Plot: What’s it about?
Mulan is a young, beautiful woman, in a time and place where young, beautiful women are to be seen and not heard. The trouble for Mulan is that she is so smart and adventurous, that she often gets into trouble for going against tradition. She is respectful and noble, but she is a tom boy, and her family’s only child. When the Emperor requires one male from each family to serve in battle, Mulan’s family has no choice but to send the aging father into battle. But Mulan’s cunning and bravery find a way to keep her father off the battlefield after all! Mulan assumes the persona of a male, and takes her father’s place in the battle. Mulan sneaks out late at night, and rushes to the meeting place. After her family asks their ancestors to look after Mulan in the war, the ancestors have a meeting of the minds, and decide the best way of protecting young Mulan. And just what is the best way? They think the great stone dragon is, but wise cracking Mushu, a small red dragon decides he is the best protection for Mulan, and fools the ancestors, getting the job. Joining him is Cri-Kee, Mulan’s lucky cricket. Will Mushu watch over Mulan? Will Mulan return to her family alive…or in a box??
Once again, Disney chooses a great back drop to one of their animated classics, this time around we are in ancient Japan, during a time when dynasties clashed for power for land. Just like always, Disney does a great job of bringing an authentic feel to our locale, with enough detail to choke a horse. But of course, choking is bad, detail is good…oh well. I really enjoyed taking in all the scenery in Mulan, which is rendered with breath taking accuracy. It really looks like the pristine Japanese countryside, although it looks even better than real life. I don’t know if that is good or bad, but for visuals in a film, it is very good. Just as well done is the look of the characters, they have a very unique look to them, with their awesome costumes and weapons. Very cool stuff, the samurai are very well done, with dozens of different sizes/shapes. Another great visually stunning movie by Disney.
The actual animation of these terrific characters is just as skillfully crafted as the stars themselves. While some people say the movement in Disney animated features is all the same, I don’t agree. Some of them are similar, but for the most part, they each have a distinct style to them. Mulan is no exception, with unique movement patterns and very unique look to the characters. The Asian characters in Mulan are very well done, not exaggerating the unique Asian features, but capturing a realistic look for them. As always, those kooky Disney artists gave each bit part character a look and feel of it’s own, giving the armies in Mulan a depth not just in sheer number, but in character. I was a tad worried when this came out theatrically that Disney would not capture the culture correctly, but they did a masterful job of doing so.
Mulan’s voice over work is also excellent. While the roster is not filled with constant blockbuster names, it has a nice assemble cast, although I must admit I am unfamiliar with most of them. Getting my vote as show stopper is Eddie Murphy, the voice of Mushu, Mulan’s dragon protector. Murphy is perfect for this role, and his brand of comedy suits Mushu to a tee. The non stop barrage of wise cracks and put downs from the sidekick is a Disney staple (Genie, Pain and Panic), and aside from Robin Williams in Aladdin, Murphy is the best performance as a comedy relief sidekick. Hey, maybe you don’t think it’s much, but to me, those roles are pivotal to the film, and hold intense importance. Also whipping out a super voice job is Ming Na-Wen, who voices Mulan, our heroine. She displays suprising skill in this role, and really brings depth to our lead role, which of course, is what makes a movie great.
As always, a talented supporting cast brings the remaining roles into prominence. Mulan sports some great back up voice overs, including B.D. Wong, Pat Morita, James Hong, Lea Salonga, June Foray, Gedde “What’s A Happenin’…Hot Stuff” Watanabe, and Miguel Ferrer. Ferrer is excellent, his voice reeks of evil, and he is evil in this flick. I also like his live action performances though, so maybe I am biased. Another notable voice over in Mulan is done by Harvey Fierstein, whose voice is so cool sounding. He plays a tough samurai, so it’s a stretch for old Harvey. Also, George Takei plays the eldest ancestor, so all you Star Trek fans should be happy…”Hi…I’m George Takei…” It’s also worth noting that the songs in Mulan are actually decent, much better than the usual sing along crap Disney pushes out. So, Mulan gets an edge there over most Disney classics.
Well, did Mulan make a man out of me? It sure did, and it made a believer out of me. Beautifully drawn and designed, well voiced, good songs, it has it all. Hell, Donny Osmond even sings in the damn thing, what more can you possibly want?? While more serious than most Disney classics, Mulan is still a great way to kick back and have some fun. By no means is it a drama, but it is not the laugh a minute ride that Aladdin was. Kid safe, with Disney always watching out for your rug rats little impressionable brains. So, check out Mulan. In fact, buy the damn disc, it’s only available for sixty days, then goes into moratorium for a decade. That’s right, a decade. Darn…
Video: How does it look?
Another great transfer by Disney on this one. You both widescreen (1.85:1) for you original theatrical aspect ratio nuts out there (like me), and a full frame transfer for those of you who like that type of thing. As are all of the Disney classic animation DVDs, Mulan is THX approved, so you know you’re getting good video/audio for your hard earned bucks. This print of Mulan is perfect, with no bleeding, grain, or artifacts to be found, and radiant colors to bring out the reds and yellows featured in this film.
Audio: How does it sound?
Disney, you rascals you. You sure know the way to my wallet, and that’s by giving me a great product! Wonderful music, funny dialogue, and booming effects are all balanced out here very nicely.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Well…here we go. You get the gift of art work, as in a full color illustrations on the disc itself. You get the gift of song, as shown in two music videos from the film’s soundtrack. And you get the gift of…ok…you get the original theatrical trailer. Nuff said. Not bad for Disney…
