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DVD
Hercules
Publisher: Walt Disney Video
Format: Animated, Color, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, NTSC
Actors: Tate Donovan, Josh Keaton, Roger Bart, Danny DeVito, James Woods
An outrageous odyssey of fun, fantasy, and adventure unfolds in the hilarious hit film HERCULES, Disney's 35th animated triumph "brimming with comic surprise!" (Entertainment Weekly) Taken from the gods as a newborn, adopted on earth, Hercules becomes an awkward teenage pillar of strength. Trying to fit in, he discovers his dad is Zeus and home is Mount Olympus -- if he can move from "zero" to true hero! Hercules teams with babyhood pal Pegasus, the flying stallion, and Phil -- a feisty personal trainer -- for the mission. But it's no easy task as he must match wits with Grecian beauty Meg and a comical hothead named Hades. With the help of Pain and Panic, Hades plans to rule the Universe with only Hercules standing in his way! With a bold animation style, colossal voice cast, and spectacular music, HERCULES is unmatched in strength -- delivering something for everyone with "pinwheeling, knockabout fun!"
Not the egregious foul it seemed to be in theaters, Hercules stands up as an entertaining spritzer of an animated feature. The continual peppering of in-jokes and cultural references becomes less irksome on video. That there's no majesty or awe invested in the beloved Greek legends also seems less of an error. Also on the plus side is the bounciest Alan Menken music since Little Shop of Horrors. With Zeus's blood in his veins, young Hercules's amazing strength makes him an outcast (sorry, that still doesn't fly), so he trains with a satyr named Phil to become a hero. Along the way Herc meets Meg, a common mortal who falls hard for him. They're both against the jocular Hades, who has to destroy Hercules to take over Olympus. The hydra is the computer-animated set piece for this little number, a no-chance attempt to beat that wildebeest herd from The Lion King. --Keith Simanton
| Customer Reviews: |
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| Zero to hero. |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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Disney released its 35th full-length film in early 1997 and much like all Disney films be prepared for musical numbers to tell the story.....but they are done by Alan Menken....so it isn't all that bad. The plot is set early in the film: Hades wishes to over-throw Mt. Olympus and imprison the legendary gods that live atop the mystical mountain. So Hades summons the sisters of fate to predict the outcome - their forecast is anything but reassuring. A child will be born on Olympus that will defeat Hades' plot - if Hercules fights Hades will lose. So Hades sends his to loyal henchmen, Pain and Panic, to steal the baby from Zeus and feed him an elixir that will remove the young Hercules' godhood and allow Hades to kill the newborn. Well, in typical style, Pain and Panic, botch the assignment and Hercules retains his godly strength. This is a key event in the movie....since it is Hercules' strength the makes him an outcast among the mortals.....and during his teenage years he heads toward the Temple of Zeus looking for answers. This is when the young Herc learns of his true heritage....but before he can join his father on Olympus, Hercules must become a true hero. To aide him, Zeus returns his companion Pegasus, a flying white steed and tells him to find Philoctetes.
After receiving these instructions, Hercules seeks out the guidance of Philoctetes - the trainer of heroes. Shortly after his departure, Hercules finds a satyr spying on two wood nymphs - wouldn't you know it, this peeping Phil is the goatman he's been looking for. After a little encouragement from Zeus, Phil accepts the young student as his pupil - this is no small task, however, Hercules may have monstrous strength, but he's as coordinated as a dancer with two left feet. After Hercs' training we meet another key character in the film, Megara, who made a deal with Hades that allows him to keep her soul. Stumbling upon the River Guardian, Herc takes it upon himself to rescue this damsel in distress. We soon learn that this was no chance meeting.....Hades has made another deal with Meg - if she can manipulate Herc...Hades will release her soul - but this path soon finds a fork in the road when Meg and Herc fall in love.....this becomes a major problem since the deadline to attack Olympus is drawing near. This sets up the next key event in the movie....Hades schemes up a dubious plot that uses Meg's own life as bait to force Hercules to relinquish his strength for twenty four hours. The two strike the deal but with one stipulation: if Meg gets hurt Hercules will regain his strength. I don't think I'll go any further...I don't want to spoil the film for those who haven't seen it....and if your anticipation levels are high, the rest of the film promises to raise them even more. Will Meg get hurt and allow Hercules to regain his strength? Will Hades defeat the twelve gods of Olympus? Will the film end with a happily ever after?
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| Good Entertainment For Older Kids |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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This movie is entertaining and has a wonderful moral lesson in the end. I bought it for my toddlers, and although it contains stimulating animation, they did not enjoy all the battles Hercules had to endure. It is a movie based on the mythical hero, but completely incorrect from an historic point of view. Maybe my kiddos will like it a bit more in a couple of years.
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| Not so accurate.... |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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Though this movie is great for an hour and forty five minutes of entertainment its accuracy is something from another planet. If your looking to educate your children about the gods this isn't the right movie. However, if you want a little play-off on the gods and goddesses this is perfect. Its packed with humor and adventure, perfect for any ages. If you want some fun stories to read to your child I would recomend the D'AULAIRES book of greek myths.
From a middle school student in MA.
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| hercules movie i payed for and never recieved |
| Customer Rating: 1 out of 5 |
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I never recieved this movie...and its been a mounth and two ays since my purchase had been made. I hope amozon banns the seller from selling items because all the reviews this person recieved wer awful.
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| Great |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I received the movie at the time indicated it would be sent and it was in great condition. Thank you.
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