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Most of what has kept this story alive through all of these years is the fact that it enjoys such a lucrative and successful handhold in the art of film. In fact, "Tarzan" is second only to Dracula as the most filmed work of literature to date. And at well over 50 feature film appearances, Tarzan as a character seems to endure every test of time. And in 1999, after countless publications, Broadway appearances, multiple live-action television series' and two animated ones, radio serial broadcasts, and more spin offs and copy-cats than can be counted, the Disney company decided that it was now time for their version to hit screens around the world...reminding so many of just exactly why they love this character and the thousands of stories he has shared with us.
I should begin by saying that Tarzan is one of Disney's crown jewels...there really is no other way to say it. For the things we have come to expect from this studio, there could scarcely be a better motion picture. It is all here, from story to songs, from characters to visuals; Tarzan is quite simply an amazing movie to own, watch and thoroughly enjoy. But there was more to this picture than the standard releases from Walt's company; in fact, so much more that this film bordered on groundbreaking. I am speaking of the advances in computer animation that were first utilized during the production of this feature film; advancements which both made for an engrossing and exciting movie...and have begun a trend towards computer animation that threatens to put an end to quality hand animation anywhere this side of Japan.
But before we get to them, let's take a look at the story they all find themselves in, shall we? Kuzco in an Incan Emperor...of the most horrid and self-centered kind. He rules his people with a certain lack of interest that borders on the abusive and makes decisions on a whim to satisfy himself while enhancing the plight of the tired and hopeless populace he rules. Which brings us to Pacha, a llama herder and family man of kindly heart and a compassion for his fellow man which rivals the size of his ample belly!
It seems that Pacha's village, on the top of the most beautiful hill in the countryside, is in danger of being razed by Emperor Kuzco so that he can build a birthday gift to himself there...namely a large get-away resort for his vacationing pleasure...complete with water slide! The cost of constructing this huge complex is of no concern to Kuzco; even when that cost is the livelihood and homeland of an entire village.
Yzma is the ageless and evil advisor to the Emperor...who has eyes on the throne for herself. Wanting her own chance to rule the empire with an iron fist and to continue squeezing the life out of the populace for her own personal gain, she is as much a threat to the common man as is Kuzco...only she is a threat to him as well! He must be eliminated for her to have her chance at power; a goal which will have her bringing her entire catalog of dastardly tricks and poisonous potions to bear on the unsuspecting megalomaniac Kuzco.
When an assassination attempt on Kuzco's life goes horribly wrong and he is instead transformed through a vial concoction into a talking llama...more direct measures must be taken. Yzma's right hand man, the muscle bound idiot Kronk, is given the task of dispatching of Kuzco permanently...a task which should have been given to someone with half a brain. You guessed it...things don't go quite right and Kuzco is lost in the wilds of the South American landscape; forced now to deal with not only his new form and the loss of his kingdom, but also with the fact that he is found and now relying on a gentle giant llama herder named...oh yeah, Pacha.
Now, one thing Disney films have always had in common is powerful lead characters and even more powerful and entrancing villains! But in The Emperor's New Groove these two characters are the most forgettable and by far the least entertaining. Instead, emphasis is placed on Pacha (John Goodman) and his open hearted innocence; Kronk (Patrick Warburton), and his dimwitted and thick skulled bumblings; and even Pacha's wife and family (Pacha's wife is the first animated Disney character to ever be shown pregnant!).
I have loved John Goodman in nearly everything I have ever seen him in. Heck, he even almost has made it possible for me to watch an entire episode of "Roseanne" (almost I said...ALMOST). But his character here is simply charming in his "every sentence contains a life lesson" way. The way he handles Kuzco is simply humorous and his interaction with his family is one of the most wonderfully written examples of a tender and heartwarming homestead. But the real reason to even put this DVD in your player is Kronk.
Patrick Warburton is probably most famous as playing Puddy on television's "Seinfeld", however if you have a stranger sense of humor like myself, you may know him as "The Tick". Either way, if you have ever gone Soaring Over California on the Disneyland Resort's ride of the same name...you will recognize him as the guy telling you to store your Mickey Mouse ears under the seat during the ride's opening video (he even makes this video hilarious with his sense of timing and inflection). But here, as Kronk, he quite honestly steals the whole show. This is being made evident by this year's straight to video release titled, Kronk's New Groove. The character's contributions to this film must simply be seen to be believed, but he had me laughing out loud at more moments than any other Disney feature I can remember seeing.
So now you know why you should watch this movie...but why the heck should you get this newly released version? Well, this is where things get sticky. There has already been a 2001 DVD release of the film...a bit before extra features were as expected (or as delivered) as they are these days; and there was also an additional 2-disc version which was so packed with extras that even getting them all onto two DVDs must have been an encryption nightmare. So what would you say if I told you that this release...the New Groove Edition as it were, held even less extra features than either previously released version and no enhanced picture or sound to make up for this?
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Yeah, that is what most people are saying about this release. It is hard to understand why exactly Disney would be releasing this film a third time over with less extra features than its successors. Oh...wait. No it isn't. With the imminent release of the straight to video film sequel and the television series coming, they want you to remember this franchise...so that you will be there to watch the new series and will have already preordered the straight to video release when it arrives. I cannot say that this surprises me, unfortunately; but what I can say is this...
If you have not managed to pick up your copy of this film yet...or are like I was when it arrived and have never even SEEN it...then now is your time. The movie is fantastic, the characters are endearing, the songs are consistently well done (although these are not songs you will be humming out loud for days and weeks), and of course, the timing IS right after all to catch up. So I say, if you don't own the Emperor's New Groove, then this is a great way to remedy that problem. If you do? Keep you well earned cash in your pocket and grab the straight to video sequel, Kronk's New Groove, when it is released just before Christmas this year.
-aaron-
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