Hard to believe it's already been 10 years since Keiko the Orca jumped over a young boy and into viewers' hearts. In retrospect, Free Willy is an example of clumsy storytelling ameliorated by a socially relevant animal rights message. A tale of two foster children--ruffian street kid Jesse (Jason James Richter), and cramped-in-a-tank killer whale Willy--who bond over an idealistic image of home (Jesse with his new family of Michael Madsen and Jayne Atkinson; Willy yearning for the open sea), the film's “save the whales” plot is driven by Michael Ironside as the evil marine park owner who doesn't care about Willy's living conditions--only that he brings in the money. Australian director Simon Wincer never met a montage he didn't like and whether getting into trouble, making friends, or training with Willy, everything Jesse does happens in a series of dissolves cued to Basil Poledouris's overbearing score. Yes, Free Willy is as manipulative as all get out (your handkerchiefs), but it's still inspirational overall, and the photography by Robbie Greenberg and Bob Talbot looks lovely--especially for this digitally remastered 10th anniversary edition. DVD extras are kid-centric, with a few uninspired games, text screens, and music videos, but--oddly--no featurette on the real-life story of Keiko. Sure to be popular, this is recommended, overall. [Note: also newly available, Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home and Free Willy 3: The Rescue.] (D. Fienberg)[Blu-ray Review—Aug. 11, 2015—Warner, 112 min., PG, $14.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1993's Free Willy features a great transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include a conversation with wildlife cinematographer Bob Talbot (6 min.), a “Whale Ballet” montage (3 min.), the music video “Will You Be There?” by Michael Jackson, and trailers. Bottom line: a family film favorite makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]
Free Willy
Warner, 112 min., PG, DVD: $19.98 Volume 18, Issue 3
Free Willy
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