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BABES IN TOYLAND

Review by Chastity Campbell

Character Voices: James Belushi, Catherine Cavadini, Lacy Chabert, Bronson Pinchot, Christopher Plummer, Charles Nelson Reilly, Raphael Sbarge
Directors: Toby Bluth, Charles Grosvenor, Paul Sabella
Video: 1.33:1 Standard Fullscreen
Audio: Dolby Digital Surround
Studio: MGM
Extras: See Review
Length: 74 Minutes

Film ***

Look out Toy Story, the Babes In Toyland have arrived on DVD!! 

For as far back in time as I can remember (no jokes about how far back that might be), I was never able to resist a good cartoon.   As a child I would wake up on Saturday morning and rush into the living room for my weekly dose of Scooby Doo. 

(cough) Twenty (cough) some odd years later as I get up each morning to get ready for work, it’s not CNN or Fox News flashing across my TV screen.  Nope, it’s Dexter’s Lab, Ed, Edd, & Eddie, or Courage The Cowardly Dog.  My explanation is simple, I’m Peter Pan, and plan on never growing up!  Cartoons are a big part of that plan!! 

That is one of the reasons why I chose to review, Babes In Toyland when it came out on DVD.  It’s a nursery rhyme extravaganza as all your favorites sing, dance and strut their stuff in this classic holiday fairytale. 

There’s only two days before Christmas, and the biggest order in the history of the Toyland Toy Factory has just arrived. However, there is danger and mischief afoot.

It seems that Barnaby doesn’t believe in toys.  He doesn’t believe in the spirit of the holiday season either.   He has a devious plan to shut down the toy factory and spoil the holiday for everyone, especially the toys!   Jack & Jill along with some of their friends decide he must be stopped, but will they be in time to save Christmas, or will the evil Barnaby get his wish?

I really enjoyed watching this movie.   The story was fun and entertaining, as well as suspenseful too.  I never doubted for a minute what the outcome would be. 

This is the kind of DVD your entire family can sit down and enjoy.  No censorship is necessary in order for the youngsters to watch, and I think even you parents out there will find yourself swept along for the ride. 

Some very impressive Hollywood folk decided to lend their vocal talents to this film; James Belushi, Lacy Chabert, Bronson Pinchot, and Christopher Plummer just to name a few.  Each person injected their own personalities in the characters, which gave them a realistic quality.

Whether your 3, 33, or 63, you will definitely find something about this DVD to enjoy.   With our very own holiday season fast approaching, pick up a copy of Babes In Toyland on DVD and enjoy the cartoon magic!

Video ***

The 1.33:1 Standard Fullscreen presentation on this DVD was very nice.  For a cartoon to really show well, you have to have bright vivid colors, good shading, and lighting.   This DVD delivered on every level. 

Not only will this DVD delight your family with it’s story, it will be visually pleasing as well. 

Audio ***

The Dolby Digital Surround on this DVD was pretty good.  I was impressed with the voice over work all the way around.  All of the audio was balanced without any fluctuations in level.  There were no drop outs, and the looping was matched up well for each character. 

I especially enjoyed the musical soundtrack on this DVD.  There are many Babes In Toyland audio CD’s out there.  I didn’t find one specifically related to this incarnation of the movie, but any of them would be music the whole family can enjoy any day, any time.

Features ½ *

The original theatrical trailer was the only extra these babes brought along on their journey to DVD land.

Summary: