Plot: What’s it about?
When George Little (Jonathan Lipnicki) learned his parents were going to adopt another child, he told them to make sure they got him a little brother. And his parents did just that, George’s new brother is very little, in fact, he’s a mouse! But this mouse, Stuart, is no ordinary mouse, he can do most things people can do, including talk. After years of sitting in the adoption agency, Stuart finally has a real family, including a big brother and a family pet, Snowbell. Snowbell isn’t the type of pet that likes mice, but a cat, who tries to eat Stuart the first time they meet. George also has problems with the new addition, longing for a more typical smaller brother. Stuart goes through the motions as a member of his new family, while trying to interact with George more, as well as avoid the never ending attempts by Snowbell to get him out of the house for good. Will Stuart ever be able to win over his new brother, forge a truce with Snowbell, and finally have his dream of a real family come true?
When you talk about family films, usually these are films aimed at a younger audience, not often having much for the adults. While there is plenty for the children to enjoy, this movie supplies some adult aimed material as well, which is not a frequent occurrence in the genre. The storyline is based on the children’s classic by E.B. White, and the movie captures the essence of the book well. There are wild chases, witty dialogue, and a wonderful look at what happens in the realm of family pets. One angle that really shines here is the special effects work, which was nominated for an Oscar, and I feel should have taken home the statue. Stuart himself is an amazing creation, and after a few minutes, you’ll forget he’s a special effect, that’s how excellent this work is. The magic doesn’t end there however, as there are many other outstanding uses of computer animation, especially when the cats talk, it’s awesome. But the movie isn’t just special effects, it’s a top notch family movie that everyone can enjoy. I recommend the movie highly, and the disc itself is so loaded, a purchase is preferred to a rental. Do yourself a favor, and pick this disc up, you won’t regret it.
The cast of Stuart Little is divided into two groups, the live action performers and the voice over talent. The voice acting is excellent, and really brings the characters to life well, which is vital to the film’s success. Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future, Doc Hollywood) provides the voice for lead character Stuart, and brings a charming performance to the film. Outside of the Back to the Future trilogy, I am not a fan of Fox, but he does a terrific turn here. Another outstanding voice over is done by Nathan Lane (The Lion King, Mousehunt), who speaks for Snowbell the cat. Other noteworthy voice work is performed by Chazz Palminteri (Diabolique, The Usual Suspects), Bruno Kirby (The Basketball Diaries), Jennifer Tilly (Bound, Bride of Chucky), and Steve Zahn (Reality Bites, That Thing You Do!). The live actors also give solid performances, with Jonathan “Did You Know The Human Head Weighs 8 Pounds” Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire), Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise), and Hugh Laurie (The Borrowers) taking the leads. The director of Stuart Little, Rob Minkoff is no stranger to family fare, serving as codirector on the family classic The Lion King.
Video: How does it look?
Stuart Little is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. When you purchase or rent this title, make sure you pick up the version you want, since a full screen edition is available as well. The colors are bright and vibrant, with natural and consistent flesh tones, and no bleeding or other errors present. The black levels are perfect, with very high visible detail level, and no shadow layering issues. No compression errors can be found either, this is simply a perfect visual transfer!
Audio: How does it sound?
Not to be outdone, the audio shores up a watermark performance as well. The score has a full texture, and many high impact effects are present, mainly when Stuart interacts with the larger environment around him, like a model train. Not just the loud effects get good treatment though, the surrounds will be pulsing with spatial and subtle audio touches.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This The terms “special edition” and “collector’s series” have been abused so many times, the words are hardly a guide to on disc content anymore. But this is one “collector’s series” that lives up to the name, and really sets a new standard for single disc special editions. First off is some DVD ROM content, which includes web links and an interactive game, Race With Stuart. Then, you get not one, but two running commentaries, one with the director and an animation supervisor, the other with a pair of visual effects supervisors present. The tracks give a lot of information, and combine for an in depth look at what went into making this movie happen. I found the director’s comments the most interesting, but the others have plenty to say as well. A twenty-two minute featurette, Making It Big: HBO Special is also included, which gives a very entertaining look at the making of the movie. You can explore six brief segment from the film in an interactive visual effects featurette, getting a look at the layers of animation present. Two gag reels are included, one from the production and one from the animation, both are funny and merit a viewing. Artists’ screen tests, six deleted scenes with optional commentary, three music videos, a concept reel for the boat race scene with commentary, a trivia game, an isolated musical score, a scrapbook of sketches and designs, a read along with Stuart, production notes on the insert, talent files, and theatrical and bonus trailers are also jammed onto this disc.
