Search - Paulie on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Movie Release: 1998 DVD Release: 04/20/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 32 mins Studio: DreamWorks Members Wishing: 0 Genres: Children's/Family, Adventure Comedy, Animal Picture, Family-Oriented Adventure, Family-Oriented Comedy See Also: Paulie [DTS]

In the Babe tradition of talking animatronic animals, this comedy adventure gets underway when animal-research-lab janitor Misha (Tony Shalhoub) expresses concern for a Blue-crown Conure parrot named Paulie (voice of Jay Mohr) caged in a dank basement. Misha settles back as Paulie tells his life story, seen in flashback: When Paulie was owned by little Marie (Hallie Kate Eisenberg), the parrot helped the little girl get rid of her stutter. After Marie tried to teach Paulie how to fly, he wound up in a pawnshop owned by Artie (Buddy Hackett), where he got an education in one-liners. Paulie and Ivy (Gena Rowlands) learn Marie's family is in LA, so Ivy agrees to drive Paulie cross-country in her RV. However, Marie goes blind and dies. Paulie is forced to fly to LA, where small-time entrepreneur Ignacio (Cheech Marin), with an eye for talent, talons and tacos, puts Paulie to work as a dancer at his taco-stand, where Paulie gets a birds-eye view of a female parrot with pretty plumage. Unfortunately, researcher Dr. Reingold (Bruce Davison), convinced Paulie can bring him academic recognition, steps in with a false promise to link the parrot up with Marie. Betrayed, Paulie refuses to speak anything other than the standard "want-a-cracker" lines, resulting in solitary confinement. Misha, who knows why the caged bird talks, hopes to free Paulie for an eventual reunion with Marie. Animal stunt coordinator Boone Narr and Stan Winston animatronics brought Paulie to life. For another fine-feathered film, see Dean Riesner's Bill and Coo (1947); the film's all-bird cast (dressed in human clothing) brought a "Special Award" for producer Ken Murray during the 1948 Oscar ceremony. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Gena Rowlands - Ivy
Jay Mohr - Paulie
Tony Shalhoub - Misha
Tia Texada - Lupe
Cheech Marin - Ignacio
Bruce Davison - Dr. Reingold

A talking bird is the centerpiece to the family film Paulie. Columbia has done a fine job at making sure this 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is clear, concise, and very pleasing to the eye. While a few imperfections abound (including some dirt and edge enhancement), the image is mostly spotless with bright colors and solid black levels. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English as well as Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround in French and Spanish. This is a very appropriate sound mix that features subtle directional effects and crystal-clear music, effects, and dialogue. While this track certainly won't blow away anyone's home theater system, it should please fans of the film. No subtitles are included on this release. The only extra features available on this disc include a theatrical trailer, a few cast and filmmaker bios, and some production notes about the film. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide