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
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
tarzan dvd Very good quality. quick shipping. thanks a lot.
only disney could do it! this is 1 of my favourite if not my favourite disney animation ever! not only is the story brilliantly animated with both funny and sad scenes but the music is excellant from Phil Collins! definitely worthy of 5 stars it will have you on the edge of your seat singing along...and yes thats you and the kids!
Good film. Extras leave a lot to be desired Being an avid Disney DVD fan I've added this Collector's addition to my collection.
The film is very good and in the typical Disney mould. There's animal's that talk and Tarzan overcomes his enemy to get the girl.
The extra's leave a lot to be desired. There's how the film was made etc, but not much for the kids, like with say Beauty & The Beast Collector's Edition.
My tip is to buy the single edition, unless your mind is set on getting every Disney DVD like me...
Tarzan Rocks! I recently bought this second hand on VHS. I had never seen it before and people had said it was good. What can i say but WOW! it is an AMAZING film! i love this film so much and i really wish i had bought it new on DVD as opposed to second havd VHS, but i wasn't to know! So, if YOU buy this, or want to buy it, MAKE SURE YOU GET IT ON DVD!!! IT IS WELL WORTH IT! the animation is excellent, the story funny and touching and the music awesome - like the whole film. BUYIT NOW!!
