DUMBO

DUMBO (BIG TOP EDITION): The simplicity of the early Disney films is almost shocking in today’s era of cross-promoted, over-produced, largely empty-headed animation. At a scant 64 minutes, Dumbo manages to elicit more invention and emotion than the last three Dreamworks films combined (at least Pixar gets it right most of the time). The story about an elephant with oversized ears has ingrained itself into American culture so well you almost take it for granted. But rewatching the 1941 production reminds you of the great musical interludes (“Look Out For Mr. Stork,” and the catchy jazz number “When I See An Elephant Fly”) and tear-jerking moments like Mrs. Jumbo’s trunk-to-trunk reunion with her baby from behind bars. Disney manages to make it all work with a lead character that never says a word and a script that never panders, but simply speaks from the heart. Most of the extras are ported over from the 2001 special edition, but there’s a new music video for “Baby Mine” and a set of flash cards included as well. EIGHT BELOW: The cynic in me might make fun of the “inspired by a true story” subtitle on Eight Below, starring Paul Walker as a field guide from Anartica who must leave his heroic sled team behind after a dangerous rescue mission. After all, how could the filmmakers possibly know what those eight brave huskies did for the 176 days they were left to fend for themselves? Maybe the whole team was cared for by Russian scientists with a storeroom full of Alpo. We may never know the whole “truth” but director Frank Marshall’s survival story is still perfectly acceptable family fare as the dogs learn to hunt and help each other at the bottom of the world. There’s one good scare and a few tears to be shed along the way, so be prepared for ‘em. Extras include deleted scenes and two commentaries.