We all know Tinker Bell as the inspirational fairy who stood alongside Peter Pan with motivational support and knowledge. Well since her original conception she has quite literally taken on wings of her own spawning her own line of books, plays, video games, TV shows, and yes even her own movies. Really she needs no introduction, but can this buzzing side kick really carry her own movie? Preceded by 2008′s self titled Tinker Bell, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue made its way straight to DVD and Blu ray with respectable cast of voice actors. With a third installment already planned this sequel can’t be all that bad, right?
Film
The film opens as the fairies including Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman, Kristin Chenoweth, Raven-Symone, Angela Bartys and Lucy Liu) are bringing the season of autumn to the main land. But once every eight years a blue moon bestows itself upon Pixie Hollow which ultimately restores the pixie dust tree. But in order for this to happen a septer must be made, and Tinker Bell is chosen. The film then deals with her daunting task and her friend Terrance (Jesse McCarthey) who with good intentions tries too hard to be helpful. But when the worst happens the two must work together through hardship to get things done. I know the story sounds ridiculous, well it is, but that’s half the fun of it, and it will really get your children’s imaginations going.
I think it goes without saying that these movies are intended for a younger audience, but the little kid inside all of us might just find a little bit of warmth in this film. While not very often does a film reach outside of its target audience I will admit that Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue is bearable for parents and the child inside all of us. As a theatrical release I would not have been soon apt to recommend this movie, but as a straight to Blu ray release I can’t complain. There are some good laughs for young children, girls especially.
As always with movies like this one the sound track can be the deal breaker. While the songs can regrettably send us adults up the wall are clearly enjoyable for children and the odd one can even be catchy, I liked “If You Belive” by Lisa Kelly personally.
For those of you that saw the first film (I will admit I am one of them) you will definitely find some enjoyment out of this sequel as it sticks to its roots and other than the replacement of America Ferrera as Fawn you’ll get the same vibe. If you or your children have not yet seen the first film you can watch The Great Fairy Rescue without having seen the first as it is a standalone sequel and there is no real continuity.
Video
Presented in 1080p 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded in MPEG-4, Tinkerbell comes to Blu-ray with stunning results. I have not come across a Disney CGI movie on Blu-ray that hasn’t looked anything less than amazing and Tinkerbell is no different. Picture clarity and detail is simply amazing, with everything from wood splinters to leaf veins being clearly seen. As impressive as that was, color presentation is the transfers highlight. It is a real treat to see so many colors being presented with such clarity and vibrancy without seeing any banding or bleeding issues. If I had just one complaint it would be with the animation and not the transfer itself. Unlike recent Pixar titles I felt Tinkerbell lacked a bit in the quality of animation coming off a bit generic.
From beginning to end Tinkerbell dazzled me with its perfect looking transfer. Disney has provided something special that will please anyone who sees it.
Audio
Disney has equipped Tinkerbell with a 5.1 DTS and it does a great job presenting the given material. As expected this isn’t a movie that is going to test your surround sound system but the quality of the track itself is superb. Voice acting is top notch as each character does a good job portraying their given characters.
Despite the sometimes heavy dependence on the front channels the quality of the track never falters and will please all that hear it.
Special Features
We are given only a few special features and unfortunately none of them are all that exciting.
- Outtakes – Yes an animated titles with bloopers is always interesting. Unlike Pixar movies, these outtakes are not that funny for the older crowd, but should provide
- Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow – A rather dull look at Tinkerbell’s Pixie Hollow home.
- Pixie Hollow Comes to Disney World – A look at the Pixie Hollow attraction that is now at Disney World.
- Music Video – The Gift of a Friend Music Video performed by Demi Lovato.
Final Thoughts
While this wasn’t exactly the greatest movie I have seen, I can definitely spot the appeal for younger generations and even for us grownups. If you or your children are a fan of all things Disney, or even of Tinker Bell herself then I can recommend this film and its purchase on Blu ray as it definitely seems to have some re watch ability. However if you are just a casual Disney fan or enjoy their classic animated film’s (i.e. Peter Pan, The Beauty and the Beast, Snow White) you will find that films like this one hardly compare and you will be left disappointed. In conclusion, if you already own and enjoy the original CGI Tinker Bell film then this is a no brainier for you to get, but otherwise I would recommend a rental first as this surely won’t sit well with everyone not even the adolescent critics out there.
