Brother Bear 2

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B-     Extras: C     Feature: C

 

 

When the first theatrically released Brother Bear arrived, many saw it as the end of an era at Disney, since it was supposed to be the last hand-drawn animated feature they thought they would ever make.  Not only have they changed their mind, but that film was a surprise sleeper hit.  Brother Bear 2 is the straight-to-video sequel that is not bad, but frankly does not work as much unless you have seen the first one.

 

Also, it plays and feels rather superfluous, almost as if it were heading to the Disney Channel soon after.  However, it is not bad, just average and more child safe than something like the Tim Allen Shaggy Dog remake.  The bears, moose and people have grown and it is a few years later.  Reunions and new adventures follow with some comedy and fairly good animation.  This is nothing spectacular, but pleasant enough that children should at least enjoy.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is not bad for a straight-to-video piece, though the color schemes are fall colors and the range is limited.  Though the audio here has DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 options, the mix sounds limited and compressed.  Extras include Backstage Disney and some games, but not much else.  At least the feature might have rewatchability for child fans.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo