Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue (Blu-ray+DVD Combo)

Written by Hombre Divertido

This new direct-to-DVD release from Disney, that is due to hit shelves on September 21st, certainly could have rescued us from the bleak summer of over hyped 3D animated films had Disney chosen to give it a theatrical unveiling. Nonetheless, this simple, well-told story is a treat for the whole family that is sure to put some fun into your autumn.

Yes, as the film opens, the computer animations are a bit lifeless, and definitely take some getting used to, but once the excellent vocal talents begin to bring their characters to life, the film jumps off the screen.

In Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, we find Tink (Mae Whitman) and her friends off to summer camp on the mainland. Tink is of course curious about everything, especially humans, and though she is consistently warned to stay away from them, it is not long before she encounters one. Lizzy (Lauren Mote) who happens to be a fairy fanatic, is out in the country with her father (Yes, another Disney character with an absent mother) for the summer. With dad (Michael Sheen) being all wrapped up in his work which conveniently has to do with entomology, Lizzy is left alone to play and fantasize about the world of fairies, until you know who drops into who her playhouse.

Though communication is a struggle between our two characters as Tinks voice sounds like small bells ringing to Lizzy, it does not take Tink long to realize that this human has a good heart and is in need of a friend. As Tink and Lizzy build a friendship, the rest of the fairies set out on an adventure to rescue our heroine from the humans.

Director Bradley Raymond deserves accolades here as he allows for well-developed characters that are endearing to the audience to drive this simple story. The audience enjoys the relationships established and truly cares about the plight of each character. The music and vocal talents enhance each segment and literally bring life to animation.

Bonus Material:

At only 77 minutes the main feature certainly leaves you wanting more, but there is plenty of bonus material to satisfy young and old alike.

Calling a preview to an upcoming release “Bonus Material” is a bit generous and Tangled, Disney’s new take on the story of Rapunzel, looks a bit desperate in its attempt to bring life to what appears to be a fairly one-dimensional story.

The generally standard “Deleted Scenes” section is a pleasant surprise in this release as Director Raymond and producer Helen Kalafatic introduce and discuss each deleted scene, conveying an almost parental guardedness towards that which was left out of the film. Watching the incomplete segments lends a unique insight into the developmental process.

The music video “How to Believe” by Bridgit Mendler is very enjoyable. At less than two minutes in length; the “Design a Fairy House” segment lacks focus and seems incomplete. The “Fairy Field Guide Builder” will be fun for the young.

The Blu-ray is presented with a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer at an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, and the audio is DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround Sound in English, French, and Spanish. It has BD-Live functionality.

Recommendation: The new release Blu-Ray+DVD combo pack is a great buy for every family. There is enough interesting material in the story to engage those who grew up with Tinker Bell and Peter Pan, and the energy in The Great Fairy Rescue will keep the children glued to the screen.