Review and Giveaway of The Good Dinosaur

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We love Disney movies, as is shown by our fully stocked movie cabinet with almost every animated Disney movie made. When The Good Dinosaur came out, I heard mixed reviews and I was hesitant to take my kids before I could watch it first. Spunky is gets pretty emotionally invested in movies, and I wanted to make sure he wouldn't be crying through the whole thing.

We were given a copy of this movie to facilitate the review, but all opinions are my own.

The movie opens with the idea of what would the world be like if the asteroid had missed Earth and the dinosaurs had continued to live. We meet a mother and father dinosaur who are expecting 3 eggs to hatch. When they do, we are introduced to Buck (big and strong), Libby (smart and fast), and Arlo (the runt). Arlo struggles with his fears and inabilities as his siblings grow and mature faster than him and eventually earn their "mark" (which shows that they earned their place in the world and in the family). There were some really great quotes in this movie that stuck with me and I hope will stick with my kids. The first one came from Papa dinosaur when he was teaching Arlo about overcoming fear, he said "Sometimes you gotta get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side." Arlo is tasked with the job of getting rid of the "critter" who is stealing their food. When his fear prevents him from accomplishing this, his father makes them run into the wilderness to chase after it. Sadly, as in so many animated movies, Papa dinosaur does not make it out. This scene was reminiscent of the part of the Lion King where Simba reaches down to save Mufasa, but is unable to save him. I have to admit, I shed a tear at this scene; but I was glad that it wasn't long and drawn out. When Arlo comes upon the critter again, he blames him for his father's death and chases him, and they both end up falling into the river and being washed away. Without giving away the rest of the movie, I will say that the rest of the journey is about Arlo and the "critter" (eventually named Spot) trying to find their way back home. We encounter several other dinosaurs, some funny parts, and a few more sad ones. The other quote I really liked was from another dinosaur we meet, who tells Arlo, "You can't get ride of fear, like Mother Nature. Can't beat or outrun her, but you can get through it." After seeing the entire movie, I am definitely going to watch it again with my kids. Are there a few sad parts that pull at the heart strings? Yes. Are there parts that might even make them cry? Yes. However, this movie does teach a valuable lesson that everyone needs to understand: You can't let fear control you, you must overcome it and be the best you can be. Yet again, Disney has taken a strong message and packaged it in a cute and lovable character. Let me know what you think of the movie by commenting below. The Bonus features of this movie are extensive. Generally we see a few deleted scenes, or interviews with the actors behind the animated characters. On The Good Dinosaur, you will find between 12-13 bonus features (depending on whether you watch the DVD/Blueray or Digital Copy). I especially liked the behind the scenes bonuses where we got to see what went into making the movie (The Filmmakers Journey), as well as how hearing the film makers and directors talk about the challenges they came across (Every Part of the Dinosaur and Commentary). It amazes me the number of people and the large amount of time and effort go into making an animated movie! The kids especially liked watching the promotional scenes and pieces made for the movie (Dino Bites and Hide and Seek).

Bonus Features:

THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team - Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. TRUE LIES ABOUT DINOSAURS - Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of “The Good Dinosaur“ from what scientists know about real dinosaurs. RECYCLOSAURUS -Watch as “The Good Dinosaur” crew competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only discarded items from the studio’s “free table.” THE FILMMAKERS’ JOURNEY - Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making “The Good Dinosaur.” EVERY PART OF THE DINOSAUR - The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of “The Good Dinosaur” – including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who’s really a boy, and a boy who’s got the spirit of a dog. FOLLOWING THE T-REX TRAIL - Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film. COMMENTARY - Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi. DINO BITES - Montage of original animated pieces produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.” HIDE AND SEEK - A short animated clip produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.” DELETED SCENES o The Attack - An idyllic introduction to the family farm is cut short when a savage predator attacks the newborn Arlo. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn. o Building the Silo – An admiring Arlo is thrilled to follow along as his father builds a silo for the family farm. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn. o Waiting for Poppa – Arlo awaits the return of his beloved father on a stormy night, only to be greeted with tragic news. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn. Blu-ray 3D & DVD: · THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team Digital Exclusive: JUST LISTEN - Trace the development of the unique soundscape of “The Good Dinosaur,” from the wilds of British Columbia as Sound Designer Craig Berkey collects sounds, to the recording studio where Jeff and Mychael Danna use instruments from around the world to create the music.  

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