Dumbo Big Top Edition
August 2006 Reviewed by: Randall Smith Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Dumbo: Big Top Edition is the story of the trials of young Dumbo. Delivered the old-fashioned way, by stork, Dumbo is presented to his proud mother in grand fashion. She is one of a half-dozen circus elephants, who pull double duty -- hard labor and entertainment. All appears well until Dumbo’s huge ears reveal themselves, shaming him and his mother. After a wild attempt to protect Dumbo’s feelings from heartless customers, his mother is sentenced to solitary confinement. Dumbo is ignored and made to feel less than elephant, until a tiny little mouse comes to his rescue. Together they go on a journey to turn that frown upside down.

How many kids have been uplifted by this film over the years? I was struck by how well it has stood the test of time, largely because of its story. It is still true today that part of growing up is getting picked on because of a physical feature. But a notable difference is that standards in children’s movies are probably stricter now than they were 65 years ago! There were a few moments when I realized the differences in the cultural climate between 1941 and now. Some innocent off-color humor in the film and an alcohol-induced hallucination stand out today, but in 1941 no one would have batted an eye.

Digitally restored, this film is now retold in brilliant color. The animation isn’t on par with Pixar, but remember it was created before there were computers, when every cell had to be hand drawn. The picture is always smooth and exposes its age only because of its simplicity. The sound is good but doesn’t require a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack; no sound ever emanated from the rear speakers but it really wasn’t missed.

Disney packages quality extras into all of their DVDs and Dumbo: Big Top Edition follows suit. Unlike the 60th Anniversary Edition DVD, which was full of historical information and footage, this edition is more kid-friendly, with lots of songs and games replacing the solid information in the other edition. Kids will love it, but adults might seek out the earlier DVD, if there are any left. This edition includes, in addition to the games, a commentary and two animated shorts. But the earlier one includes all of them plus a featurette on sound design, an art gallery, the original Walt Disney TV introduction, and a featurette on the making of the classic film.

Disney has a catalog of work that has entertained millions of kids through the decades. It is nice to see an oldie-but-goodie resurface from the vault and stand up to time. Dumbo: Big Top Edition is the kind of entertainment that will hold the attention of your children or perhaps even remind the older generations of their own childhood. Disney does it again!

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