Although the film Strange Magic, now on DVD, did not receive a huge theatrical box-office like most animated films, for me it’s a fun filled, artistically beautiful film that just missed its audience. The film actually works for most children 3 to 13, but should get more attention from females. I like the superb animation, very good voice acting and enjoyable soundtrack.
There are two kingdoms that exist side by side, but yet very different. One land’s beautiful and inhabited by fairies, the other a Dark Forest where the goblins live. The only thing separating them is a row of magical primrose flowers used by the Sugar Plum Fairy (Kristin Chenoweth) to make love potions. The story opens and we find the Fairy King (Alfred Molina) wanting to marry off his daughter Marianne (Evan Rachel Wood) so she will have comfort and safety when she becomes queen. Marianne has chosen Rolland (Sam Palladio) a handsome warrior who’s loved by every fairy maiden in the land.
Rolland wants to be king, but his problem is other women. On the day of their wedding Marianne catches Rolland with another lady and cancels the affair. The only way Rolland feels he can get Marianne back is to obtain a love potion, but the Sugar Plumb Fairy is locked away in the Dark Forest and guarded by the Bog King (Alan Cumming).
Thus begins a story steeped in adventure as Sunny (Elijah Kelley), an elf who desires Marianne’s sister Dawn (Meredith Anne Bull), takes on Rolland’s quest to go into the Dark Forest and try to get the love potion for the both of them. Director Gary Rydstrom does a fine job of creating the animated feature. He guides his artistic crew bringing an exciting film to DVD. His film with very realistic figures tells the story of love, not judging others, being yourself and taking responsibility for your actions.
The animation by Senior Visual Effects Supervisor Tony Plett with Industrial Light and Magic amazing. The animated characters have very realistic features, frogs and other creatures are nicely crafted and the backgrounds are bright and colorful. It’s the kind of animation that endures beyond the first watch so you’ll be wanting to take another look at the film over and again. Check out Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming’s rendition of the song “Wild Thing” with some final breathtaking animated footage that includes all the main characters. And at the end of the credits there’s more fun so make sure you check it out.
Rydstrom also chooses his cast based on their ability to perform in this “pop/rock opera” that bolsters a bevy of love songs. Evan Rachel Wood, Alan Cumming, Sam Palladio, Elijah Kelley and Meredith Anne Bull are some of the main cast that sing the songs that create the love in Strange Magic. The list should keep older folks toe tapping and includes “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Wood and Palladio), “Crazy in Love” (Wood, Palladio and Bull), “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” (Wood), “I Want to Dance with Someone Who Loves Me” (Meredith Anne Bull), “Trouble” (Alan Cumming), “Love is Strange” (Kristin Chenoweth and Maya Rudolph), “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch)” sung by Meredith Anne Bull, the an original song “Strange Magic” (Wood and Cummings) and many more. It’s a wonderful walk down memory lane thru some of the best music ever written and with vocals that nearly match the original singers.
BONUS FEATURES:
The extras on the DVD for this review are not as many as on the Blu-ray so you may want to get that format to check out the additional content.
“Creating the Magic” Writer and Executive Producer George Lucas and Director Gary Rydstrom talk about why they made the film. They show how they made it look realistic. Comments by some of the main actors are also included. You can see Evan Rachel Wood among others ‘voice acting’ which is a hoot.
“Magical Mash Up: Outtakes, Tests and Melodies” This is a fun several minutes of music and song, a deleted scene, and a lot of character development animation.
Strange Magic has been rated PG for some action and scary images. You may want to be present with children under 3 to comfort them if they are frightened.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Definitely a keeper for you Disney library. (B-)
Specifications and additional video information:
Voice Cast: Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Elijah Kelley, Meredith Anne Bull, Sam Palladio, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Alfred Molina, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare
Director: Gary Rydstrom
MPAA Rating: PG for some action and scary images
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Kids, Teens
Running Time: 1hr. 40 min
Original Theatrical Release Date: January 25, 2015
Video Release Date: May 19, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: HD Widescreen Aspect Ratio 2.35:1, for 16×9 Televisions
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home 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
