Mulan

Disney's animation division seems to have fallen into a relatively pleasant rut; their last few cartoon extravaganzas have been unfailingly...adequate, neither unqualified masterpieces nor embarrassing failures. Mulan, the latest strategic move in the Mouse's quest for world domination, is yet another thoroughly respectable entertainment, consistently diverting and engaging without ever really feeling inspired. Once again, the theme is the value of individualism, with a plucky outsider--in this case, a young girl in feudal China who doesn't conform to her society's repressive notions of femininity--forced by circumstances to rebel and prove herself worthy of honor and admiration. When her elderly father is conscripted into the Imperial Army, Mulan (voice of Ming-na Wen) disguises herself as a man and goes to war in his stead. What follows is both entirely predictable and quite a bit of fun; the protagonist, as usual, is a bit of a bore--sort of an earnest cross between Yentl and G.I. Jane--but whenever the energy level begins to flag, Eddie Murphy's wisecracking dragon sidekick lets loose with another barrage of priceless one-liners. The animation is typically masterful, the songs (since the death of lyricist Howard Ashman) typically mediocre. Typical, in short--and therefore recommended. (M. D'Angelo)[DVD Review--November 16, 2004--Walt Disney, 2 discs, 88 min., G, $29.99--Making its second appearance on DVD, 1998's Mulan: Special Edition is presented in a beautiful looking transfer backed by solid Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. DVD extras on this double-disc set include audio commentary by co-directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook and co-producer Pam Coats, seven deleted scenes, four music videos, a 25-minute "DisneyPedia: Mulan's World" guide to ancient China, and two-minute "fun facts" segment, all on the first disc. The second disc serves up several featurettes relating to Mulan's origins, storyboards, art and character design, production, songs, and music. Bottom line: not as elaborate and kid-friendly as Disney's "Platinum Edition" releases, Mulan: Special Edition is still definitely recommended.][Blu-ray Review—Mar. 12, 2013—Walt Disney, 3 discs, 167 min., G, $39.99—Making their first appearance on Blu-ray, 1998's Mulan and 2004's Mulan II are presented with wonderful transfers and DTS-HD 5.1 soundtracks, as well as bonus DVD copies of the films. Extras for Mulan include audio commentary by co-directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook and co-producer Pam Coats, a “Classic Backstage Disney” section with production, design, and story featurettes (58 min. total), deleted scenes (23 min.), an “International Journey” featurette on translating the film (6 min.), a soundtrack segment (5 min.), a multi-language reel (3 min.), the music videos “I'll Make a Man Out of You” by Jackie Chan, “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera, “Reflejo” by Lucero, “True to Your Heart” by Raven, and “True to Your Heart” by Stevie Wonder and 98º, and trailers. Extras for Mulan II include deleted scenes (10 min.), a segment on the voice cast (3 min.), and the music video “(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls” by Atomic Kitten. Bottom line: a beloved contemporary Disney classic and its uneven sequel shine on Blu-ray.]