Dumbo (Big Top Edition) Reviews

• Excellent for two and three year olds and everyone else too!

  
  By A1E4REA11S1126 on 2001-06-27
  Dumbo is a cinematic milestone and masterpiece of family entertainment. The storyline and characters are well rounded enough (just) to entertain adults and older children and the quality of the animation both holds children's attention and enables them to empathise with the principle characters. In addition, the moral of the story is well presented without being clumsily overstated as in much modern animation.

  Both my children have frequently watched this DVD (which first came out (without extras) in Europe in 1999) since they were one and both enjoy it imensely.

  I'm both astonished and disturbed that anyone could deem this movie unsuitable for children but can only assume they come from the same group of people who banned Robin Hood books from schools for being 'pro communist' and Shakespeare for being 'too explicit'!

  The 'drunken scene' is funny, brief and discrete (all you see is the shadows of characters through canvas). As to fast forwarding through the dream sequence for the kids' benefit because it is 'too long' that is verging on irresponsible. All doing so teaches a child is that it's OK to have a short attention span and to zoom through films to the 'interesting bits'. Perhaps I was wrong though and the moral of the story has been hidden too deeply "Persevere - Don't Give Up" is lost on some people.
  
  

• The BIG thing is that some of the extras on the previous DVD release are missing here.

  
  By A42GFMF12V7XR on 2006-04-12
  I don't know why Disney is doing this release, they have deleted some of the "Making Of" documentaries and bonus music videos that were on the "60th Anniversary Edition" DVD release.
  
  The few extra shorts on this disc were also on the previous "60th Anniversary Edition" DVD.
  
  Bottom line: Get the 30th Anniversary DVD release if you still can.
  
  

• Stereotypical? Figure Out How To Use It, Not Abuse It!

  
  By A3DWXVGOE2XZIQ on 2003-02-11
  Why am I not surprised that there is someone reviewing this classic who trashes it as if they had never seen it and were offended by the cultural sensitivity issues that are part of the film. (See the Tallahassee reviewer titled "Do not purchase this video for children" January 21, 2003) For crying out loud, this script reflects what was normal at the time the film was first released. It's full of classic pieces that of course include a white dominated societal commentary on what was perceived as appropriate black cultural roots at that time. Is it outdated? Sure, so is nearly every other film from that era. Does this make it less of a classic? Absolutely not. In fact, this is the *real* Disney, long before it was sanitized for the Anaheim-Orlando crowd. Is the film inappropriate for a 21st century kid? That's a parental decision, but if you plan to shelter your child from the real history of the U.S., they will have a rude awakening (with all the accompanying psychoses) that you *won't* be able to control. My kids loved this film when they were very young.....we talked about the cultural issues by the time they were in school.....in fact, I distinctly remember them coming home to ask why some kids treated others so badly because of the color of their skin, their accents, etc. We used Dumbo to show them what used to be, was is today, and how to deal with it. And there was never a place where the original empathy of the film was lost on them. They have repeatedly made personal decisions and stood up against improper cultural slurs their entire lives (they are all either in college or their final years of high school now). I've been pleased with how they can see a cultural slur coming and are not willing to put up with any of the culturally "acceptable" ways of trashing others' ethnicity.

  Now, what about the film? This is a great Disney classic from the days when there was a full bodied, earthy smell to what they did. It's release in this format provides a historical window on American culture from the 1950s that is true and clear. It loses nothing in the 21st century translation and in fact, gains considerably from it's historical context. A great child's film that every adult needs to understand!
  
  

• Not worth the upgrade if you already have the 60th Anni. ED...

  
  By A5G49ZZVC403M on 2006-06-14
  Don't get me wrong, Dumbo is a great movie for kids and adults, one of Disney's greatest films but everything went wrong in this SO CALLED "Big Top Edition"
  
  First of all, it isn't even a 2-disc set!
  Most of the old "60th Anniversary Edition" bonus features are put on this DVD taking out some of the making, Dumbo II preview, and a music video. I do not understand Disnet AT ALL!
  
  The new transfer IMO is WORSE then the "60th Anniversary Edition" It has no life to it, it is darker and very dull. Also you are losing 30% of the film do to an overscan! This movie was already filmed in fullscreen why do a pan and scan job to a fullscreen DVD? Come on Disney, you get enough money!
  You really need this quick buck?
  
  If you already have the "60th Anniversary Edition" DVD please stick with it! You get to see the WHOLE movie in full and the colors are brighter and you have ALL the great bonus features!
  
  

• Best Disney film of all time

  
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-05-24
  I grew up watching just about all of the Disney movies that have ever came out and now I'm 19 and can't wait for my kids to watch all the Disney films I still have, especially "Dumbo." I have one question, how can anybody not give "Dumbo" a perfect 5 stars? It defines classic in more ways than just about any other Disney film. It tells the classic story of friendship between Dumbo and Timothy the mouse. Dumbo eventually ends up back with his mom at the end of the movie.

  I could write a review on just about every Disney film that's ever been made, but Dumbo is the only one that I really like enough even now that I'm grown, to write a review of. It has some of the best classic songs and sounds from any of the Disney films and my favorite part of the movie is when Dumbo and the mouse get drunk and see all the pink elephants. "Dumbo" is what I would call a true classic in every way.
  
  

• A Truly Unique Disney Classic
  By A27NTH2Y9DAR31 on 2001-01-20
  Although I love Dumbo I have to skip over some scenes that break my heart to this day...when he is taken away from his mother(because she came to his defense from some bullies) and Timothy mouse takes him to see her I cry EVERY time. Because they can't touch, she extends her trunk and he sits in it with his tiny trunk wrapped lovingly around hers as she swings him and "Baby Mine" starts...later he and Timothy inadvertently get drunk and "Pink Elephants on Parade" begins which is one of the best animated sequences in any of the Disney classics. At the time this was made some of the animators were having a wage dispute with Walt Disney and when the clowns sing "We're Gonna Hit the Big Boss for a Raise" they were sending him a message. Dumbo was supposed to be on the cover of Time magazine but it got bounced because of the breakout of World War II. The Crows are another one of the many high points of this remarkable feature. A must for any Disney library.
  
  
• DVD has no benefit over VHS
  By AJT5CUFLJ2TEL on 2001-11-24
  My wife and I saw Dumbo in the cinema as children, and it was one of our favorites. So, of course, we got the VHS for our daughter, who also worships Dumbo. Naturally, I grabbed the 60th anniversary DVD when it suddenly appeared at the local price club.

  The jacket promises a preview of Dumbo II. There is no preview on the DVD we received. We are bitterly disappointed, since this was the reason we bought a redundant copy.

  Furthermore, the "Celebrating Dumbo" featurette is just a bunch of young Disney employees making vapid comments about what a great movie Dumbo is. None of them have any connection to the original production, so they were incapable of showing any insight into the making of Dumbo. Now, I admit that we had just viewed the featurette for Snow White, which is undeniably awesome. By comparison, the Dumbo featurette is a content-free failure.

  Dumbo on DVD supports 5.1 surround sound, but--compared to the masterful remastering of, say, Snow White--there's not much advantage over the remastering of the VHS version.

  Too bad Disney couldn't give Dumbo the attention it gave Snow White. If you have Dumbo on VHS, don't bother with the DVD. [...]

  My regards to all big-eared folks, no matter your species...
  
  

• Great Edition but Remastering Difficulties
  By A6SWAK6XUFHV0 on 2006-06-10
  I bought this movie a couple of days at the Disney Store where I work. I believe Dumbo to be one of the finest classics to come out of Disney during the 1940's. Walt Disney himself said this movie was to be his favorite one to come out of his own studios.
  
  However, with the Big Top Edition, I expected better remastering of the movie. The majority of the picture and sound are crisp and clean and very brilliant in color, however there are moments when it's not. For example, in the beginning of the "Pink Elephants on Parade", you can see some faded color with scratches on the film clearly seen over Dumbo's face. The sound in the song sung by the black ravens, "When I See An Elephant Fly" is a bit underdone in the remastering as well as it becomes harder to hear in this portion of the movie--almost as if the film had aged so bad that the soundtrack is beyond repair.
  
  Other than these difficulities, I believe the release deserves four stars. If you have kids, the bonus features are specifically geared towards them. They'll enjoy it.
  
  
• Beware of the dark themes - inappropriate for children
  By A3V2FOKJRM0Q8W on 2000-04-18
  Dumbo really is an animated film for adults. It contains many adult themes surrounding the innocent story line of baby elephant learns to believe in himself and takes to the air. Dumbo is ostracized from his elephant community purely because of the size of his ears. Dumbo's mother is shackled, locked up as a "Mad Elephant" and separated from her baby because she became angry at those poking fun at Dumbo. Crass and insensitive clowns ridicule Dumbo and use him as the laughing stock for their show. Dumbo and his mouse friend accidentally gets drunk and spends 15 minutes hallucinating pink elephants. If these themes seem out of line with recent Disney animations for children, it is because Dumbo depicts a cruel and intolerant world that once existed to a much greater degree than today.

  There is a touching part of the film. A sad and depressed Dumbo approaches his locked up Mother but is not able to see her through the small window. She reaches out with her trunk and cradles her baby elephant for a few short moments. It is a bittersweet moment, one that is sure to bring tears to those of us who have babies.

  Eventually, Dumbo flies and becomes a star and his Mother is freed and they ride off happily in the train.

  This is a long dark movie with two brief spots of lightness. Perhaps it is an interesting film for its historical representation of how the world used to be in the unenlightened times only a few decades ago. For those people who actually enjoyed it for its emotional value and for their children, I can only conjecture that there must be an empathetic nerve missing.
  
  

• Dark, Scary, and Inappropriate for Toddlers
  By on 2001-01-09
  I bought this video based on a couple of very enthusiastic customer reviews, and I was so disappointed! My two year old was frightened by the darkness and mean-spirited behavior of every character in this movie. From a toddler's perspective, and from my own, ridicule, circus cruelty, a house on fire (in the clown scene, elephants falling from great heights, and drunkeness are not funny, entertaining, or good teaching aids for children. I get the whole thing about kids being picked on for any diferences they might possess, good or bad, but this is really presented on a more mature level than children are ready for. As I watched this movie, I was reminded of seeing it in the theater when I was about seven or eight, and being very upset by the experience. I wish I had remembered that before buying this from Amazon, as I cannot return it opened. Parents might consider renting and previewing this one before purchasing.
  
  
• Jumbo Jr. still makes me cry
  By A3EW2L59UBHQSG on 2001-10-31
  The simple, straightforward story of Dumbo (or more accurately, Jumbo Jr.) still has the power to move audiences even after 60 years. All of us have felt like Jumbo Jr. at some point (if not all through) our lives. We are also hard wired to protect and care for our young so when Mrs. Jumbo fights for her son, we automatically empathise for her as well. This film works on all levels from art direction, color, mood, animation, character design score and song to the bizzare set piece "Pink Elephants on Parade" that dazzilingly displays the artists talents (in my opinion, one of the greatest segments ever animated). Truly a Disney treasure and one that everyone from 3 to 103 can enjoy over and over again.

  Thankfully this DVD presentation gives you many reasons to do just that. The film has been lovingly restored and looks more bright and colorful than ever! There are 2 very entertaining Silly Symphonies included (Elmer the Elephant / the Flying Mouse) that show Walt's early attempts at animating elephants and the themes that would eventually make their way into Dumbo. The video of Michael Crawford singing 'Baby Mine' is painful however and should be skipped (both Barbara Cook and Bonnie Rait have done much better work with this song). The 'Celebrating Dumbo' Featurette is very quick and light hearted with no real information on the making of the film, just peoples ideas and feelings about it. If you want a more detailed and comprehensive look at it's creation check out the commentary which gives you plenty of new information and insight. Also the conceptual drawings are fun to scroll through.

  This is what I expect from a special edition DVD. The film has been beautifully restored and there are many worthwhile extras all packed onto one disc. And I haven't even mentioned the Casey Jr. train! Each DVD comes with a cardboard pop out that can be folded in to the train for display. It's touches like these that put this DVD over the top. The film itself more than justifies the purchase, but the (mosttly terrific) bonus material certainly sweetens the deal. You can't go wrong with one of Disney's best, Dumbo.
  
  

• Classic Disney movie for all ages...score: 80 (out of 100)
  By A25Q6YSL31AQM on 2002-01-03
  The first time I came into contact with DUMBO (1941) was in Steven Spielberg's "1941", where a macho general (Robert Stack) is watching the "Baby Mine" scene. He starts to shead tears, and the audience uproars with laughter. When I rented the 50th anniversary edition, I knew why the general cried. I did the same, and then I started laughing, too.

  Here is a movie for all ages. It hasn't dated over the years, which makes it perfect. The message is clear - inner strength, friendship, and love conquers all. The "Pink Elephants" and "Baby Mine" scenes are still classics. The most touching scene in movie history, of course, is when Jumbo Jr. sees his mother in jail, and the song, "Baby Mine", is played.

  Although FANTASIA, SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO, and LION KING are much better animated films from Disney, DUMBO tugs more at the heart.

  Score: 80 (out of 100)
  
  

• Do not purchase this video for children
  By on 2003-01-21
  I was shocked that Disney would make such a horrible movie for children. It is loaded with social and cultural stereotypes and constantly shows animals caged, doors slamming on animals, and even shows the ringmaster whipping Dumbo's mother with a large black whip. My two-year old was very scared. More than that, I was offened by the song "Roustabouts". The men who put up the circus tent at night sing this song. First of all, they are all black men putting up the tent. If you listen to the words of the song, they are singing about " we don't read or write" and "when we get our pay we throw our pay away." Also, the black crows in the movie clearly have black accents. I know my two-year old doen't pick up on this, but I don't want her watching this kinds of movie over and over again. The only saving grace in this video is the loving relationship between Dumbo and his mother. I don't like this video and am VERY sorry that I bought it. A big disappointment Disney!
  
  
• For Children and the Child in Adults
  By A1PPIFR51T81IK on 2006-06-05
  My review won't be helpful to anyone reading it, as I can only talk about it from pure feeling. I hide the fact that I own a copy of this film because I'm an older adult male. Shame on me for that, but that's how it is. I'm very glad to see so many reviews of high praise for "Dumbo". I always loved this film, but I always assumed it was taken for granted by most people and, like it's title character, considered the runt of the illustrious library of Disney classic feature cartoons. Many of these customer reviews prove me wrong. "Dumbo" is elegant in its simplicity, honesty, humor, and positive message of hope. As for the "Baby Mine" number....it's the reason I'll only watch "Dumbo" alone. No matter what your age, give "Dumbo" a chance. It may just become something very personal for you as it did for me.
  
  
• Disney's Dumbo 60th Anniversary DVD
  By AA5XZVANDXGJE on 2001-10-27
  What's amazing about Disney's 4th feature, "Dumbo", is that it is probably one of the most simple looking animated features of all time, yet it is one of the best. Proving that even the most detailed art is not required to carry a movie, most of the films backgrounds and characters are not as intricate and detailed as "Snow White" or "Pinocchio", they are VERY simple. "Dumbo" instead relys on a good story, that I'm sure you are fimiliar with. A simple, but rich 64 minutes telling the story of a baby elephant with big ears, that is an outcast. The reason that this movie has lasted for so long, aside from being Disney, is that everyone can relate to it, as said throughout the disc's extras and commentary.

  The DVD has a good Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, but I was rather disappointed with the picture quality. It claims to have a remastered picture, but there is so much grain, and dirt throughout the feature. After what Disney DVD did for "Snow White", I was expecting a little more for this release. The extras are great: the commentary is very informative, the concept arts are interesting, and "Celebrating Dumbo" is a good enough featurette. The only negative is that Disney Co. is continuing to ruin the classics, by attaching unnecessary sequels. Inferior by existing Disney video sequel reputation, "Dumbo II" is on it's way.

  "Dumbo", costing only $800,000, saved Disney from the WWII-caused financial failures of "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia". So it is one of the important stepping blocks of Disney's history and one of the most enjoyable animated features of all time.
  
  

• Dumbo's not so dumb
  By A1Q4ZU2Y929N0A on 2003-03-09
  Dumbo, the fourth movie of the Disney Canon, is one of the Disney classics that everyone should watch and own.

  The story is timeless. A baby elephant with unusually large ears is born in a circus. Everyone thinks his ears are funny, except the baby, Jumbo Jr, who is cruelly nicknamed "Dumbo", his mother, and a mouse. The mouse tries to make him popular, with very unfortunate results. The mouse and the baby elephant crawl away from that disaster and into another one - they get slightly intoxicated! But whatever Jumbo Jr dreamt turns into his triumph - it is thru his dream that he finds out he can use his ears to fly! He returns to the circus determined to use his newfound ability to show everyone that he can be a valuable member of the elephant herd. And, of course, he succeeds.

  This movie takes you back to the days when circuses really did travel mostly by rail from town to town and created huge sensations when they arrived. The tenderness between Dumbo and his mother are priceless. The scenes of Mrs. Jumbo rioting in the circus when her baby seems threatened are fairly true to life. The unlikely friendship between Timothy and Dumbo teaches us to work together no matter who or what we are. One of the more interesting facts about this movie is that the main character, Dumbo, never speaks. He gets all of his emotions across with a look or a gesture. That makes his character stronger.

  This tale teaches courage in the face of failure, loyalty in the face of adversity, and a triumph of a handicap over the troubles of life. In just 64 minutes, the shortest Disney feature length animated movie, the Disney animators give us a story that will stand up to any that has been made then or since.

  The animation is simplistic, but fun. This movie had to be made on a shoestring budget due to the upcoming war. And the fact that the Disney studios had yet to get out of the red, despite the critical success of Snow White and Pinocchio made it even harder to get this movie to the theaters. Fantasia did not make money for the studio by itself until the 1969 re-release!

  The colors are very vibrant and eye-catching. It looks a lot more like a cartoon, but with the famous Disney eye for detail. The "Pink Elephant" sequence will have you wondering what the Disney animators were thinking of - it is probably the most memorable animated sequence of all time, and also serves as a great anti-alcohol message. Watch this sequence carefully - it switches from almost surrealistic to realistic to three dimensional to almost psychedelic and back again in just a few minutes.

  The 60th anniversary DVD contains some cool extras - including concept art that has never been released before, the origin and history of Dumbo, a couple sing along songs, an animated short or two, and other goodies. It also includes a sneak peek at the upcoming "Dumbo II".

  This movie should be on everyone's DVD shelf, even if you don't have children of your own. Great for grandkids and the whole family.
  
  

• A classic...but $29.99?
  By A1IT8LPZCEJGE5 on 2006-05-08
  I am not denying how great this Disney classic is. And I will be buying it on June 6. What I don't understand is the recent increase in price. These DVDs have gone from averaging around $21.99 to $29.99!!! That is a huge difference. And I would bet that the day after it comes out, the price will drop, which seems to be the trend on Amazon lately. So what is the incentive to pre-order these anymore?
  
  
• One of the Most watchable cartoons ever!
  By A2BN6CUKEPMOTX on 2000-08-03
  Dumbo is absolutely the most watchable cartoon ever made! My six year old watches it over and over and loves the animals, the clowns and the visuals. The music and look of the film facinates her and captures her attention.

  What facinates me is how both my wife and I cannot help being caught up in the story every time we pass by our kids watching it. We never seem to be able to walk out of the room until the story ends again.

  This story is full of genuine emotion from beginning to end. The sadness of Mrs. Jumbo as she sees other animals enjoying their new children. The joy of Mrs. Jumbo as she finally has a child of her own. Her fierce protective instincts kicking in as her child is jeered. The loneliness of Dumbo as his mother is taken away. The friendship of Timothy Mouse. The crows trying to make up for their jeering of Dumbo and the really satisfying climax. The story is tight and every scene fits perfectly.

  I have heard that Walt Disney was always made fun of as a child because of his unusually protuding ears and that he made Dumbo as a lesson for children not to make fun of other children who don't fit in or who had what kids could translate as defects. Whatever the truth is, one thing is clear. Dumbo is a spectacular film with a message about considering the feelings of others. It is at the same time a classic, funny and very emotional film with a great story that can be watched over and over. It can be enjoyed immensely on an adult level as well as by childen on their level. I consider it one of my top ten favorites of all time.

  This is a real Keeper!
  
  

• A Great Movie- That's NOT Racist...
  By A1PLMPD2R93FN6 on 2003-08-09
  Lets cover some basics-
  As per the whole drunken scene- its SUPPOSED to be scarey- that teaches children the negative aspects of alcohol and alcoholism *the mean and stupid drunk clowns*, and the predicament that accidentally getting drunk that landed dumbo in a TREE... the elephants were meant to scare children, just as much as a description of a bad acid trip or how any drug ruins the body used by programs such as DARE is meant to scare children- so it stays in their mind and they understand the consequences of irresponsibility.

  So the crows are racist because... they talked with a slight southern accent, had an "black" voice, and were not the most fluent in proper English|American speach? Have you- I don't know, visited the south ever? Do you have any clue how People in GENERAL talked in the late 1800's and early 1900's? Understand slang, or colloquialisms, or dialect differences of those times? Apparently NOT. It seems to me that you have made the assumption all on your own that the crows MUST be Negro because- they are unlearned and crows are- black. Your association is "Black"- your childs association is- Crow, of course you could push your own odd mentality on your kid by telling them that the crows ARE black and they ARE making fun of or belittling people of darker skin tones... but more than likely your three year old doesn't even notice colour, and won't until you start throwing it in his face. For what it's worth, I live in Mobile Alabama, I was born and raised in Boston *My husband is serving in the USCG*, if anything I'd say "yep the crows are southern"- because guess what, people here- still talk like that, and this state is by far primarily "White". I notice no one mentioned the men working in the rain- but those voices were of a "coloured" choir too- so I guess then that says that "Blacks"- ahh- get the job done? The crows are some of the nicest most friendly charachters in the film. In many ways, the crows are Dumbo's saving grace, giving him the "magic feather" and thus the confidence to fly, and he doesn't forget them in the end. The crows wouldn't be at all half the awesome charachters they are if it weren't for the "Black" voices behind them. They were full of soul and really uplifting- perhaps that's why Jim Charmicheal and the Hall choir were chosen- because they brought the charachters to life and could make people sing and smile.

  Now lets talk about the potential for reverse racism, the crows ONE "negative" quality is their speach (personally I think they speak better English than President Bush does!), yet the cruel men in the film, the ringmaster, the clowns, the little boys who torment baby dumbo- they are all White. They are the depictions of negative human qualities. The ringleader is a power hungry, abusive, calculating, cold hearted animal abuser and neglecter... and also abusive in his treatment of his workers. The clowns are lazy drunks who lack complete regard for the lives of animals- shoving dumbo out a window. And what about the other elephants, those female- uppercrust meanies- there's some nice "white" voices for you. They were realll sweethearts. When you look at the facts more like that it starts to look more like those poor poor Negros who are regarded as dumb- aren't really the focus of this movie at all. *Gasp shock* what a novel notion- a Disney movie that isn't racist and it isn't a movie that is going to scar all children. You can use this movie like many other Disney films to teach children many many important life lessons- but that would mean you'd have to do more with the tv set than use it as a babysitting device for your kid.
  
  

• Dumbo - Why is it wrong?!
  By on 2004-01-07
  I do not agree with the parental advice given in other reviews not to show DUMBO to children. As it is their opinion, I will give you mine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Dumbo. Nothing in the movie will scar a child. In fact, I remember latching onto my family as a young child after watching it. It is a movie that really makes you be thankful for those around you. I think it's one of the best Disney films ever made. Personally, I think it was made in the prime of Disney movies. More recent Disney movies (made after Lion King and Aladin) don't even compare to the depths and wonder of the older classics. The animation is stunning for the time, and the little details and scenes are just wonderful. Although it is a sad watch, lessons are taught and it is just a great movie.

  I'm VERY glad to have seen it quite a few times as a child.
  
  

• THIS 5 STAR CLASSIC DESERVES BETTER!
  By A1ER6IYOMM8VCT on 2007-03-19
  I own both the Dumbo 60th Aanniversay Edition and the Big Top Edition releases. The 60th Anniversay Edition. is a pretty sad release for such an enduring classic! The print is not as clean as it could be and the extras are lacking! The worst thing is that just a few years later, they released the Dumbo Big Top Edition. The picture on the Big Top Edition is a big improvement,but they omitted the theatrical trailers and some other extras from the previous release(60th Annivesary Edition.... Why take them out?)There would have been plenty of room on the disc for all the extras plus! What they did include are some pretty lame games that even a small child will be bored with in a few minutes. This film deserves a 2 disc Platium Edition. It is the fouth full lenth animated feature from the studio and should be treated with the respect it deserves! This kind of slap in the face is what really irratates me with Disney and some of these large studio decisions. I think the fans of these films have bought them enough times to be treated better too! I don't mind an upgrade from a standard DVD to HD DVD, but don't make me keep both versions because you will not carry over the extras from one to another. I am very glad to see the film is intact with no edits.
  
  
• GREAT MOVIE! - I ONLY WISH IT WAS 30 MINUTES LONGER!
  By on 1999-10-16
  I have always loved this movie, but I also almost always forget how quickly it ends. It's so good, it pulls you right into the plot, and engages you in at least two worlds that most kids (at least in America) have dreamed of at one time or another. We all seem to wish we could fly like birds (or elephants), and many of us are allured by the surreal world of the circus. Especially the old-time circus, where there was still a lot of adventure in traveling, and very real danger sometimes, in both the work itself and also in some of the hard-boiled characters one would run into. (Of course, we all forget about the pure hard work that everyone had to help do of packing and unpacking an entire circus. That, too, is portrayed in "Dumbo" in the scenes where everyone is working hard in the pouring rain at night.)

  There is also the mostly vanished world of train travel, and it seems I have always dreamed about being able to travel on the twisty little curvy train-tracks which so often appear in cartoons, going through fantasy mountains with innumerable tunnels and bridges - more like a rollercoaster than any regular train.

  "Dumbo" has all this old-time atmosphere, and a great story as well, but I always seem to forget that the story is over right after Dumbo succeeds in life. I never seem to remember that it just cuts itself short like that, until the "THE END" shows up on the screen. (That's the only part that really bums me. Oh, well except for the fact that a train wreck sequence starring Casey Jr. is featured in a scene in "The Reluctant Dragon", but it's in black and white, it's not entirely visible in that movie, and it was never used in "Dumbo".) I wish they had taken Dumbo and his friends on some more adventures now that he had proven himself, but I guess Disney had other projects in the works.

  Oh well, it's still a great movie. Charming, nostalgic, and delightful for everyone.
  
  

• How the mind plays tricks.
  By A116TH81BHFFTG on 2003-03-16
  I was so excited to rent this video and watch it with my son. I didn't remember it being so racist. I was incredibly saddened as we sat through it, hoping that my son wouldn't pick up on all the slurs against people of color. I agree with many other reviewers that this movie is a classic, it is just a shame that it was socially acceptable to make this kind of statement at that point in time.
  
  
• Still fresh
  By A3FNM6LQ7VEKWH on 2001-08-11
  I hope that people are not put off by the age of this film.

  True, it doesn't have the jaw-dropping animation of recent films. And it doesn't have the excitement and peril of many other Disney films (Rescuers, etc.)

  But it is a touching story that's well-told. And the animation makes up for its lack of technology through sheer artistry. Throw in the great songs, and you get a movie that just doesn't grow old.
  
  

• Absolute Classic. Only whiny sheltering parents complain
  By A1Z8B6MBGBVZKU on 2004-08-05
  I bought this for my three year old and I was amazed at how much I had forgotten about the film. It is a beautiful film. The artwork of those days was so geourgeous. It's like watching a full length feature of moving portraits. I know the graphical Disney movies today are much brighter and colorful , but something about those old water painted cells is more appealing to me.
  Anyway, Dumbo is a wonderful tale of dealing with the grief of being ostracized. Dumbo is a classic protagonist who deals with so much that it is very hard for even an adult to hold back their tears at the end of the movie. People keep complaining about the Pink Elephant scene and the Crowes. Well, it is a fact of life that people drink and this could be used to educate a child. The Crowes are stereotyped of course, but yes most black people did talk that way back then. The point of the whole Crowes scene is too show that African Americans can relate to Dumbo better than anyone because they too had also been mistreated in society. It is in no way makeing fun of African American society. I don't understand this world. Anytime a scene is shown from early American Southern History everyone is in an uproar. This was our history and roots culture folks.
  
  
• The truest of the true Disney Classics
  By A9FFO06F9Y299 on 2005-05-13
  What can I say that already hasn't been said about Dumbo?
  
  It's Disney's shortest animated movie. However, it is also the most beautiful and tear jerking, bar none. Even a heart of stone would melt upon viewing Dumbo with his mother, especially the "Baby Mine" sequence.
  
  
  The art is breathtaking, soft, and for the most part, simple. However, it does have it's terrifying and scary moments, especially the "Pink Elephants On Parade" sequence. Beautifully drawn, and yet, very Daliesque and scary.
  
  The story also contains some very politically incorrect images, but removing or re editing them would completely destroy the film. Thank God Disney has not even tried.
  
  Besides, I look at it this way. The crows eventually befriended Dumbo, and give him encouragement instead of hate and negativity. Social outcasts embracing a social outcast.
  
  Dumbo is a triumph over adversity, not a racist statement.
  
  
  
• Geared towards children
  By A3O7OE2YGLEQHJ on 2006-04-30
  I may be wrong on this, but I believe that this edition of Dumbo is aimed at children. I am led to believe this for the following reasons: This DVD includes a children's game called "My First Circus" a story book "Dumbo's Big Discovery" and sing-along-songs among other things. I give this DVD a five star rating based on the fact that this particular version would be more appealing to children. That being said, i must say that if you are an adult you're better off buying the 60th anniversary edition of Dumbo, but if you are purchasing for a child i would highly recommend Dumbo (big top edition.)
  
  
• the movie is a classic, the DVD underwhelming
  By A2FEGRJQNU51P9 on 2006-07-04
  Dumbo is a classic Disney film, one which is iconic in its imagery of the pink elephants and the poor little elephant with too large ears to fit into the elephant society. This is a very sad and bittersweet movie as Dumbo is removed from his mother who pines away for her lost son. Dumbo has to find his own identity and find a way to not get picked on all the time.
  
  Originally released in 1941, Dumbo is a short 63 minutes in duration. The special features on the Big Top Edition more than outweigh the feature itself. There is a game that teaches children about circus animals, a storybook, two sing a longs, a music video, several Disney shorts. Outside of the commentary track and the shorts, little here is of value or interest to the adult. The real issue with this new "Big Top" Edition is that it is not significantly different than the "60th Anniversary Edition". There is a different music video, the addition of a feature and the loss of others. The film quality itself is not dramatically different than the previous version.
  
  Honestly, Dumbo is a Disney film worth owning. But it makes no difference which edition one purchases.
  
  -Joe Sherry
  
  
• Marred Masterpiece
  By A1DRKLMWEAOKRR on 2006-09-09
  As a kid I loved Dumbo; my kids loved Dumbo; my two tiny grandkids love Dumbo (I bought this edition for them). My adult eyes now see aspects of the flick that both awe and disappoint.
  
  First, the awe. The circus is presented entirely from the animals' point of view. Humans are seen as exploiters using the "dumb" animals for gain and assuming they have no feelings because they are "made of rubber." These attitudes suffuse every human from the barker to the lowly clowns, who'd gladly kill little Dumbo for a bit of fame and fortune.
  
  The circus is mainly a sad affair, with constant and dreary movement from town to town often in driving rain. Even the train engine is caught in the unpleasantness as he pulls the overloaded cars up impossible hills gasping, "I think I can..."
  
  The supreme joy for these captives is the appearance of their babies. The new life brings smiles and warmth to an otherwise cold, confined existence.
  
  It is Dumbo's triumph to literally and miraculously rise above the caged horror of circus life, most poignantly epitomized by his mother's being called mad and mercilessly chained for the crime of being a mother. Dumbo, by employing his handicap, those big ears, to fly, breaks clear of his physical and psychological prison, exacts revenge on all who tormented him and his mother, and, by making more money than the circus ever dreamed of, gets to call his own shots.
  
  Now the disappointments. The movie is short. Disney wanted it to exceed 60 minutes, so he inserted a boring fantasy sequence about pink elephants. This is not an avante garde piece of impressionistic animation: it's filler that gets the movie to 63 minutes, breaks the brisk timing of the rest of the film, and put three generations of my family to sleep when it showed.
  
  The crows represent African American stereotypes that are demeaning and embarrassing and quite unfortunate when kids see them. There is a bit of redemption in the fact that Dumbo chooses them as his entourage when he could have chosen anybody, but that doesn't make up for the insulting portrayal, especially since the movie also features nameless black men as menial circus workers. Blacks are otherwise absent from audiences, townsfolk, and performers.
  
  Should you buy Dumbo and screen it for your kids, anyway? Yep. It's a true classic. It is a shame, though, that the producers felt the need to accept fully the shameful dictates of an apartheid era.
  
  
• Crippled DVD that you can't transfer to your iPod, a waste of money
  By A11J0BD6TYTTET on 2007-07-23
  I get a lot of kid's DVDs that I load onto my iPod for my daughter. It's great for long trips since a good movie will keep her occupied. The problem with this DVD is that it incorporates a new copy protection scheme that makes it much more difficult to format shift it to an iPod (I use HandBrake for this). It seems the only reason Disney released this edition was to prevent consumers from converting this DVD to other formats. The 60th Anniversary Edition released in 2001 has more content and doesn't have this restriction. So if you intend to put this on your iPod, PSP, AppleTV, etc. don't buy this edition and look for the older Dumbo (60th Anniversary Edition).
  
  

• Peter Pan (2-Disc Platinum Edition)
• 101 Dalmatians (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)
• Cinderella (Two-Disc Special Edition)
• The Jungle Book (40th Anniversary Platinum Edition)
• Lady and the Tramp (50th Anniversary Edition)