SYNOPSIS:
Disney celebrates a modern-day classic from the directors of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin." Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog in an inspired twist on the world's most famous kiss. This hilarious adventure leaps off the screen with stunning animation, irresistible music and an unforgettable cast of characters.
Enter Princess Tiana's world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Spurred on by a little bit of courage and a great big dream, these new friends come to realize what's truly important in life: love, family, and friendship.
Overflowing with humor and heart, "The Princess and the Frog" is an incredible motion picture experience your whole family will want to enjoy again and again.
MOVIE REVIEW:
"The
Princess and the Frog" brings viewers back to the good
old days of Disney hand-drawn animations. Remember "Snow
White And The Seven Dwarfs" and "Sleeping Beauty"?
"The Beauty and the Beast" perhaps? A mixture of
comedy, adventure, talking animals and the unavoidable Disney's
trademark of princess meeting her prince. Once again, the
nostalgia returns in this fantasy romance from the Mouse house.
Loosely
based on the classic tale, "The Frog Prince" and
set in 1920s New Orleans, a young hardworking girl, Tiana
is accidentally turned into a frog together with a fun-loving
Prince Naveen from Maldonia by an evil scheming voodoo practitioner
Dr Facilier. The only way to break the spell as advised by
a blind voodoo priestess, Mama Odie is to have a Princess
kiss Prince Naveen before midnight.
For
the record, I have never been to New Orleans to really soak
in the atmosphere. But from what I googled from the internet,
the archive photographs fits the nicely painted backgrounds
and sets design which the animators have painstakingly conjured
in "The Princess and the Frog". Since their last
hand-drawn animation in 2004, "Home on the Range",
Disney animators led by veteran directors Ron Clements and
John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin) proves that they
still have what it takes to produce a rich authentic Disney
animated product. The traditional pen and pencil technique
(though realized on digital platforms given the transformation
of technology) never fails to amaze me despite the influx
of computer generated productions in recent years.
Credit also goes to Randy Newman (Toy Story
1 and 2), the composer behind the numerous catchy, broadway
style tunes in the movie. Playing against the wondrous backdrops
and featuring the singing voices of the cast, the song-and-dance
routines really make you want to hum and tap along with the
characters.
The
story on the other hand obviously fails to break any new ground
in fact plows along pretty much predictable. We have the usual
talking animals that include the fumbling, jazz-loving alligator,
Louis and a gung-ho firefly, Ray which provide most of the
comic relief. An entertaining, adventurous middle half in
which we see our protagonists on the run from hunters and
ghostly souls sent by Dr Facilier through the bayou and of
course a mushy ending that will make boys squirm with disgust.
To my surprise, Disney actually included some supernatural,
dark undertones which effectively add another classic bad
guy figure to Disney's collection of villains, Dr Facilier
(who is voiced superbly by Keith David).
The
first perky African-American Princess from Disney signaled
the comeback of a 'long-lost' era. Finally, Disney is back
on track producing 2D animations with lush music and excellent
artwork to entertain the movie-goers and yes at the same time,
revive the dreams of so many young girls who yearn for their
Prince Charming once again.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
When Ron Clements and John Musker speak, you listen
in the Audio Commentary By Filmmakers. The
pair of veteran Disney animators and producer Peter Del Vecho
shares with viewers the actors’ performances, development
of the story, creation of the characters, music and many more
in this delightful commentary that will thrill many animation
fans. Four Deleted Scenes in their storyboard
stage are shown and explained by the directors why they are
left on the cutting floor. This Code 3 DVD is round up by
an interactive Princess Portraits Game and
the Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu Ray is Suite! Bluray
promo reel.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
Even it’s not in blu-ray, the visual is stunning
and definitely a delight to behold. Colours are strong and
the wonderful hand-drawn artwork presented here I should say
is almost flawless. The jazzy tunes and dialogue goes hand-in-hand
in the audio presentation with excellent ambient sound effects
to fill your surround.
MOVIE RATING:
 
DVD
RATING :
Review
by Linus Tee
Posted on 3 May 2010
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