks no more like a computer rendered it than slice of cake being an apple. It just has that special touch.
I guess for some, it is easy to forget these days why the term 'Disney' is a household name, what with such garbage as 'Hannah Montana'. As a reminder, watching Pinocchio reveals Walt's greatest achievement. He admitted he wasn't the best free-hand drawer, but he did have was a gift to capture our hearts. As many who knew him said, "No-body reeally knew him". Perhaps it was best that way.
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This was great to watch again and this time as a parent with my children. The colour and sound quality is superb and considering this was Disney's second film, its story is timeless and is enjoyed by all ages. The extras are for those who like fun games or even for those who like the informative side of the DVD. A must edition to your Disney collection.
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Great film, full of colour and movement. Good story line, though it doesn't follow the original book exactly. Excellent for both adults and children. Good one for grandparents to watch with grandchildren! Has a moral point to make, but doesn't labour this. The scene where the whale is swimming after Pinocchio and his father could be considered exciting or scary depending on the age of the child.
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After buying this for my sister's birthday, I bought a copy of my own and watched this afternoon. Begining with the Oscar winning song Wishing Upon A Star, Jimmy Cricket enters Geppetto's shop to see a handsome puppet that he's making and with a wish upon a star to make him a real boy, it comes true. But Pinocchio has a harsh and sometimes scary journey ahead of him if he wants to prove to be a real boy, temptation and risks are everywhere but he's not alone if he has Cricket for his guide along the way. Yes, it's very enchanting and the Disney magic still goes on to give kids a smile on their faces. But I have problems, on the back of the box it says no material likely to harm or offend. What about the smoking, drinking, scary scenes like the big whale and kids turning into donkeys? They scared me qutie a bit and I'm nearly twenty in a matter of months! It's very dark and I would recommed parents watching the film first before letting younger viewers seeing it for the first time. Not to be a annoying person but there are some shocking scenes especially what happens to one of the characters near the end, it's haunting to see. The other problem was the ending, seriously rushed and not embracing the real happiness a lot. Some say this is the best Disney film yet, yeah maybe to them but mine is either Little Mermaid or Lady and The Tramp. In all, it's a enchanting tale but be warned of dark themes in this.
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I bought this for my kids who are to young to appreciate it just now, it's the first film i ever remember seeing in pics, and it brought back those memories loved it. Down side was it didn't get to me when it should have ( lost in post) Amazon sorted it with in 2 days and got DVD 1st CLASS NEXT DAY
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