February’s New DVD Releases

Hopefully, you’ve already picked up your copies of TRON and ATLANTIS that were released on DVD in January [1]. Sequel-mania is the theme of February’s new animation releases. Enough said.

February 5, 2002

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN 2/THE SECRET OF NIMH 2

It appears all dogs like to leave Heaven as Charlie Barkin returns to Earth to rescue Gabriel’s Horn in this 1995 sequel. THE SECRET OF NIMH introduces viewers to the next generation of brave mice and super-intelligent rats. Suggested retail price: 2-disc DVD $19.99.

February 12, 2002

PETER PAN SPECIAL EDITION

Now that the SNOW WHITE DVD is off the shelves, Disney can release another "Special Edition," just in time to promote the sequel, PETER PAN: RETURN TO NEVERLAND which will be hitting theaters February 15, 2002. The special edition bonus features include a "making of PETER PAN" documentary, all-new commentary featuring three of Disney’s "Nine Old Men," and separate commentary from Leonard Maltin, a still frame gallery, games and DVD-Rom links. Suggested retail price: DVD $29.99; VHS $24.99.

DISNEY’S AMERICAN LEGENDS

This animated collection of Disney’s classic American folk tales includes a new John Henry animated short, which will also play in theaters this February before the feature PETER PAN: RETURN TO NEVERLAND. The collected short films are: JOHN HENRY, JOHNNY APPLESEED, THE BRAVE ENGINEER and PAUL BUNYAN. The DVD features interstitial commentary from James Earl Jones and the original introduction by Walt Disney. Suggested retail price: DVD $29.99; VHS $19.99.

February 26, 2002

CINDERELLA 2: DREAMS COME TRUE

This sequel is actually three short films with the Fairy Godmother granting wishes to various characters. Cinderella learns to adjust to her royal status, her animal pals get a lesson in life and her formerly evil stepsister finds love. The DVD features a music video and a featurette on the film's music plus games and DVD-Rom links. Suggested retail price: DVD $29.99.

Sequel-mania indeed! Who is to blame for Disney's new direct-to-video plan of a sequel for every classic? Martin "Dr. Toon" Goodman [2] thinks it is all of us.