When a ruthless industrialist threatens the idyllic farming community of Paradise Valley, it falls upon young Daniel Hatchette to stop him. Hiding the deed to the family farm, Daniel suddenly finds himself hundreds fo miles from home in the barren Texas prairie. So begins Daniel's journey to return home and keep the land-grabbing Stiles from getting his hands on the deed to the farm. Joining Daniel on his quest are some of the legends of the American West, Pecos Bill and his trusty steed, Widowmaker. Paul Bunyan and the famous blue ox, Babe. And finally, the great John Henry. But are Daniel's companions real, or just "tall tales".
'Tall Tale' is Disney's latest live action adventure to be relesed on video. Though Disney's live action films do not enjoy the critical or commercial success usually heaped on their animated films (deserving or not), I usually find these films well made and entertaining. The stories are usually simple and often quite similar. So it is with 'Tall Tale'. Basically a morality tale and 'coming of age' story set against old West mythology, 'Tall Tale' is none the less a fun and exciting ride.
A notable cast includes Scott Glenn as the greedy Stiles, Patrick Swayze as Pecos Bill, Oliver Platt as Paul Bunyan and Roger Aaron Brown as John Henry. Also look for Catherine O'Hara in a humorous turn as Calamity Jane and Burgess Meredith in an unbilled cameo. The film was directed by Jeremiah Chechik from a script by Steven Bloom and Robert Rodat but for my money, the real star behind the camera is DP Janusz Kaminski. Filmed amidst breathtaking Arizona and Colorado locations, it is Kaminski's gorgious anamorphic Panavision photography that will hold your attention, even if the story doesn't.
Looking at Disney's terrific laser disc edition of 'Tall Tale', I suspect this was a visually impressive film on the big screen. Even so, this splendid video transfer goes a long way in presenting this film in it's best light. Kaminski makes stong use of color throughout, particularly the red-orange of the desert sun and the muted blue of a moonlit night, all rendered here with precision. There is a hint of chroma noise in some of the more highly saturated shots, but this is usually slight and, in light of the strong color palatte of this transfer, more than acceptable. The image is sharp and clear with excellent detail and contrast. The transferred ratio is just a fraction under 2.35:1, about 2.30:1, and this framing adds considerably the the enjoyment of this disc.
The Dolby Stereo soundtrack is about what one would expect from a new production. Clear, well balanced dialog with a number of good surround effects. The Randy Edelman score is clean with smooth mids and highs and a solid low end. Range and dymanics are very good.
The film runs 97 minutes and the disc contains 22 chapters. The side break is well placed at a scene change without interrupting a music cue. No trailer or other extras are included. List price is $39.95.
Some will dismiss 'Tall Tale' as "standard Disney fare", but I found it to be entertaining and well made from beginning to end. The special effects are good and the 'PG' action is suitable for any age. I liked it.
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