Toon Talk: Finding Nemo DVD - Nov 10, 2003

Toon Talk: Finding Nemo DVD
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Disc 1 also features Making Nemo, a concise documentary that reveals such fascinating footage as a split screen comparison between the film’s animation test reels and actual live action shots of the ocean (you won’t be able to tell the difference) as well as offering this subtle bon mot from supervising animator Dylan Brown: “Animating fish is like animating toilet paper under water�?.

Rounding out the first disc are the Design Galleries, which includes another nice new spin on a DVD staple: an “Art Review�?, a montage of concept art with optional audio commentary from the art directors. Even the character designs offer dialogue snippets from the film to coincide with each character.

There’s even more to find on disc 2: along with the short Knick Knack, viewers are treated to Exploring the Reef, a documentary hosted by oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau. Sounds kind of boring, huh? But remember, this is Pixar … what starts as Educational With a Capital ‘E’ (as in something you would see at the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot) turns into a riotous take-off (courteous of a few unexpected cameos) of the very nature films it at first appears to be. (In fact, it has been rumored that the Finding Nemo characters could be installed at the Living Seas, an excellent idea to revive that aging attraction, especially if its done in the style of this short … heck, they could even just show this one.)

Aside from the usual trailers and publicity galleries, the remaining disc 2 features are mainly for the little Nemos in your house: Mr. Ray’s Encyclopedia (the nutty professor narrates brief backgrounds on each character’s species, such as clown fish and great whites), a Fisharades game (narrated by Crush, it offers an option for one or two players), a Storytime read along (titled Nemo Goes to School) and a Studio Tour lead by Nemo himself, young voice actor Alexander Gould. But, as is often not the case, all can enjoy even the kid-friendly aspects of this set.

And lets not forget the film itself: with its cast of lovable characters, stunningly realistic animation and a storyline that is easily relatable to all, its no wonder that Nemo was ‘found’ by so many.

Toon Talk Rating: A

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(c) Disney

Toon Talk Trivia:

  • Finding Nemo is the current front-runner to win this year’s coveted Best Animated Feature Oscar. (Imagine that: the best animated film of the year actually winning … ) There’s also talk of nominations for Best Picture, Original Screenplay (by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson and David Reynolds) and Thomas Newman’s Original Score.
  • Those wishing for another Riders in the Sky/Pixar CD will have to make do with Finding Nemo: Ocean Favorites, a collection of songs from the sea now available.
  • For more Toon Talk Trivia on Finding Nemo, click here.

Coming Soon:

  • The DVD debuts of two recent Wonderful World of Disney productions, Eloise at the Plaza (starring Julie Andrews) and Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man (starring Matthew Broderick), as well as the Lilo and Stitch Islands of Adventure DVD Game, go on sale November 11th.
  • Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with Brendan Fraser, Steve Martin, Jenna Elfman and the rest of the wacky Warner Brothers toon gang, all star in Looney Tunes: Back in Action, opening November 14th.
  • The Special Edition DVD of Frank and Ollie, a documentary on the legendary Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, will be available in general release November 18th. Also available that day will be the DVD debuts of The Santa Clause 2 and Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas.
  • Lots of “grim grinning ghosts�?, as well as Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Tilly, will show up for the movie debut of the classic Disneyland attraction The Haunted Mansion, opening November 26th.

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-- Kirby C. Holt

Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ...

Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.

The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

-- Posted November 10, 2003

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