Full of adventure for the youngsters The Dragon Pearl comes to DVD and delivers a good story. The characters are intriguing and the adversary not too frightening so the film plays well for ages 6 to about 11. The fine animation of the dragon makes the film realistic enough for parents to watch along with their children.
The story follows Josh (Louis Corbett) who visits his scientist father (Sam Neill) on an archaeological dig in China for his vacation. There he meets Ling (Li Lin Jin) the daughter of his father’s assistant (Wang Ji) and a young girl about his age. The two decide to turn their boring summer vacation trip into an adventure. During their snooping on a hidden tomb they discover the story about a dragon that has been looking for a pearl that keeps him strong. In an effort to help the dragon find his pearl the two go on a wild journey that involves a secret chamber, a cagy archeologist who wants the pearl for himself and a wondrous dragon that needs their help.
Director Mario Andreacchio who also wrote the story keeps his adventure lively and intriguing. His actors work through their characters on a big stage that features some nice Chinese settings and gives his adventure a foreign flavor. But, his biggest accomplishment is the awesome dragon that takes flight in its attempt to recover the giant pearl that has eluded him for centuries.
While I wouldn’t say that the acting is great, it does the trick for the youngsters. I like the Josh and Ling characters that are brought to life by their actors who look like they are having a lot of fun making the kid’s film. They are featured throughout the film so others on the set are just background and story filler. The villain doesn’t ever get scary and the bad guys that accompany him are more goofy than serious.
The only bonus in the box is a special code for a digital download, but that’s a good thing so the kids can download to their on-the-go video player and take the film along with them to keep them amused on trips.
The video quality is okay for kids even though interior shots are dimly lit and wide shots are a might fuzzy. The whole video thing gets a boost however from the excellent animation of the dragon.
The sound quality is adequate and all the dialogue and adventure can be heard clearly. However, I was bothered by the running background music that tends to put those watching to sleep. A more lively background using some brass and no music in some scenes would have made the film more sparkling.
The Dragon Pearl is rated PG for adventure action and peril. The danger however shouldn’t be too bothersome as I have seen worse on the Disney Channel.
Specifications and additional film information:
- Cast: Louis Corbett, Li Lin Jin, Sam Neill and Wang Ji
- Directed by: Mario Andreacchio
- MPAA Rating: PG for adventure action and peril
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Running Time:1 hr 33 min
- Video Release Date: June 18, 2013
- Original Film Release Date: April 2013 in Australia
- Language: English
- Format: DVD
- Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital
- Video: Widescreen 1080p 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
- Number of Discs: 1 Disc
- Distributed by: Ketchup Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
