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Pinocchio 70th Anniversary Edition Review

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By , About.com Guide

Pinocchio Photo © Disney Enterprises. All rights reserved.
MPAA Rating: G
Genre: Childrens/animated
Age range: 4 years+
Runtime: 75 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney

Pinocchio 70th Anniversary Edition - Overview

Most of us have heard the classic tale of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio and his quest to become a real boy. The beautifully animated picture debuted in 1940, and is still revered today for the captivating story, memorable characters, and beloved music. Pinocchio was a revolutionary film in its day, but the real testament to its greatness is that children some 70 years later still recognize the characters, like the spirited Jiminy Cricket, and can sing the songs from the timeless movie.

The 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition is available on DVD or Blu-ray, and the Blu-ray package includes the DVD as well. Disney fans will be delighted by a wealth of information about the history and making-of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio 70th Anniversary Edition - Guide Review

Now available in hi-def and restored with enhanced picture and sound, Pinocchio is a sight to behold. The animation looks wonderful, and is sure to please fans of the movie.

Another interesting visual feature, Disney View, is available on the Blu-ray disc. In order to cover the black bars that appear at the sides of the screen due to the movie aspect ratio, artist Toby Bluth created imagery to go along with the movie. The feature ends up being sort of like a border on the sides. We found the border distracting at times (it kind of makes it seem like you're watching the movie through a window), but it was interesting to see nonetheless.

The true value of this version of Pinocchio lies in the extensive historical material surrounding the making of the movie and other related subjects. The Blu-ray version Cine-Explore feature provides interesting facts and information with picture-in-picture footage. There is also the "Matter of Facts" movie version which contains the normal pop-up tidbits about various subjects surrounding the movie. For those who love Disney or are interested in the history and animation process, the Platinum Edition (esp. on Blu-ray) is a must own.

The Blu-ray version also features a unique game which allows viewers to answer trivia (get it wrong and Pinocchio's nose gets longer) while watching the movie. The game allows single or multiple players, so families can play together as they watch.

Pinocchio 70th Anniversary Edition - Bonus Features

DISC ONE
  • “When You Wish Upon a Star”: music video (starring Meaghan Jette Martin)
  • Pinocchio’s Matter of Facts: Learn fun facts as you watch the movie.
  • Audio Commentary: Commentary with Leonard Maltin, Eric Goldberg and J. B. Kaufman
  • Disney Song Selection

DISC TWO

  • No Strings Attached: The Making of Pinocchio
  • Deleted Scenes:
    • “The Story of the Grandfather Tree “
    • “In The Belly Of The Whale”
  • Alternate Ending: Story boards present a different version of Pinocchio becoming a real boy.
  • The Sweat Box
  • Geppettos Then And Now: – A look at the art of toymaking as it has evolved into the 21st Century.
  • Live Action Reference Footage
  • Pinocchio Art Galleries
  • Pinocchio’s Puzzles Game

Blu-ray

The Blu-ray version includes additional exclusive features:

  • Cine-Explore
  • BD-Live
  • Pinocchio Knows Trivia Challenge

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