Treasure Planet

Overview

"The days of two-disc special editions for animated Disney titles may be a thing of the past (other than their most celebrated titles), but Treasure Planet goes to show that quality still isn't forgotten. Though maybe not supplement heavy, this DVD does offer a number of nice features. First is the ""visual commentary"" section, which is comprised of an audio commentary by producer Roy Conli, directors Ron Clements and John Musker, animators Glen Keane and John Ripa, and associate art director Ian Gooding, and a visual commentary, which consists of brief making-of segments, interspersed throughout the film. It's a unique way to do this, with the only flaw being the inability to listen to the audio part exclusively. Though much is repeated from the visual commentary, a behind-the scenes section still covers plenty about the film, from character designs to posters to visual effects. Also included here is a trailer for the original Treasure Island and a music video of ""I'm Still Here (Jim's Theme)"" by John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, among other things. Another section, ""Intergalactic Space Adventures,"" offers a brief look at the animation, hosted by Roy Disney, a tour of the Legacy spaceship, and a kid-oriented look at pirates. Finally, along with three deleted scenes shown as works in progress, are some previews for other Disney titles. As for the picture, it's nothing short of impeccable. As has become expected from this organization, there isn't a flaw to be found. The 1.66:1 anamorphic image has beautiful, warm color and perfect detail throughout. Fast-moving action never breaks down, helping to create a very realist look for much of the animation. While the image stands out, the sound, a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, is a slight letdown. Dialogue is clear as are sound effects, but it's a shame that the surrounds really aren't used to their full potential. Fortunately, the mix itself seems right on target, and there aren't any distracting elements that would harm this presentation. Granted, this film is not the cream of the Disney crop, but it may not have been given a real chance in theaters, something that this DVD will no doubt help rectify."

Product Details

Release Date:	04/29/2003
UPC:	0786936200027
Original Release:	2002
Rating:	PG
Source:	Walt Disney Video
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, THX-Supervised Mastering]
Language:	English
Time:	1:35:00
Sales rank:	9,323

Special Features

Closed Caption;Visual commentary: The producers & directors reveal the making-of process with additional footage as you watch the film; Delted scenes: Alternate ending and original prologue; Disney's Animation Magic: Go behind the scenes with Walt Disney Feature Animation Chairman Roy Disney; DisneyPedia: The Life of a Pirate Revealed; RLS Legacy - An Exploration Adventure Game: Take a virtual 3-D tour of the ship and be challenged to the ultimate treasure hunt; Music video performed by John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls; Digital-to-digital transfer; Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound; French and Spanish-language tracks; Widescreen (1.66:1), enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions; THX-certified

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Joseph Gordon-Levitt	Jim Hawkins
Brian Murray	John Silver
Emma Thompson	Capt. Amelia
David Hyde Pierce	Doctor Doppler
Martin Short	B.E.N.
Patrick McGoohan	Billy Bones
Dane A. Davis	Morph
Roscoe Lee Browne	Mr. Arrow
Laurie Metcalf	Sarah
Michael Wincott	Scroop
Austin Majors	Young Jim
Corey Burton	Onus
Michael McShane	Hands
Tony Jay	Narrator
Mona Marshall	Actor
John Rzeznik	Performer
James Howard	Composer

Technical Credits

Ron Clements

John Musker

Rob Edwards

Sam Levine

Alex Mann

Ron Clements	Director,Screenwriter,Producer
John Musker	Director,Producer,Screenwriter
Roy Conli	Producer
Mary Hidalgo	Casting
Ruth Lambert	Casting
Dave Tidgwell	Special Effects
Rob Edwards	Screenwriter
Dane Davis	Sound/Sound Designer
Sam Levine	Screenwriter
Alex Mann	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

One of Disney's most ambitious animated undertakings (reportedly 17 years in development), this Oscar-nominated adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure was buried at the box office but is definitely worth discovering on home video. The basic story has captivated generations, fueling live-action versions by Victor Fleming in 1934 and Walt Disney in 1950, and even a puppet-action version in 1996 (Muppet Treasure Island), among others. In an attempt to avoid the box-office poison inherent in the words "pirate movie," Disney gave Stevenson's tale a futuristic spin, setting an alienated young man, Jim Hawkins, on a space-age collision course with aliens. It begins when Jim comes into possession of a virtual treasure map to the fabled Treasure Planet, said to hold "the loot of a thousand worlds." The film's Long John Silver is a cyborg (voiced by stage veteran Brian Murray), and he's at once nemesis and mentor to Jim -- with an artificial Cuisinart arm, to boot (he's also cook aboard the spaceship Legacy). David Hyde Pierce gives voice to family friend Dr. Doppler, a fussy, doglike creature, and Emma Thompson voices Legacy's formidable feline commander, Captain Amelia. Martin Short's marooned robot, B.E.N., is no match for Robin Williams's Genie, but he still generates most of the film's laughs. The animation, which seamlessly combines traditional hand-drawn characters and computer-generated backgrounds, is out-of-this-world. An opening solar board sequence is a universe beyond the tree-surfing shots in Tarzan. The DVD edition contains considerable plunder for animation buffs, including illuminating "visual commentary" by directors Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid and Aladdin), and several segments that chart the film's evolution.