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| Special Features: |
Audio Commentary with Director Jay Russell and Cast Members
Audio Commentary with Jay Russell and Screen writer James Hart
"Lessons Of Tuck": Viewing mode that couples the movie with opportunities to explore the films themes and issues With
Jonathan Jackson, Other Cast Members and Regular Kids
"A Visit With Natalie Babbitt": Featurette with the Novel's Author
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| Video Format: |
Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
[SS-DL]
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| Languages: |
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
French (Dolby Surround 2.0)
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| Subtitles: |
English, Spanish, French
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| Captions: |
Yes
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| Casing: |
1-Disc Keep Case
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Loosely adapted (a.k.a. Disney-fied) from Natalie Babbitt’s adored children’s book, this fairy tale
concentrates on the ageless Tuck family, whose serendipitous discovery of a magical spring gives them immortal life.
Both a blessing and a curse, the Tucks have kept their spring a secret over the years, until Winnie (Alexis Bledel),
the spirited only-child of two snotty socialites, discovers Jesse (Jonathan Jackson) drinking from a spring in the back
of her farm. Despite Jesse’s overcautious parents (William Hurt, Sissy Spacek), a charming romance ensues, offset by a
nice performance from Ben Kingsley as a threatening and mysterious traveler who’s in search of the Tucks and their immortal
spring water. Scott Bairstow plays the remaining Tuck, in a film that manages to stave off some dry scenes and remain enchanting in large part due to its simplicity of storytelling. Director Jay Russell, who helmed the sleeper children’s comedy hit “My Dog Skip,” cleverly gives the film a timeless look and feel, delivering a story that should be rewarding for both fans of Babbit’s work and Disney fans in general.
A whopping three commentary tracks have been included on the disc, which seems like a bit of overkill for what is really a children's release. Still, the picture and sound quality are absolutely incredible, making this a very nice DVD for fans of the film.
Picture Quality: 10/10
The film is gorgeously shot from beginning to end, and Buena Vista's DVD transfer does it full justice. The colors range is light with a very pastel hue, working in wonderfully with the film's naturalistic and timeless presentation. One of the best transfers I've seen for a live-action Disney release.
Sound Quality: 9/10
A really well put-together 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track. Well balanced, with excellent dynamic range. Surround channels are effectively used, particularly in the street scenes. Overall, an excellent experience.
Menu: 9/10
Very picturesque and easy to navigate menu. The dvd opens with several uninteresting Disney movie promos, but thankfully you can just forwards through it.
No easter eggs found during review.
Extra Features: 9/10
Three of audio commentaries are found on the disc: commentary by directory Jay Russell and cast members Jonathan Jackson, Alexis Bledel and Scott Bairstow; commentary by director Jay Russell and screenwriter James Hart; "Lessons of Tuck" viewing mode which lets you watch the movie while listening to periodic discussions of the film's messages and issues with star Jonathan Jackson, other cast members, and some regular kids. A little overkill for a film mainly geared towards children. An interesting feature is "A Visit with Natalie Babbitt," which gives us information on her life, her work and illustrations, and other book projects she's worked on. Running time is nine minutes.
No theatrical trailer is included on the disc (strange), but Buena Vista has included a few Sneak Peeks at other DVD titles, including "Pirates of the Carribbean." French and Spanish subtitles and English captions for the hearing impaired are also included.
The Final Word:
While "Tuck Everlasting" suffers from a few sluggish spots, the overall film remains charming, thanks to Jay Russell's very simplistic storytelling technique. A whopping three commentary tracks have been included on the disc, which seems like a bit of overkill for what is really a children's release. Still, fans of the film, just like fans of Babbitt's book, come in all ages, making this a very nice DVD addition for the Disney library.
Stephen Wong
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