Walt Disney Home Video/ 2009 DVD Release/ 85 min./ G
Release Date: January 27, 2009
Format: DVD
Price: $
The following is information provided to ChatterShmatter by the distributor.
Genre:
Animated, Family
Starring:
Drake Johnston, Takayo Fischer, Megan Hilty, Corbin Bleu
Director:
John Chu, Frankie Chung
Plot Synopsis:
An unforgettable lesson from an extraordinary friend. Experience a magical story about the boundless limits of the imagination and the strength we each have inside us with Disney’s heartwarming film The Secret of the Magic Gourd. Based on the beloved children’s novel and featuring the voice talent of High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu, this wonderous fantasy is sure to delight the entire family.
When an inquisitive 11 year old discovers a mythical, magical gourd while fishing, he has no idea of the trouble that lies at the end of his hook. With the ability to grant every and any wish, The Magic Gourd attempts to make all of the boy’s dreams come true, but instead succeeds in turning his world upside down.
Every moment of this enchanting adventure as a curious child discovers the best things in life are those he earns himself.
Special Features:
Bloopers
Backstage Disney
Games & Activities
Music Video
Review:
This is one of those Disney films that strikes a chord and carries a lesson all the while bringing an entertaining little adventure.
The Secret of the Magic Gourd is an interesting mix of animation and live action film which is an adaptation from a children’s book of the same name written by Zhang Tian Yi.
The film is a good take for the younger audiences but leaves something to be desired for the adults. Perhaps it is because it does not carry with it the cache that Mary Poppins just inherently does or maybe it is just not the same.
The story itself revolves around a little boy named Ray who discovers a magic gourd which has the ability to grant his every wish. Before long Ray begins to learn that while it is nice to be able to have everything it is not the same as when you earn it yourself.
The auidio and video format is as good as anything else we have seen in the past from Disney, and to be honest what we have come to expect.
The special features are not all that special. Most of them are in their native Mandarin tongue and are therefore subtitled in English which is a nice touch since the story itself is derived from Mandarin lore. The making of is interesting for a short period of time as is the games but only for a short period.
Film: 7.0
Audio & Video: 8.0
Special Features: 7.0
Overall: 7.5
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