Product Details

• Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Jason Raize, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas
• Directors: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
• Writers: Steve Bencich, Lorne Cameron, Ron J. Friedman, David Hoselton, Tab Murphy
• Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS 5.1), French (Unknown), Spanish (Unknown)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: March 30, 2004
• Run Time: 85 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (354 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005JMFH
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,927 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Brother Bear (Two-Disc Special Edition)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Brother Bear has a dramatic story--after he kills a bear, a young hunter named Kenai (voiced by Joaquin Phoenix, Gladiator) in prehistoric North America is turned into a bear himself and hunted by his own brother--but the animated movie's tone is more earnest and warm than tragic, focusing on the unfolding relationship between Kenai and an orphaned bear cub named Koda (voiced by Jeremy Suarez). However, it's often the comic supporting characters who prove the most popular, and a pair of moose voiced by Rick Moranis and Doug Thomas in their McKenzie brothers/Canadian dude mode (from SCTV and the movie Strange Brew) will win many fans. The songs by Phil Collins are typically negligible, but the hand-drawn animation is lush (occasional flashes of computer-generated animation clash with the movie's overall look). Kids will also enjoy the mammoths; no sabre-toothed tigers, unfortunately. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description

Disney proudly presents BROTHER BEAR, an epic animated adventure full of comedy and heart. With five great new songs from Academy Award winner Phil Collins (1999 Best Original Song, "You'll Be In My Heart," from TARZAN(R)), it's "pure Disney magic from beginning to end!" raves Clay Smith of Access Hollywood. When an impulsive boy named Kenai is magically transformed into a bear, he must literally walk in another's footsteps until he learns some valuable life lessons. His courageous and often zany journey introduces him to a forest full of wildlife, including the lovable bear cub Koda, hilarious moose Rutt and Tuke, woolly mammoths, rambunctious rams, and more! BROTHER BEAR is "a charming, enchanting story for kids of all ages!" ( Larry King, CNN)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 89 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars SEE THIS MOVIE November 7, 2003

By A Customer

I went to Brother Bear not really knowing what to expect. Some of the recent Disney hand drawn animated releases have fallen short of expectations. I have to say that I was extremely impressed by the plot and character development in this movie. The story, while it is a relatively simple one, is one that draws you in and makes you care about the characters. And while many of us can see where the plot is going, the journey is highly enjoyable with some unexpected twists along the way.

For those of you who don't know what the movie is about, it is a coming of age movie about a boy who becomes a man by becoming a bear. Beyond that, it is about breaking stereotypes, and developing a respect for life. It is about dealing with anger and loss. The emotional intensity of this movie is much more similar to Lilo and Stitch or Finding Nemo, than it is to older hand animated movies such as Aladdin or The Little Mermaid. My four year old is very sensitive and had to be held at several points during the movie. But my six year old loved it, and learned some valuable lessons as well.

If I had anything negative to say, it would be that the music is not as memorable as I would have liked. I wish that they had asked Sir Elton John to contribute to the music for the picture. I like Phil Collins, but the music is too reminiscent of Tarzan for me. Still, it's not enough of a negative in this movie to make me change my rating.

Overall, I think that if they made more hand animated movies like this, they could continue to put them out forever. CGI is nice, but part of what makes Pixar movies memorable is the care given to the plot. This movie will probably be one of the great animated sleeper movies of all time--definitely can't wait to own it on DVD as well.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Typical Disney concept, superior execution November 3, 2003

By bensmomma VINE™ VOICE

"Brother Bear" has all the traits we are familiar with from Disney, but they are more nicely done than in some recent efforts. There is a grand sentimental theme (brotherly love), a soaring musical score, an earnest effort to incorporate another culture into the film (Inuit), an ornery lead who has something to learn (Kenai), a loveable little sidekick (Koda), and secondary characters for comic relief (Rutt and Tuke, two goofy mooses, played by Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis re-enacting their "McKenzie Brothers" routine).

Somehow it comes together better than most. The quality of the animation is excellent, the characterizations clearer, the funny bits genuinely funny (my favorite bit was the mooses' penchant for doing yoga poses). Moreover, the ending was a bit less trite than is sometimes the case.

Disney true-blue fans will definitely want to see it, but even if you usually have a low tolerance for Disney stories, give this one a look.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Disney has done it again! October 25, 2003

By Kimberly Oh

We saw a special sneek preview on 10/25/03. Brother Bear is a hit. Well written story line, great music, and beautiful animation.

Make sure you stay until all the credits have run, there's one last "outtake" at the very very end of the movie. Most of the audience had walked out, and missed it.

Aloha,
The Oh Family
Honolulu, HI