Search - Treasure Planet on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Suitable for Children, Scatological Humor Movie Release: 2002 DVD Release: 04/29/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 35 mins Studio: Walt Disney Video Members Wishing: 13 Genres: Science Fiction, Children's/Family, Space Adventure, Family-Oriented Adventure

Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of adventure -Treasure Island gets a science fiction update in this animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Jim (voice of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a young man who grew up reading tales of pirates and adventures on the high seas, and longs for similar excitement in his own life. One day, Jim happens upon a dying man who hands him a map and warns him to "Beware the cyborg" shortly before he passes on. Upon careful examination, Jim realizes the map charts the course to Treasure Planet, a distant world where hundreds of space pirates have stashed their loot. Jim is certain this is the adventure he's been dreaming off, and joins the crew of the spaceship R.L.S. Legacy and Captain Amelia (Emma Thompson) as they set out to find the fabled Treasure Planet. While Jim signs on along with his friend Dr. Doppler (voice of David Hyde Pierce), he soon becomes close friends with John Silver (voice of Brian Murray), who works in the galley but has big plans. Jim discovers just how big his plans are when Silver reveals he's part cyborg and all pirate, instigating a mutiny and attempting to take control of the ship. Despite his friendship with Silver, Jim refuses to take part in the mutiny, and soon finds himself attempting to defend law and order against a spacecraft full of reckless men. Treasure Planet's voice cast also includes Michael Wincott and Martin Short; Johnny Rzeznik from the rock group The Goo Goo Dolls contributed new music for the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Jim Hawkins
Brian Murray - Long John Silver
David Hyde Pierce - Doctor Doppler
Emma Thompson - Captain Amelia

The days of two-disc special editions for animated Disney titles may be a thing of the past (other than their most celebrated titles), but Treasure Planet goes to show that quality still isn't forgotten. Though maybe not supplement heavy, this DVD does offer a number of nice features. First is the "visual commentary" section, which is comprised of an audio commentary by producer Roy Conli, directors Ron Clements and John Musker, animators Glen Keane and John Ripa, and associate art director Ian Gooding, and a visual commentary, which consists of brief making-of segments, interspersed throughout the film. It's a unique way to do this, with the only flaw being the inability to listen to the audio part exclusively. Though much is repeated from the visual commentary, a behind-the scenes section still covers plenty about the film, from character designs to posters to visual effects. Also included here is a trailer for the original Treasure Island and a music video of "I'm Still Here (Jim's Theme)" by John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, among other things. Another section, "Intergalactic Space Adventures," offers a brief look at the animation, hosted by Roy Disney, a tour of the Legacy spaceship, and a kid-oriented look at pirates. Finally, along with three deleted scenes shown as works in progress, are some previews for other Disney titles. As for the picture, it's nothing short of impeccable. As has become expected from this organization, there isn't a flaw to be found. The 1.66:1 anamorphic image has beautiful, warm color and perfect detail throughout. Fast-moving action never breaks down, helping to create a very realist look for much of the animation. While the image stands out, the sound, a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, is a slight letdown. Dialogue is clear as are sound effects, but it's a shame that the surrounds really aren't used to their full potential. Fortunately, the mix itself seems right on target, and there aren't any distracting elements that would harm this presentation. Granted, this film is not the cream of the Disney crop, but it may not have been given a real chance in theaters, something that this DVD will no doubt help rectify. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide