Return to Never Land

Disney has been doing flimsy, forced, straight-to-video sequels for years, but until recently the studio has had the decency not to desecrate its more timeless pictures on the big screen. No longer. In this animated sequel to Peter Pan, the deadly serious daughter of a grown-up Wendy is kidnapped by Captain Hook and taken to Never Land as bait to lure a one-liner spouting Peter into a trap. Rescued without much fuss, the girl goes through pretty much the same Lost Boys rites of initiation as her mother did (being viewed as the boys' new mother, learning to fly, etc.), while superficial, forgettable pop songs play on the soundtrack. Minimal effort and little imagination went into this tired recycling of standard kiddie flick themes. If Peter Pan sequels appeal to you, check out the reverential, funny and wonderfully creative Hook instead. Not a necessary purchase. [Note: DVD extras include "Never Land's New Hero" (an interactive story about Lost Boy Cubby), a detailed "Rescue the Lost Boys Adventure Game," two short "Lost Treasures" deleted scenes with onscreen commentary, an "I'll Fly" segment about the song featuring Jonathan Brooke, and DVD-ROM features. Bottom line: a so-so extras package for a so-so sequel.] (R. Blackwelder)[DVD Review—Dec. 11, 2007—Walt Disney, 73 min., G, $29.99—Making its second appearance on DVD, 2002's Return to Never Land (Pixie-Powered Edition) features a great transfer and DVD extras such as five minutes of “Lost Treasures” deleted scenes, the DVD game “Tinker Bell's Challenge: Quest for the Light,” three brief “Magical Fairies Moments” promoting the upcoming straight-to-video companion film Tinker Bell, and trailers. Bottom line: like we said before, a so-so set of extras for a so-so sequel.]