Lilo & Stitch
February 2003 Reviewed by: Anthony Di Marco Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Lilo & Stitch. Since E.T., the whole "alien befriends problem child" theme has been done to death. But everyone involved in this Disney effort succeeds in making Lilo & Stitch one of the most memorable and funny animated features I have seen in a while. Unlike many animated features, this story about an emotionally stranded child befriending a homeless alien uses vocal talent that disappears into the fantasy. I enjoyed Monsters, Inc., but I was always aware that Sully and Mike were figments of Pixar’s imagination.

Strange as it sounds, Lilo & Stitch manages to be more effective at suspending disbelief because one identifies with "characters" rather than "stars." It took me some time to identify the distinct voice of Ving Rhames because he unobtrusively inhabits the role of Cobra Bubbles. The audience does not see Ving Rhames doing Cobra Bubbles, but Cobra Bubbles as a distinct, identifiable character. In Monsters, Inc., Sully and Mike come across as characters that are specifically modeled after John Goodman and Billy Crystal, though Steve Buscemi’s Randall is much less obvious. Whether animated or live, an actor should disappear into his or her character. Lilo & Stitch is more successful than Monsters, Inc. in this regard.

The story is tight and inventive -- I especially like how Stitch escapes genetically encoded ray guns by using his spittle (it sounds infantile, but it is a brilliant plot device). The characters of Lilo and Stitch are original and likeable. As in The Iron Giant, relationships in this film feel genuine, containing no artificial sweetness. The writers do an excellent job at incorporating elements of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling without quoting it verbatim. They also pose existential ideas related to memories and how these can keep humans secure despite isolation.

I originally saw Lilo & Stitch in a theater equipped with digital projection. It was the single best theatrical presentation I’d ever experienced. I was in awe of its crisp and colorful images as well as its clear and dynamic sound. This same qualities carry through on the superbly produced DVD. The direct-from-digital images and upbeat Dolby Digital soundtrack have engaging snap and air to them. The well-done songs are infectious while voices and foley effects sound very natural. Although Monsters, Inc. has reference-quality images and sound, Lilo & Stitch outdoes it with a more organic and kinetic presentation.

There are enough extras on this disc to please children and parents alike. For kids (of all ages), there’s an eight-minute "Disney Pedia" documentary on the Hawaiian Islands, a shameless "Stitch in Time" promotion of other Disney features, a "How to Hula " lesson, a documentary on the children’s chorus used for much of the music, a video game, and a lively music video from A*Teens. Adults will appreciate a section demonstrating the animation of the hula scenes, a documentary on the look of the movie, and an on-location featurette focusing on the directors and their involvement in the project from concept to execution. I almost missed half of the extras, though, since the arrow indicating a continuation of the list is so discreetly placed that it is hard to see.

I have probably watched Lilo & Stitch seven times since it came out on DVD. I would say my son made me do it, but that wouldn’t be the truth. Every time I see Stitch snarl, imitate Elvis, or yell, "punch buggy," I can’t help laughing. Whether that labels me as a kid at heart or a man in need of serious medical attention is a matter of opinion. Pick up a copy and draw your own conclusions.

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