Publisher: Walt Disney Entertainment, www.disney.com
Ages: two and up
Parental Advisory: None
Now available on DVD, Lilo & Stitch is a refreshing departure from the traditional Disney formula and a very entertaining film. Charm, laughs, and fun times, this film has it all.
The film tells the story of a Lilo, a young and lonely Hawaiian girl who is being raised by her sister and having trouble fitting in. She adopts a small ugly pet from the local pound, which she names Stitch. While Lilo thinks that Stitch is a dog, he's actually a dangerous genetic experiment that has escaped from another planet. Together, the misfits discover and become "ohana," the Hawaiian concept of a family.
Lilo is a big fan of Elvis, who's music is featured prominently in the film, and there are two infectious Hawaiian-themed songs in film. The tropical Hawaiian setting, which is enhanced by the use of watercolor backgrounds, contributes to the film's exotic feel. The animation, as in all Disney features, is superb.
The concept and approach behind Lilo & Stitch is rather offbeat, but works well and results in a very entertaining film. The characters grow on you and the film's uplifting spirit leaves you feeling great. This is one outstanding family film.
DVD extras are limited. Best are the behind-the scenes segments: "The Young Voices of Hawaii" featurette; How-To-Hula Lesson, which shows the filmmakers studying the hula and animated its many nuances; and On Location with the Directors. Less successful are the "Stitch in Time" short, which shows Stitch superimposed into other Disney animated features, and musical videos. Unfortunately, if you want more background on the making of the film, you'll have to wait for Disney to release an upcoming Collector's Edition, which it will sometime next year.
