The Littlest Angel Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		2.5

The Littlest Angel Blu-ray Movie Review

Made for the "Littlest" of audiences.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman February 27, 2012

Every great treasure has a story.

The Littlest Angel's target audience probably doesn't even know what a "movie review" is, so how to judge something made for people who absolutely don't care about the judgment? Well, it's fairly simple: if the kids in question like colorful animation and have even an inkling of spirituality to them or attend a church on Sunday mornings, they'll probably adore The Littlest Angel, a very simple but nevertheless charming and heartfelt animated adventure directed by Dave Kim and based on Charles Tazewell's book. The Littlest Angel is built around Christian values and wholesome filmmaking, the sort of movie that's probably readily available, along with dozens of other, similar films, at Christian-based retailers or in church libraries. It features the voice of Ron Perlman but is otherwise devoid of household talent or anything that would promote a broader recognition. It's been made for a very specific audience hailing from a very specific grouping that's more concerned with message and the movie's tenderness than wide appeal. Parents should feel safe exposing their children to the movie, and churches looking for a kid-centric movie to show while the parents are busy with the worship service, in business meetings, or other church functions will find The Littlest Angel more than suitable for such a need.

Big things for Littlest.

Littlest (voiced by Caleb Wolfe) is the smallest angel in Heaven. He finds he must work harder than the rest to attain perfection, to sprout his wings and do God's work. He's tasked with simple things like keeping his clothes clean and his halo polished, but when it's time for classroom instruction with the stern Alvin, he's a failure. And Alvin's had enough of Littlest. He sends him off to learn from the Angel of Peace. She takes a liking to Littlest and seems to better understand who he is, where he's come from, and why he's having problems. He's introduced to a puppy named Halo (voiced Ed Kelly) who eventually becomes Littlest's best friend in Heaven. Together, they embark on a forbidden journey back to Earth where Littlest hopes to retrieve a small treasure that will remind him of his brief time on Earth. Little does Littlest know, however, that his misadventures and Earthly treasures will play a significant role in the greatest event Heaven has ever seen.

The Littlest Angel won't win awards for originality, voice acting, animation, or any other category, but it's at least abundant in heart and made for a good purpose. This is, simply, a story of selflessness, of finding one's place, and of the importance of understanding and patience. It's a wholesome, goodnatured picture that paints its subjects and themes broadly, but efficiently. Audiences will adore Littlest, sympathize with his plights, cheer him on during the more adventurous stretches, and appreciate the tidy finale that makes the journey worthwhile. There are good, solid life lessons to be learned or reinforced, even as they are taught from, largely, up above rather down on Earth. The characters are limited in range and presented, primarily, as one-dimensional beings, but they're sufficiently varied and the conflicts such that the film's messages are clear to understand.

As for the film's technical merits, it's no Pixar or DreamWorks Animation movie. The people, places, and things in the movie are depicted, generally, only as basic shapes with no real flow. They are shapely, but often lacking in intricate detail or natural movement. Attention to detail is varied, with basic textures appearing on grasses, wooden crates, and robes, but angel and human faces appear flat. Still, it's adequate low-end computer-generated animation, and the colors are bright and will appeal to younger audiences. The voice acting leaves a bit to be desired, but again, it's adequate for the story, style, and audience. Of note is the film's rather unique take on Heaven. While there's the "pearly gates" and "golden roads," there's also angels who carry on human traits such as anger and a lack of understanding. In this Heaven, angels create "public service announcements" using human film techniques. There is a curfew, pets live separate from angles in their own little corner of Heaven, and there's even, apparently, a system of commerce. It all works in the context of the story, but it's not exactly the stuff of the average Sunday school teachings on the subject.

The Littlest Angel Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Littlest Angel isn't a dazzling Blu-ray by any means, but this 1080p transfer is serviceable and pleasant. Detail is pretty much limited to the original renderings; it captures the more complex and smoother elements with equal precision. Colors, likewise, are vibrant but simple, lacking any real complexity and playing with only broad shades of green, gold, brown, and other basic hues. The image is relatively clear and crisp. Unfortunately, a few technical problems interfere from time to time. Light aliasing, occasional banding, and a few jagged lines are constants throughout. Still, this is a satisfactory transfer, and the kids will love the bright colors it has to offer.

The Littlest Angel Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Littlest Angel features a satisfactory Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that has just enough movement and dazzle to satisfy kids fortunate enough to listen via a 5.1 sound system. Music is generally full and rich, playing with fair spacing and a hefty surround support element. Directional effects are included with several scenes, such as when an out-of-control chariot sweeps through the soundstage. There's a decent low-end rumble to some of these heavier sound effects as well. The general din of Heaven's schoolhouse sounds a little canned and unnatural, but most effects are satisfying and realistic. Dialogue is centered and clear and offers a little spacious reverberation when the situation calls for it. This track won't deafen its audience, but the kids should enjoy it.

The Littlest Angel Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Littlest Angel contains no supplements. Top- and pop-up menus are also absent; users in need of the included English SDH subtitles must turn them on through the remote's "subtitle" button or via the player's on-board menu.

The Littlest Angel Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Littlest Angel will delight the youngest of churchgoing audiences and it won't insult or bore adults. It's cute, charming, and offers a good lesson on the power of selflessness while also telling a story of fitting in and finding one's place in the world. It's tender and honest, suitable for all ages, and would make a great addition to any Church video library. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release doesn't contain any extras, but it does feature adequate video and audio. Recommended to churches and parents who want something safe and easy to show their youngest children.