In a fleet of mad spending while in Tesco’s today, my boyfriend bought the collectors edition DVD of Disney’s computer animated Dinosaur. I wanted to see this film when it was at the cinema but as usual I never got round to it, and having now seen it, I wish I'd made the effort. From seeing the trailer, it looked very visually impressive and also looked as though it might have a good storyline. Well, one out of two ain’t bad. Okay so it’s not that good either but....
Before I go on, I’d like to point out that I’m only reviewing the film, not the DVD with all it’s extra’s because I haven’t seen any of them and they’re pretty much the same as usual anyway: deleted animation, the making of, the obligatory game for the kids, creating of characters etc. etc.
Dinosaur was Disney’s first attempt to make a computer animated film (released summer 2000, rating PG) in which the animals looked realistic, which is what makes it so remarkable. The animation is absolutely spot on and the dinosaurs look fantastic, with an inspiring soundtrack to match. The animators obviously wanted to flaunt their new found talents and so the film contains quite a few sweeping landscapes which are an absolute joy to watch and add to the film’s enjoyability (if that’s not a word, it is now). The monkeys, when seen close up do resemble muppets but other than that, Disney certainly achieved the ‘real’ look they desired.
The story follows the trail of an iguanadon named Aladar who is separated from his parents before birth and is raised by a lemur family. (Sound familiar?) After The Meteor To End All Meteors crashes to Earth and destroys most of his family and all of their home, he goes with the remains of his adopted family and tries to find somewhere new to make a home. On their way they meet up with a herd of other dinosaurs, mainly iguanadons, to find that they are all trying to get to The Nesting Ground, a wonderful lush green valley (The Land Before Time Anyone?) They team up and continue their journey attempting to prevail through the drought, the threat of nasty, carnivore dinosaurs and the ‘misguided’ attempts of their leader to get them to safety.
I’ll stop with the plot before I give too much away, although it’s all very predictable in the true Disney style. The characters are again the typical Disney characters with Aladar being the plucky, good hearted hero and his comic relief side-kick monkey friends. There’s the love interest sticking out like a sore thumb and who wants to play guess the voluntary sacrifice?
The film is definitely one for the kids as I know they’d love it. It’s not too long at 1hr 20 mins so they won’t get bored, but they certainly will enjoy it, especially if they like dinosaurs, and what kid doesn’t? I would even recommend that adults watch it, to see the stunning animation, as long you keep in mind that it is a Disney film, so don’t expect a twisting rollercoaster of a plot.
Overall, I don’t know if the £22 was worth it, but it should definitely be watched by everyone once, and you can make up your own minds. It’s an enjoyable film that parents will be able to watch with their kids. If possible, watch the DVD because VHS just will not do it justice.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
i should hace seen it too. that's what i thought when i watched the trailer, but i didn't go... I was really impressed by the awesome real landscapes with virtual dinosaurs. good op, see ya, Max.
clanmac4 18.04.2001 15:10
It is a film with a week plot, I think my eldest (6!) recognises this: She got it as an Easter present and has not watched it, when asked why "I did not like it that much Daddy" .But the young do not appreciate graphic quality as they are used to it! Dave
Dinosaurs come alive like never before in this costly computer-animated film from Disney. ... more
After a breathtaking opening (a dino egg is kidnapped), the film changes style; realistic dinosaurs are given human characteristics and voices. The kidnapped egg ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Dinosaurs come alive like never before in this costly computer-animated film from Disney. ... more
After a breathtaking opening (a dino egg is kidnapped), the film changes style; realistic dinosaurs are given human characteristics and voices. The kidnapped egg ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Discover an amazing blend of filmmaking technology and brilliant storytelling that only ... more
Disney could bring to you. Dinosaur is the remarkable action-packed story of dinosaurs who must face the challenge of their lives. Along the way they learn that w...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: The advantages of this film is it enables you to step back in time and see what these dinosaurs may have looked like. It also lets you see what incredible things you can produce with todays technology. Disadvantages: Some scenes are in the dark and you may not be able to see whats going on.
cazaline16_2000 11.04.2001 (11.04.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dinosaur (Animated) (DVD)
Advantages: Will keep the kids captured and glued to the TV for hours, a certain element of education in there to Disadvantages: When playing games DVD can be a bit slow
Advantages: The advantages of this film is it enables you to step back in time and see what these dinosaurs may have looked like. It also lets you see what incredible things you can produce with todays technology. Disadvantages: Some scenes are in the dark and you may not be able to see whats going on.
cazaline16_2000 11.04.2001 (11.04.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dinosaur (Animated) (DVD)
Advantages: realistic, beautiful cinematography, great for ages 6 and up Disadvantages: "scary" carnivores, and complex themes make it too much for under sixes
![Dinosaur (Disney) (2000) [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78537029.jpg "Dinosaur (Disney) (2000) [DVD]")
Apr 17th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
