Product: Pinocchio
Rating: 5.0
Pinocchio = Disney's True Masterpiece!
Walt Disney said that he considered "Snow White" to be his masterpiece. I hate to disagree with the master, but I think "Pinocchio" should have that honor. The story of a puppet trying to become a boy has a meaning that will be obvious to adults - try to be good and you will succeed despite incredible odds - but it is not "preachy" and kids love it!Carlos Collodi's story of the puppet that becomes a boy has =never= been translated to film better. Everyone knows the story - a lonely puppeteer named Gepetto make a wish to have a son. The Blue Fairy hears his wish, and decides to grant it in an unusual fashion - she brings his most recent creation to life, and gives the -puppet- a chance to prove himself in order to become a boy. Pinocchio has many misadventures while learning life's lessons, but finally appears to give his "life" when saving his father from the monster whale, Monstro. The Blue Fairy returns and says that the ultimate sacrifice has earned him the ultimate prize - he becomes a real live boy!Honored by the Academy Awards for Best Song ("Wish Upon A Star") and Best Score, this movie deserves every award in the book. There has never been more object lessons taught so easily. Don't lie. Be brave. Stay on the path to your goal. And not preachy, either. Jiminy Cricket has one of the most popular Disney songs ever - "When You Wish Upon a Star".Pinocchio's troubles are still valid today. Pinocchio is tempted by fame and to "run away from your problems". Pinocchio is tempted by evil - becoming a donkey because he acts like one is still one of the most impression making scenes in Disney's history. Finally, his intelligence in triumphing over Monstro gives him the experience to prove himself worthy. Every family should own this Disney masterpiece.The THX restoration of the video and sound makes this a real viewing experience - just as clear and clean as it might have been in the theaters in 1940.The only disappointment I had is with the "extra" material on the DVD. Almost no extra material at all. It just includes the original theatrical trailer, and a French language track. Come on, Disney, give us more about Pinocchio! After seeing what was possible with the recent release of the "Platinum" edition of "Snow White", I can only hope that they will eventually turn their energies towards this film as well.Highly recommended for families, especially families with young children. The "Gold Edition" of this DVD is now officially on moratorium - maybe after that we'll see the version we want!