kng (2k image)Today marks the release of two Disney titles new to DVD: Valiant from Vanguard Animation and distributed by Disney, and Kronk’s New Groove, a fun and inventive sequel to Yzma’s New Groove The Emperor’s New Groove. Animated News’ Christian Ziebarth gives some of his thoughts on each:

When even the recent Chicken Little pokes fun at direct-to-video releases then every DTV release automatically has a bad rap. How does Kronk’s New Groove measure up? As a sequel, Kronk’s scores some extra points for not using a number in its title or the word “Return” and not following the conventions seen in other DTV titles thus far. The animation, while not superb, is at least admirable. Kronk is animated by his original animator from Emperor’s New Groove, David Block, and that helps to keep things looking good. The main storyline (lovable, musclebound Kronk tries to redeem himself after an unwitting turn as an evil henchman) and its subplots (Kronk needs his dad’s approval, Yzma ropes Kronk into more tomfoolery, Kronk finds true love, Kronk has a thing for oven mitts, etc.) are conventional but they are executed in a fresh, witty manner with several clever one-liners that didn’t register on the first viewing. Patrick Warburton, David Spade, Eartha Kitt, and John Goodman all return to voice their respective characters, thereby keeping us from having to hear second-rate voice actors trying to match somebody else’s performance.

Keep an eye out for allusions to The Flintstones, The Lord of the Rings, George of the Jungle, La Cage aux Folles, The Lion King, a part that reminded me of Waking Ned Devine and an allusion to a famous Broadway show, but if I told you what it was it would give the set up away. If you’re a fan of Emperor’s New Groove you’ll want to check this followup out. If you’re not a fan you’re probably not even reading this review.

My Disney DTV Quality Hierarchy:
  • The Lion King 1½
  • Lilo and Stitch: Stitch Has a Glitch
  • Mulan II and Kronk’s New Groove (tied)
  • Lady and the Tramp II
  • Little Mermaid II
  • Tarzan II
  • Aladdin and the King of Thieves
  • Hunchback II
  • Cinderella II
  • Return of Jafar
Kronk’s Disney DTV Quality Hierarchy:
  • Kronk’s New Groove
  • The Lion King 1½
  • Lilo and Stitch: Stitch Has a Glitch
  • Mulan II
  • Lady and the Tramp II
  • Little Mermaid II
  • Tarzan II
  • Aladdin and the King of Thieves
  • Hunchback II
  • Cinderella II
  • Return of Jafar

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The cheesiest part of the movie . . . literally

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Another Disney man with his model trains

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I thought Eisner said there was never going to be a movie about the “It’s a Small World” ride.

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This picture doesn’t need a funny caption

And don’t forget Valiant. This little movie about a band of WWII homing pigeons came and went at the box office but is worth giving a second chance on DVD. It’s not an in-your-face summer event movie blockbuster, nor is it trying to be, and it has some basis in truth (see Wikipedia entry on homing pigeons). The DVD comes with a never-before-seen blooper reel.

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