101 Dalmatians

Genre : DVD ( DVD )
Release : 2008/09/16
Price : $22.49

Buy

It's hard to know who thought it would be a good idea to make a live-action version of Disney's animated classic. The one bright notion anyone had was casting Glenn Close as Disney über-villainess Cruella de Vil; her flashing eyes and angular features are a perfect match and do credit to what is one of the most indelible animated characters Disney has ever created. The story remains essentially the same, focusing on Cruella's plot to kidnap the puppies of a young married couple (Jeff Daniels and Jolie Richardson) and make them into a coat. But the dreaded John Hughes, who wrote this script, fills it with sadistic slapstick and far too few genuine laughs. The human actors work hard, but to little avail; thankfully, there's a passel of puppies to regularly steal scenes when the going gets dreary--although there are only so many laughs to be had from inappropriate dog puddles. --Marshall Fine

Amazon throwing reviews for same titled products, which exist in two very differnt formats, often creates problems and we certainly have one here.
There are two US releases of the widescreen version 101 Dalmations: One from December 20o0 and one from the Fall of 2008.

The 2000 version is letterboxed wide screen. the 2008 (the one you definitely want if you have a widescreen TV) is anamorphic wide screen.

If you have a widescreen TV and you get the 2000 DVD (asn: 1558908374) the picture will be terrible compared to the much better 2008 edition (asn: B001B1T7BU)

Now I am not talking about SD (standard definition) vs Blu Ray (HD), or widescreen vs 4:3, but about what happens to a 2:35 (ultra widescreen) film like this when letter boxed as the 2000 version does. this means that half the data of the film is thrown a way. The resolution of the 2000 dvd is very very low quality compared to the same aspect ratio on the 2008 dvd.

I purchased this to show a large group ages 4-11 and it was perfect. Dogs are always a sure thing with the kids.

Fashion designer Anita and computer-game writer Roger meet, fall in love and marry along with their dalmatians Perdita and Pongo. But the proud dogs' puppies are kidnapped by Anita's boss Cruella De Vil, who is stealing young dalmatians to make the coat she has set her heart on. Enlisting the help of the British animal kingdom, Pongo and Perdita set out to find and rescue all ninety-nine pups from their fearsome captors, Jasper and Horace. "101 Dalmatians" is perfectly good clean children entertainment. It's has a fun feeling and atmosphere and some great characters. Glenn Close is perfectly cast as über-villain Cruella De Vil and portrays a highly memorable character. She truly is the highlight of the movie and steals the show. If you liked the cartoon as a kid, you'll love this version as well. Sit down with your family and enjoy this movie.

love, love this movie, glenn close is excellent at being the villian. cute, funny and heart warming.

Glenn Close is really a good sport in the role of Carella De Ville. She was awesome!