After getting established in the print medium, the Disney Fairies brand released its first film with 2008’s “Tinker Bell,” a straight-to-home video feature.  I didn’t see that one, which isn’t surprising since I’m a 38-year-old guy.   I did catch the latest movie, the second of five planned films in this series, and I have to say I’m very surprised. 

You never know what you’re going to get with direct-to-DVD films, but Disney rarely puts out something less than stellar and “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” is yet another outstanding release from the studio.

In her second animated adventure, Tinker Bell finds herself honored with the task of creating the Moonstone Scepter for the autumn festival.  The unveiling of the Moonstone at the right time will reinvigorate the Pixie Dust Tree and bring forth another eight years of prosperity to Pixie Hollow. 

Despite the best intentions of Tinker Bell and her best friend Terrance, disaster strikes when their bickering leads to the destruction of the Moonstone.  With only days until the festival, Tinker Bell learns of a magical mirror which will grant a wish and she sets off on a dangerous quest to keep the magic alive in Pixie Hollow.

I watched this new film on high definition Blu-ray and if I didn’t know better, I never would have thought this wasn’t a big-time theatrical release.  The CGI is impeccable and easily on par with high budget animated films released in the theater. 

Director Klay Hall and his team have done a great job bringing this magical setting to life and the art direction is fabulous.  “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” makes great use of color and the visuals are fantastic, especially in high definition.

The script is equally good.  The interaction between Tinker Bell and her fellow fairies is entertaining and the story also comes with strong morals; teaching  younger viewers about the importance of friendship and owning up to mistakes.  At 80 minutes, the movie keeps a steady pace, never slowing or becoming boring.

It all adds up to an excellent way to keep the kids entertained.  “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” is perfect for younger children, but it should have a pretty broad appeal.  The production and attention to story are top notch, making this an adventure easily enjoyed by viewers of all ages. 

Rated G

4.5 out of 5

The Disc

“Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” is available on both DVD and Blu-ray.  As a bonus, anyone who buys the Blu-ray disc will also receive a standard definition DVD fully loaded with all the bonus features.  The movie is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and while the DVD looks good, the Blu-ray looks spectacular and comes highly recommended.  As a bonus, all the extra material on the Blu-ray disc is presented in high definition.

Bonus Short: Magic Guide to Pixie Hollow (4:47) – Join Tinker Bell and Terrance for a look around their magical home

Scenes You Never Saw – Alternate Scenes (4:02) – This is a very funny look at some “alternate takes” of scenes from the movie.

Deleted Scenes (16:10) – Director Klay Hall and Producer Sean Lurie introduce and comment upon the various deleted scenes

Pixie Hollow Comes to Walt Disney World (8:20) – See how the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden was created for Epcot’s Flower and Garden festival

Music Video – “The Gift of a Friend” (3:23) – featuring Disney performer Demi Lovato

Bonus Features Rating
4 out of 5
 

Tony Robinson is a past host of KATU's Movie Guys film review segment and currently reviews movies exclusively for KATU.com. He lives in Portland with his wife, son and action figure collection. He can be reached at tonerobe@hotmail.com.