Dumbo (DVD)

Uniquely for a lead character in a Disney animated feature, Dumbo himself never says a word, relying instead on an extraordinarily expressive face. It's this silence at the film's centre that makes Dumbo's plight so heart-wrenching and allows the story to visit some fairly dark places without it ever feeling forced or manipulative. The reunion between Dumbo and his imprisoned mother is a moment no less stark than the death of Bambi's mother. It's lent extra impact by the way it arises naturally out of the plot, and by the tragic crumpling of Dumbo's face as he's cradled in his mother's trunk.

For the most part the animation is pleasingly simple. Unlike Bambi, here the backgrounds are washes of pale watercolour that allow the characters to take centre stage. Interrupting this, however, is the brain-bendingly inventive Pink Elephants On Parade sequence, a sudden swerve into serious surrealism that wouldn't have looked out of place in some counter-cultural head-trip made 30 years later.

All in all a touching, comic, visually inventive and emotionally convincing, this remains a jewel in the crown of Disney's golden age.

Dumbo remains one of Disney's greatest full-length animated masterpieces - a heartwarming and inspirational tale overflowing with such memorable songs as 'Casey Junior,' 'Baby Mine,' and 'When I See An Elephant Fly.'

When Mrs. Jumbo meets her tiny baby elephant, he's the talk of the circus. But with a pair of oversized ears, baby Dumbo is laughed at and ridiculed. With remarkable courage, and the help of his loyal friend Timothy Mouse, Dumbo overcomes all odds in a triumphant celebration of love and determination.

This was bought as a first Disney DVD for the nearly 3-year-old in our family. She loves watching it - despite getting upset every time Dumbo's Mum gets locked away! She has watched it over and over again. Absolutely nothing to dislike, as it's typical Disney entertainment. Older children who have been to a modern circus might question the fact of animals in this one - but is that a bad thing? Great "moral" talking point. Very good value, as the DVD was used, so saved on high Disney prices, and condition is perfect.

It's not the best of disney's work, but it's definitely a must have classic. Never fails to cheer up. As a special edition I was slightly disappointed as it didn't seem to include anything special, such as a limited edition sleeve. However the film is beautifully restored and the sound much clearer than that of the VHS days! It's lovely to see an animated film in the original style, formatted with clearer colours and such. Overall, can only be described one way: disney magic.

Dumbo is a timeless classic that children off all ages just love to watch. It's great to see my two young children sit and watch Dumbo as I did with my siblings all those years ago. It is one of the best disney films of all time.