DVD Details 1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio (Fullscreen) Dolby Digital 5.1 (English) Dolby Surround (Spanish, French) Subtitles: English Closed Captioned Release Date: October 23, 2001 Single-sided, dual-layered disc (DVD-9) Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 White Keepcase

VIDEO and AUDIO

One word comes to mind to describe the video quality of this title: disappointing. It's presented in its original aspect ratio of approximately 1.33:1, being a grainy transfer. A lot of colors look washed out, and a couple scenes almost look VHS quality. When considering how old the film is, it does look okay. Yet, we all know Disney can do better than this, when comparing it to the exquisite transfers of titles like Snow White and Fantasia. Hopefully in the near future, Dumbo will get the better treatment it deserves.

The audio comes in the form of a Dolby Digital 5.1 remix. I give the sound higher marks than the picture quality, for being clear and having good range for a 60-year-old picture. As expected, it’s not very active in the back speakers save for some select moments, and mostly stays in the front. I detected a little bit of quiet hisses and pops during less noisy interludes, but nothing very noticeable. Overall, it’s a good mix - although it would've been nice to have the original mono sound as well.

BONUS MATERIALS

The menu takes place in a virtual circus, taking you to different sections for the various menu options. The DVD packaging touts a "'Big Top' full of bonus features." They must be referring literally to the menu, for there's not a huge selection of supplements. Nonetheless, it contains some great material for a single disc.

An audio commentary is made up of a single person: John Canemaker. This animation historian has been included on Disney commentaries before, though he's most always been in a group of participants. In this case, he offers a plethora of information on the production of Dumbo, talking about the animators’ work on the film, and Walt's involvement as well. I was hoping for something along the lines of Snow White's and Fantasia's commentaries, but this one is certainly worthwhile anyway. Props should be given to Canemaker for keeping the ball rolling all by himself and keeping it interesting.

Once again, a new rendition of a classic song makes its appearance on a Disney DVD. This time, Michael Crawford offers a "Baby Mine" music video (2:52), promoting his "Disney Album". He stands amidst a room full of screens showing clips from Dumbo, as he obviously lip-synchs. Similar to Barbra (Like Butta) Streisand's "Some Day My Price Will Come" on the DVD of Snow White, this is a more low-key revamping of a song than the ones directed at teens on other Disney titles.

"Celebrating Dumbo" (14:50) is a featurette containing interviews with film historians Leonard Maltin (who's favorite Disney film is this one), John Canemaker, Rudy Behlmer, and modern-day Disney people like Don Hahn, Andreas Deja, Lisa Keene, Ron Clements, and Roy E. Disney. Nobody really offers any information on the making of the movie. It's basically a giant love-fest, as everyone is basically there to praise the film. I found it enjoyable, and I agree with many of the statements made here, but I would've rather had a behind-the-scenes program.

"Dumbo Art Gallery" is divided into several sections of thumbnails that can be viewed full screen. Over 160 still-frames are found, composed of concept art, character development, storyboards, and photos of movie-related attractions at theme parks.

"Original Walt Disney TV Introduction" (1:10) is a brief clip from the Disneyland anthology series of Uncle Walt referring to Dumbo as a favorite film at his production studio before taking viewers into the beginning of the movie.

"Sound Design" (5:55) is a segment from the film The Reluctant Dragon, which was made to give audiences a look behind the scenes of the Disney studios in 1941. The clip deals with the recording of sound effects for a cartoon featuring the train character Casey Junior from Dumbo. It's staged, fluffy, and not very realistic, but entertaining.

"Publicity Materials" houses the original 1941 Theatrical Trailer (2:10) and the 1949 Re-Release Trailer (1:10). Ironically, the colors in the second trailer actually look better than many cases in the film's transfer.

“Exclusive Look at Dumbo II” (2:50) is a sugary look at a project that, in my opinion, shouldn’t have entered production in the first place. The story is revealed to be about Dumbo and other circus animal children getting lost and trying to find their way back to their parents. Can you say "unneeded sequel"? Apparently, this project is on hiatus. I’m hoping it remains that way.

Two Silly Symphony animated shorts are provided, due to their subject matter relating to the film. “The Flying Mouse” (9:19) is a story about a mouse who makes a wish to grow wings, and later discovers the upside and downside of being able to fly. “Elmer Elephant” (8:29) is about a young elephant being picked on by other jungle animals, until he heroically rescues a young tiger.

The usual features aimed for kids make their appearance. “Dumbo DVD Storybook” tells the tale of Dumbo meeting a kangaroo, and can be read with or without narration. Plus, there are Sing-Along Songs for “Look Out for Mr. Stork” (2:34) and “Casey Junior” (2:32).

Dated Sneak Peeks are presented for: the theatrical release of Return to Never Land, the DVD releases of Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse, Cinderella II: Dreams Come True, The Hunchback of Notre Dame II, Whispers: An Elephant’s Tale, Peter Pan: Special Edition, The Book of Pooh: Stories From the Heart, Walt Disney Treasures, the “Walt Disney Gold Classic Collection” of DVDs, and “Toon Disney” TV channel.

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