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Anastasia
 To
Purchase this DVD, CLICK HERE
The Film : Several attempts at Disney animated
feature "clones" have been attempted. Most notable
are the ones done by Don Bluth, who has made several admirable
animated features, like Secret of NIMH and An
American Tail. Few, however, have come as close to the
magic of a Disney cartoon as much as Anastasia.
Although it makes several bold adaptations of actual historical
events, it is an extreme pleasure to watch.
The storyline involves the moment in history where the Russian
family, the Romanovs, searched far and wide for their beloved
daughter Anastasia. She mysteriously disappeared, during a raid
on their home when she was only 8 years old. In time, a lonely
grandmother (Angela Lansbury) offers a substantial sum for any
proof of the young girl's existence, several years later.
Attempting to get the reward money by any means necessary
are two con men who try to get a suitable teenage girl to pretend
to be the long lost daughter. They come across the runaway girl
Anya (perfectly voiced by Meg Ryan), who is a dead-ringer. However,
Anya has amnesia, and there are secrets to her past not yet known.
Could she really be the long-lost daughter of the Romanovs...?
The answer may be a little too fairy-tale inspired (compared
to the controversy of the actual tale), though it's half the
fun of the film. The romantic banter between Dimitri and Anya
is also a cute touch at a modernized fairy tale.
Other fairy tale adaptations did not go over as favorably.
Among them is the villainous Rasputin(Christopher Lloyd, whose
comedic potential is completely wasted, even as a voice). In
this film, Rasputin is a sorcerer who has risen from the realm
of the dead to stop the Romanovs once and for all. His sidekick,
Bartok (Hank Azaria), is a white bat whose most noteworthy job
is retrieving Rasputin's lazy eye, which keeps popping out and
rolling away. At other times, Rasputin literally falls to pieces,
and Bartok must help him re-attach his mouth, and even his whole
head. While Rasputin "falling to pieces" is played
for dark humor, it's perhaps a little too gruesome for younger
viewers, and was pretty much of a mistake.
Even so, nearly all other elements of Anastasia
are epic and spectacular. The musical scene "Once Upon a
December," is unforgettable; ghostly images waltz out of
the ancient pictures while she daydreams of a better life. Other
songs by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are equally memorable,
including the Oscar nominated "Journey to the Past."
Admittedly, these songs might not be as popular to the masses
as The Lion King, though they do enhance an already-good
film.
In conclusion, Anastasia is a perfect addition
to any animation fan's collection. It even had Disney studios
more than a little spooked. After all, you can't have a little
girl enter DisneyLand, among all the costumed Disney characters,
and ask where Anastasia is. However, could anyone blame
her if she did?
The DVD : This DVD has many additions that make
it worth your while to rent or own. Both the Widescreen and Pan
and Scan (full screen) versions are included, allowing for either
Aspect ratio 2:35.1, or 1:48.1, depending on which you prefer.
Audio tracks include either English Dolby Surround, English Dolby
5.1 surround, or alternate language tracks in French or Spanish.
English subtitles are also available. The film is also suitably
divided, into over three dozen tracks/moments in the film. The
original two trailers are present as well.
Bonus features fill two screens on the disc. Kids will enjoy
the sing-alongs for both "Once Upon a December" and
"Learn to Do It." The half hour special shown on the
FOX network --"Anastasia: a Magical Journey"-- is also
included on the disc. An additional 7-minute featurette shows
even more behind the scenes footage. The most amusing addition,
however, would have to be the small, interactive jigsaw puzzles
(no, really) which little kids can play, right on the TV screen.
In short, this is a very well-made, fun-filled DVD for the whole
family!
To
Purchase this DVD, CLICK HERE
 To buy Anastasia on VHS, Click Here
For Anastasia (Widescreen Edition) on VHS, Click Here...
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