Tarzan: Movie & DVD Review (2005)

(Originally published 2005)

A technical marvel from Disney that shrewdly compresses and streamlines the Disney formula into a more efficient whole--the script is light on messages and there are fewer song-and-dance numbers to stop the action.

The result is a gorgeous-looking film that utilizes computer-generated imagery to give the stunning landscapes and vistas added depth and texture.

The story is a bit too pat and lacks a sufficiently evil character to truly stir the emotions, but the film is nevertheless uninhibited, featuring a vibrantly reborn Tarzan who swings through Disney’s roller-coaster of a jungle less like Johnny Weissmuller and more like Peter Pan.

What allegedly makes the edition special is that it leans hard on extras, including a weak commentary by the filmmakers, the obligatory deleted scenes, games, and (yawn) music videos by Phil Collins and 'N Sync.

One feature saves it--an alternate beginning, which mirrors the movie itself in being well worth a second look.

Grade: B+