Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Voice Cast: Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan, Rip Torn
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $29.99
ASIN: B00K5ZXJFI
Running Time: 93 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon
Review:
Arriving on Blu-ray for the first time is the 1997 Disney animated classic Hercules. The film is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and features the voice talents of Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan and Rip Torn. Bonus Features include From Zero to Hero Sing-Along "No Importa La Distancia" Music Video and The Making of Hercules.
Based on the Greek mythology, the film centers on Zeus' son, Hercules, who is kidnapped by Hade's minions (Pain and Panic). The two feed the baby Hercules a formula that makes him mortal. As a mortal, Hercules can no longer live with his parents at Mount Olympus, as it is a place for Gods only. Therefore, Hercules is left to be raised by a moral couple.
Years pass by and Hercules has grown into an adult with super strength. His foster parents inform him about his birth parents. Then Hercules sets off for the temple of Zeus, where his father leaves him a message to search for the satyr Philoctetes, "Phil." who will train Hercules to become a hero. Once he becomes a hero, then maybe he would one day be accepted into Mount Olympus, but hiding in the darkness is Hades, whom is planning on overthrowing Zeus and taking over Mount Olympus.
Two years prior to release of Hercules, Toy Story was released, forever changing the world of animation films. Hercules is one of the last Disney films to use strictly traditional animation. While the film received great praises from critics, the film didn't do as well at the box-office as previous Disney animations movies did, though it did take in $250 million worldwide. A direct-to-video prequel, Hercules: Zero to Hero, was released a year later, followed by Disney's Hercules: The Animated Series, which ran for 65 episodes.
I was a teenager when Hercules was originally released; a time when I wasn't interested in watching animated films; therefore, yesterday was the first time that I have ever seen the film. Despite an estimated $85 million budget, the animation style isn't up to par with other Disney films with characters that resembling Looney Tunes characters. While the voice-cast is excellent, the dialogue has too many pop culture references in it. As for the picture quality, the film looks great on Blu-ray, though the bonus features are lacking. Overall, the Hercules: Special Edition Blu-ray is a flawed, but fun animation movie.
Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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