Somewhere along the line Tinker Bell has become more iconic than the titular character from which the film/story she originated from, Peter Pan. It shouldn’t be that surprising though. Her fluttering about has been seen at the beginning of more Disney films and programs than Mickey Mouse. She greets every visitor that walks through the gates of Disneyland. She’s cute. Plus, she has more attitude than most every Disney “hero” combined. Tinker Bell has a total package. So it should be no surprise that she’s now the center of a new direct-to-video franchise. Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is the second feature in the line and while it doesn’t rank amongst the classic Disney films, it’s not entirely worthless either. Featuring beautiful nature animation and possessing a passable plot, if nothing else, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure opens up a world beyond the Never Land everyone seemingly knows.
With the Autumn Revelry celebration on the way, all the fairies and creatures of Pixie Hollow are getting ready. Tinker Bell (voiced by Mae Whitman) has been given the responsibility of taking care of the magical moonstone that is vital to the pixies’ survival. But wouldn’t you know, the moonstone gets shattered and Tinker Bell must go on a quest to make things right and find a magical mirror.
Tinker Bell is joined by a spunky firefly named Blaze who helps her on her journey and causes a little sidekick mischief along the way. There’s also Terence (Jesse McCartney), Tink’s good friend/enemy/potential fairy love interest. The two share a blossoming relationship that is filled joy, anger and a whole lot of inexperienced anger. Sounds like destiny to me.
What I noticed immediately in Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is the marvelous animation. In particular, I was amazed by the lighting and detail shown in the exterior scenes. The film takes place at a time when summer is giving way to fall and everything is changing. The colors pop out, dazzle and are filled with an ethereal glimmer. It’s both fantastic and natural at the same time and gives Pixie Hollow and the surrounding area tremendous personality.
Also adding to the personality department is the strong mix of “cute” animals. Generally speaking, most animated features have one or two such animals and the occasional cameo. Here they’re in almost every scene. Better still, they’re not irritating. In fact, the creatures further add to the personality of the film.
Ultimately, it’s the personality pieces that make Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure watchable. Sure, the plot is light and predictable, not to mention filled with obvious morals that thwunk you on the head, but the world the film creates is one worth investing in for a short amount of time.
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Blu-ray Review
Normally direct-to-video films show a cheaper side of animation but this isn’t the case of Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. Well, it might be but it’s not apparent from its appearance. The Blu-ray release of the film is simply gorgeous with vivid colors and amazing clarity. It’s shown in widescreen (1.78:1 aspect ratio) 1080p high definition with an English 5.1 DTS-HD soundtrack. Additional 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks are available in French and Spanish. English, French and Spanish subtitles are also present.
The special features aren’t spectacular but they’re not horrible either. “Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow” is a somewhat simply animated short in which Tinker Bell, with the help of Terence, look at the various parts of Pixie Hollow’s Autumn Area. Taking a page from Pixar, there’s a collection of “bloopers” than range from the funny to the just plain weird. Available with or without introductions from director Klay Hall are eight deleted scenes. There’s also a 16-minute look at the Pixie Hollow area of Disney World and the music video “The Gift of a Friend” from Disney Channel favorite Demi Lovato.
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is a combo-pack release, meaning it also has a DVD of the film complete with all the special features.
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Gallery
Trailer
