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SHARK TALE
Review by Chastity Campbell
Voices: Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renee Zellweger,
Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Martin Scorsese
Directors: Vicky Jensen, Bibo Bergeron, Rob Letterman
Video: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround
Studio: Dreamworks
Features: See Review
Length: 90 Minutes
Release Date: February 8, 2005
Lenny: Ahh gee pop, um...here's
the thing: I am a vegetarian.
Film ***
Oscar is a lowly tongue scrubber at the Whale Wash.
When his latest get rich quick scheme backfires, Oscar finds himself in
hot water with the boss. Lenny is a vegetarian shark, with no interest in the family
business. When his father the Don
decides it's time to retire, he worries that Lenny isn't ready to do his part.
Okay, this fun filled, family friendly movie was jam packed
with laughs, entertainment, and big Hollywood names! From the moment you pop this DVD in, Shark Tale grabs
your attention, and with its fast paced dialogue, wonderful soundtrack, and easy
going characters, it holds you tight till the very end.
I love Will Smith. I
really loved Will Smith, as Oscar, the somebody wannabe.
I don't know that this film would have been the same if anyone else had
been playing the part of Oscar. Will
is one of the most talented actors on the market these days, and by choosing his
roles wisely, as he did with this film, he proves yet again what a Hollywood
commodity he truly is!
Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese, both had me in
stitches. Scorsese is a laugh a
minute as the wise guy Sykes. And
what better role for Robert De Niro than a Mob Boss style Shark!
Jack Black stars as Lenny, the vegetarian shark.
Jack does a marvelous job bringing Lenny's softer side forward.
I really felt sorry for the big lug, when his dad and brother try to
force him to be something he's not.
Angelina Jolie and Renee Zellweger are Oscar's love
interests in the film. Jolie does
an absolutely seductive job with her husky voice and steamy looks.
On the flip side of that is Zellweger, whose whispery soft pledges of
friendship and devotion go almost unheard by Oscar...almost!
There was so much fun and excitement in this film that it's
hard to categorize in a simple review.
Video ***
Ahh, good clean quality video...it doesn't get any better
than this! The 1.85:1
Anamorphic Widescreen was very clean and vivid with only a hint of graininess.
The colors popped right off the screen and everything was easily visible
from beginning to end.
Audio ***
I really enjoyed the audio on this DVD. The 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround was absolutely brilliant in its quality and clarity. The audio mix was well balanced, with no audible flaws. The soundtrack was extremely well done. New mixes of some golden oldies really jazzed up this undersea adventure.
Features ****
There was a boat load of extras attached to this Shark's
Tale!
Rough Waters – Hilarious Technical Bloopers starts off
the family fun, giving you a look at errors made during the digital animation
process.
Star Fish takes you behind the scenes, to give you an in
depth look at the making of Shark Tale through the eyes of the actors.
The Music of Shark Tale is a literal dance fest of
fun and excitement.
A Fishified World and Gigi The Whale are fun little extras
that let you view individual scenes, and hear interesting stories.
A Tour You Can't Reef-use lets you determine what portion
of the production process you want to view through still images and story board
sketches.
Filmmakers' Commentary takes you into the minds of the
people behind the film, as they explain their experiences with creating this
movie.
Previews for other Dreamworks films are included, along
with Cast Biographies & Filmmakers Biographies.
Dreamworks Kids is an interactive ride that will
entertain the entire family.
Whether you are hanging out at Club Oscar, (which by the
way was created just for the DVD), enjoying some Fin-Filled Scenes, or Rocking
The Reef with some oldies but goodies, everyone will definitely find something
to enjoy.
Must Sea Games is an interactive set of DVD-Games that let
you become a part of the creative process.
There is also a whole set of DVD-Rom features to explore
and enjoy.
Scene Selection, and subtitles in English, French and
Spanish bring this ocean-sized set of extras to an end...I think!
Summary: