Product: Pinocchio
Rating: 5.0
This DVD is a "dream come true" for me
I had been waiting patiently for this to come out on DVD and it's one of my favorite Disney movies. The movie itself teaches valuable lessons about honesty, loyalty and courage. As for one reviewer who complained about the extras, I loved the extras! The commentary was very informative and I liked the special featuring Dickie Jones, the voice of Pinocchio (all grown up now, of course, but still has a boyish face despite the thinning hair) and Real Life Geppettos. I didn't notice too much over-enhancing but I respect that one reviewer's opinion.Since this was Disney's 2nd film, there was more attention to animation and the songs ("When You Wish Upon A Star," which won Best Song in 1940 and the movie also won Best Musical Score) than getting big-ticket celebrities to loan their voices. As a matter of fact, the only names I remembered without looking up was Cliff Edwards, who plays the lovable (and sometimes feisty) Jiminy Cricket and Mel Blanc whose only contribution is a "hiccup" by Gideon, Foulfellow's sidekick. Jones plays the cute and lovable Pinocchio and German actor Christian Rub plays the doting Geppetto. I also learned Thurl Ravenscroft provided the sounds of Monstro the killer whale.Now about the movie- some of the scenes may get a little creepy for children but they serve to warn them about the consequences for being dishonest or naughty. Geppetto, a talented toymaker, makes Pinocchio and wishes upon a star that his puppet become a real boy. Thanks to the beautiful Blue Fairy (Evelyn Venable), his wish is granted- on the condition his new "son" learns to be "brave, truthful and unselfish." Jiminy Cricket, who's witnessed the miracle, is appointed as conscience (and he asks for a gold badge, which the Blue Fairy doesn't promise!). When Geppetto discovers his wish came true, he's delighted. He gets Pinocchio ready for school, yet his son is conned by Foulfellow "Honest John" and Gideon. First, they sell him to the volatile and greedy Stromboli (Charles Judels, who later in the movie plays the evil Coachman) who pushes the little puppet "into the public eye" (so he can make money, of course!). Jiminy almost gives up as conscience figuring "What does an actor need with a conscience?" Later, the 2 con men get Pinocchio ready for a trip to Pleasure Island, which collects naughty boys and here, Pinocchio meets Lampwick (Frankie Darro). I'll stop here so as not to ruin too many surprises.All in all, a great story and a great movie. One reason I was glad the extras were included on the DVD is because I got it before I got my own Blu-Ray.