Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hendel Butoy, Art Stevens, Mike Gabriel, John Lounsbery
Starring: Bob Newhart, Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Geraldine Page, John Candy
MPAA Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 155 minutes
Films: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
This 35th Anniversary Edition release for “The Rescuers” 2-Movie Collection includes both “The Rescuers / The Rescuers Down Under”. Of course we all know that “Down Under” is not as good as the 1977 original but still a decent film. This three-disc set includes 1 Blu-ray disc and 2 DVDs. Cool note is that this release also includes an exclusive offer though Disney Movie Rewards to own a piece of music history with “Disney’s The Lost Chords: The Rescuers”. It include original music not included in the film and is available for only $4 dollars. This is truly a no-brainer for fans of this film. Overall whether you like “Down Under” or not, this is still a must for all Disney fans!
This isn’t the only film released out of the vault though. Besides this film, August 21st saw the release seven animated films over five different Blu-ray, including “The Aristocats”, “Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure”, “Pocahontas & Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” and “The Tigger Movie”. Disney if you are reading this, I still want to see a Blu-ray release for films like “Robin Hood” and “The Sword in the Stone”…(hint-hint).
Firstly to clear up, “The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under” are both included on the same BD-50 disc, though this doesn’t affect either film’s presentation. The 1080p video transfers on both look out of this world. I have to saw that “Down Under” does look slightly better but I give that to the age difference between the two. “The Rescuers” looks simply terrific for a film made in 1977. The colors are very sharp and vibrant on Blu-ray. “The Rescuers Down Under” is also very satisfying and makes for one impressive transfer and definitely worth checking out just for the transfer. Both “The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under” contains fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. The music in “The Rescuers” sounds beautiful and extremely clear, which is impressive for a 35 year old film.
The special features are decent but nothing to brag about. There is a deleted song called “Peoplitis”, from “The Rescuers” with a introduction from Ron Clements in high definition. “Water Birds – A True Life Adventure” is a 1952 Academy Award-winning documentary, which runs about 30 minutes. It was produced by Walt Disney and narrated by Winston Hibler. “Three Blind Mouseketeers” is an Walt Disney Silly Symphony animated short circa 1936, presented in SD. There sing along for The Rescuers’ “Someone’s Waiting for You.” Lastly the only special feature for “Down Under” is “The Making of The Rescuers Down Under”, which is a short 10 minute vintage behind-the-scenes featurette, also only presented in SD.