7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Who says best friends have to be human? Not Willie Morris, who receives a talented terrier named Skip for his birthday. With Skip’s remarkable and unconventional help, Willie and Skip turn bullies into friends, tangle with hapless moonshiners and even win the affections of the prettiest girl in school.
Starring: Frankie Muñiz, Diane Lane, Luke Wilson, Caitlin Wachs, Kevin BaconFamily | 100% |
Sport | 33% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The words "based on a true story" rarely carry much weight with me, but author Willie Morris's reflections on his childhood in My Dog Skip are so earnest, so touching and strike such a resonant chord that I couldn't help but be mesmerized by his account of life as a young Mississippi boy in the early 1940s. Morris's musings are even more affecting as helmed by screenwriter Gail Gilchriest and delivered by Southern-draaawled narrator Harry Connick Jr. in director Jay Russell's equally moving film adaptation of the same name. Skip may co-star a lovable pup, but the dog is merely a catalyst of change in young Willie's life; a friend to a timid boy who had none, a doorway to a future that might not have otherwise presented itself, a silent advocate willing to bear the burdens heaped on his master's shoulders. Make no mistake, My Dog Skip isn't cute-n-cuddly drivel, a talking-animal fable or the sort of shameless melodrama that oozes vapid sentiment. No, it's a far more moving and, dare I say, far more timeless family film than that.
"The dog of your boyhood teaches you a great deal about friendship, love and death."
My Dog Skip scampers onto Blu-ray with a wholesome 1080p/VC-1 transfer that, barring a few outstanding issues, serves Russell's early '40s canvas and cinematographer James L. Carter's shoeshine palette well. Lush forests, hearthy interiors and sunny ballfields are just the beginning, and every bold green, rich amber hue and bold jersey is as warm and vibrant as the next. Black levels are deep (albeit a bit too deep on occasion), fleshtones are relatively lifelike (the occasional flushed face notwithstanding), and contrast remains strong throughout. Skip isn't tack-sharp by any means and filmic softness seasons the proceedings, but detail is still quite satisfying. Smartly resolved fine textures are everywhere, definition is decidedly decent, and a faint veneer of grain is visible at all times. Some minor ringing, reasonable crush, oversaturated primaries, oppressive shadows and questionable noise creep into the image here and there, but no single issue emerges as a major distraction. In fact, artifacting, banding, aliasing and other nuisances are largely held at bay, allowing each scene to stand on its own merits. My Dog Skip certainly isn't the best looking ten-year-old catalog title on the market, but Warner's presentation doesn't leave much room for serious complaint.
Here's a sentence I didn't expect to be writing: the unequivocal highlight of My Dog Skip's AV presentation is its restrained but convincing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Dialogue is clean, clear and consistent, Skip's barks and growls are just as commendable, and effortless prioritization ensures little is left by the wayside. But it's the rear speakers that really bring the film to life. What begins as a quiet, unassuming soundfield soon erupts with activity: a chorus of insects serenade a sun-baked field, the distant call of a dark forest lingers in a moonlit cemetery, excitable parents laugh and cheer at a crowded baseball field... each environment refined and immersive. Directionality is precise, pans are smooth, and William Ross's tender score envelops the listener with ease. The only underwhelming aspect of the mix? LFE support, while serviceable, is far from commanding. Not that it matters much when it comes to a leisurely family film. It may not shake the floors and rattle the windows, but stirring catalog sonics like these shouldn't disappoint anyone.
The Blu-ray release of My Dog Skip includes three special features: a personable but largely technical commentary with director Jay Russell; a second, surprisingly informative track with animal trainer Matilda de Cagny and a young, well-spoken Frankie Muniz; and a selection of wisely discarded deleted scenes (SD, 4 minutes) with non-optional director's commentary.
Family entertainment doesn't get much more earnest or sincere than My Dog Skip. No obnoxious talking animals, no threadbare heartstrings, no trite sentiment... just meaningful, heartfelt drama with something to offer filmfans of all ages. Better still, Warner's perfectly priced Blu-ray release is well worth owning. Its AV presentation not only outclasses its DVD counterpart -- thanks to an impressive (albeit imperfect) video transfer and a surprisingly absorbing DTS-HD Master Audio track -- its double-commentary supplemental package adds some welcome replay value. I know, I know... it looks like another one of those family flicks. But My Dog Skip wasn't at all what I expected and turned out to be more memorable than I could have anticipated. I'm proud to add it to my personal collection.
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