The concept of a brave little toaster and sundry fellow appliances having animated lives of their own does not have the primal impact of Woody and Buzz's adventures in the Toy Story films, but this 1987 feature based on Thomas M. Disch's book--popping up on DVD for the first time--was a sleeper success for Disney, and remains a charmer. Modestly animated, The Brave Little Toaster charts the incredible journey of the title character, as well as a loquacious tube radio who gives a lot of static (ace work by Jon Lovitz), a desk lamp, a childlike electric blanket, and a vacuum cleaner (Thurl Ravenscroft, who voiced Tony the Tiger, and famously sang "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"). Seemingly deserted at a family's summer home, the appliances fear that it is "scrap metal time" and set off to the big city to find their beloved college-bound Master, navigating obstacles and close encounters with menacing characters such as the junk dealer who is eager to scavenge their parts. Boasting a solid if undistinguished transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and a "making-of" (that is actually nothing of the sort, but rather a pitch for the lesser sequels, The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars and The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue--also newly available on DVD), this is recommended. (K. Lee Benson)
The Brave Little Toaster
Walt Disney, 90 min., G, DVD: $24.99 Volume 18, Issue 6
The Brave Little Toaster
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