Pete’s Dragon: High Flying Edition (DVD)
T2 Rating: 4 out of 4 stars
Rated: G
Length: 129 minutes
It’s a classic! Available now on DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Pete’s Dragon: High Flying Edition is sure to be loved by audiences of all ages.
It’s been over 30 years since this film was originally released and it still has it. The heart warming tale of young orphan named Pete and his 12-foot tall dragon named Elliott who has a hard time staying out of trouble. The story starts with Pete on the run from the Gogan family who purchased him to be their slave. The two eventually find a safe harbor in the town of Passamaquoddy. Keeping Elliott a secret proves to be a challenge, although the fact that he can become invisible helps his somewhat low profile.
Among this the best features of the Pete’s Dragon is the music. Long before High School Musical, this film had tracks that put quite a dent on pop culture and earned two Academy Awards (Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Score).
The live-action doesn’t quite line up perfectly with the animation at times, but it shouldn’t be a hinderance from enjoying the film. The animation supervised by Don Bluth (An American Tail) conveys plenty of emotion to the star of the film while giving him a style that sets Elliott apart from the Disney Classics.
Carrying the story are familiar faces to the silver screen – Helen Reddy, Mickey Rooney, Jim Backus, Shelley Winters and more!
In the extras category it includes a must see Brazzle Dazzle Special Effects featurette that contains a fascinating look at how special effects have changed over time and how they achieved the Sodium Vapor Screen Process. Plus, a Deleted Storyboard Sequence, Demo Recordings, and a Where’s Elliot? The Disappearing Dragon Game that’s aimed to please kids.
It’s nice to see these classics available as they’re characters have a little more depth to them than the modern Disney tales. You’ll see a drunk as a lead character found in the local tavern and other scenes that would be questioned in this day. It’s a nice to see things portrayed as they are and handled delicately. This is is a winner for children five and up. Hopefully some day we’ll see it on Blu-ray!
-T2