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By
WAYNE KLEIN
Disney direct-to-video
sequels continue to improve by working with the
formula that Disney established for their
theatrical films. I hear all of you asking how a
"formula" can improve a sequel. For kids, formula
is their existence--they are comforted by
consistency. I've seen lots of criticism of Disney
for doing the direct-to-video sequels but how are
they any worse than a TV series where the same
characters learn different lessons week after
week? A sequel can be nothing more than a dead end
but it can also be an extension of the first film
focusing on other themes and appealing to a
different audience. I didn't see anyone complain
when Lucas made "The Empire Strikes Back" or when
Christopher Nolan made "Batman Begins." Is there a
double standard for adult vs. children's
entertainment? There shouldn't be. Unless the
quality of product is poor (what would Western
Civilization do without both "The Iliad" and "The
Odyssey"?) it shouldn't even be an issue as long
as it doesn't replace new and original material.
Remember the early part of the 20th Century in
film is filled with sequels and prequels. Just as
the Greeks would explore the same myths again and
again, reinvention allows one to see the original
tale in a different perspective.
Children crave familiarity and consistency--it's
part of being a child and part of gradually
exploring a constantly changing and confusing
world. Sequels are nothing new folks. The early
part of the 20th century produced loads of
sequels. The value of a sequel is only as good as
the quality of work put into it and from that
point of view "Tarzan II" is a good production
that tries to bring the values that were important
to the first film and center for younger children
in this prequel.
Less a sequel and more a prequel (a more light
hearted one at that) to Disney's underrated
"Tarzan" feature film, "Tarzan II" follows the
title character as a self doubting young boy who
feels like he just doesn't fit in because he's not
an ape. Tarzan gets separated from his mother
while traveling with the band of gorillas he
belongs to and gets lost on Dark Mountain.
Ultimately he meets Zugor a mysterious ape who
befriends the boy. Zugor teaches Tarzan that it's
OK to be different and that he brings value to his
family the way he is. There are number of
thrilling set pieces including a sequence set on a
log bridge expertly using CGI where Tarzan is
thrown off the bridge as it collapses. Featuring a
strong cast of voice talent including veteran
actress Glenn Close, comedian/actor George Carlin,
actor Brad Garrett ("Everybody Loves Raymond") and
Estelle Parsons (also from "Everybody Loves
Raymond"), "Tarzan" is perfect at 72 minutes for
tikes. There are three new songs by
songwriter/singer Phil Collins for this film. The
formula may be tried-and-true in this sequel but
it works well and makes for an entertaining
diversion for children 5 to 13 years of age.
A nearly flawless transfer for "Tarzan II" stands
as a highlight of this direct-to-video release. I
didn't detect any serious digital defects and
there are no analog imperfections such as dust or
dirt to mar the nearly perfect image. The 5.1 and
DTS soundtracks sound terrific although the edge
has to go to the DTS mix which has slightly better
bass response but the clarity is separation are
about the same.
Disney continues to be very generous with their
extras for their direct-to-video sequels. We get a
decent featurette that focuses on the making of
the movie. Featuring interviews with the cast
including Estelle Parsons, Harrison Chad, George
Carlin as well as co-writer/director Brian Smith,
we're treated to behind-the-scene footage of the
recording sessions for the movie. Close comments
on the difficulty in working without other actors
and bringing something special to the performance
and Carlin discusses how the writers brought his
"voice" to the role he was hired for. Phil Collins
appears in a sequence from the recording session
with young singer Tiffany Evans. He also comments
on the difficulty in writing songs for a movie vs.
writing material to perform for his albums. We
also get a music video featuring Tiffany Evans
performing Collins' song "Who Am I?"
One game and one activity are included for the
kids. In "Gorilla Grumble Game" you have to save
Tandor by getting the two goofy gorilla brothers
from the film to fight mimicking their action. In
"Turk and Tandor's Jungle Guide" you highlight a
picture to choose an animal. Whichever animal you
choose, you'll see footage of the animal and be
provided with animal facts. Disney also provides
previews for other Disney features.
A fun if predictable prequel to "Tarzan," kids
will enjoy the new Phil Collins songs, the story
and animation. Although not as innovative as
"Tarzan," "Tarzan II" is a pleasant way for little
ones to spend an afternoon. Is it perfect? Not at
all but it does build on the original film and
does entertain while addressing issues that are
important to kids. |
