Search - Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie (Limited Edition with Plush) on DVD

A family, fun Halloween DVD featuring Pooh and the gang and

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 09/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since 1926, "Winnie-the-Pooh" has been a staple in American pop culture as a family friendly character and stories that many children for generations have grown up with. And adults who have continued to share that with their own children.

Just in time for Halloween, the popular characters from 100 Acre Wood such as Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Lumpy the Heffalump and Roo return in a family film for Halloween.

In the film, Lumpy (the elephant) has never experienced Halloween ever. But wants to experience the excitement that his friend have, especially taking part in "trick or treat". But curious as he was to take part in it, he also becomes fearful after Tigger's "Gobloon" story that if you are caught by one, one will turn into a jaggedy lantern.

A bit frightened, Lumpy fortunately has the help of his good friend Roo to accompany him during Halloween. But what happens when both become separated during Halloween?

The 2005 Winnie the Pooh film "Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie" gets its re-release on DVD but this time around, a limited edition Winnie the Pooh disguised as Tigger plush is offered.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Video is featured in Widescreen (1:78:1), enhanced for 16×9 televisions. Animation is quite nice for this film, featuring vibrant colors of the characters and 100 Acre Woods but also nicely painted backgrounds. There is nothing dark or sinister, but you see the occasional bats and leafless forest that may look spooky. It's important to note that the animation is hand-drawn and not 3D like recently released Winnie the Pooh animated films.

Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (including French and Spanish language). For the part, this film is dialogue driven and is clear and understandable (Note: Some children who are not familiar with British accents may have a hard time understanding Lumpy, as my six-year-old commented during the film, "does the elephant have a stuffy nose").

Home theaters owners will mostly notice the film to be more front and center channel driven with the occasional bats screeching and leaves floating in the wind once in awhile utilized in the soundtrack. Music is a big part of the film as background music is played during the background and at times, a few of the characters sing a song through the film.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie Limited Edition DVD Gift Set" comes with a stuff animal of Winnie the Pooh wearing a Tigger outfit and the following special features (games and DVD-Rom content):

* Fun Games - Trick or Re-Treat - Roo has a hole in his trick or treat bag and lost his candy. But with a map, you can help Roo find his lost candy. Using your remote, you can help move Roo and Lumpy in a maze like map. Featuring audio during the game.
* Fun Games - Pooh's Boo Bingo! - The characters of 100 Acre Wood love playing Halloween games and that includes Boo Bingo! Using your remote control, you can play bingo. (note: printable cards are included and accessed via DVD-Rom on a PC or Mac).
* Fun Games - Pass the Pumpkin - Similar to musical chairs, in this game (playing with friends), using your remote, one must pass the pumpkin. When the music stops, those stuck with the pumpkin loses.
* Heffalump Halloween Party Planner - If you play the DVD on a PC (or Mac), you can access a printable party planner. Included are Printable party invitations, Halloween Bingo cards for Pooh's Boo Bingo, Halloween-themed recipes and decorating a jaggedy lantern.

JUDGMENT CALL:

The entertaining and family fun Winnie the Pooh Halloween film (from 2005) gets its re-release just in time for Halloween.

"Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie Limited Edition DVD Gift Set" is a family fun DVD featuring Winnie the Pooh and gang. Can children of all ages watch the film, I would say yes. But parents who are cautious about images of bats in animated format, aside from Tigger's (not-so-scary story), it depends on how a younger toddler may react to it but for the most part, the film is light-hearted at best.

Of course, one of the biggest differences versus the 2005 release is the amount of games and DVD-Rom materials, so children can take part in the many games included. As well, as parents who can access a party planner and recipes.For the limited edition DVD gift set, I have to admit that the Winnie the Pooh disguised as Tigger plush is one of the coolest Pooh plushes that I have ever seen (the Tigger hood can be removed as well).

As a father, I have grown up with Winnie the Pooh long ago and when my son was born, he grew up with the character as well. Now that he is six-years-old, it's great to find a children's Halloween animated story (aside from the Peanuts/Charlie Brown special) and DVD with special features that both parents and children can take part in together. The games are games that children can learn from and are games that are part of Disney DVD's "Imagine, Laugh & Learn".

Overall, "Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie Limited Edition DVD Gift Set" is an enjoyable and family fun-tastic Winnie the Pooh DVD release from Disney and definitely a gift set worth purchasing!"