Rating:  -
I am delighted to see that two of my favorite Disney films have been released on dvd, "Million Dollar Duck" and "The Barefoot Executive." Descriptions of the plots for these movies are already noted here, but I will say that both these films are very enjoyable family viewing. I can remember going to the theater as a child and watching these films, and I still enjoy them today. Nobody's claiming they're the best films ever, or even the best Disney films ever, just good, fun entertainment in the grand Disney tradition.Some have complained about these films not being released in their original aspect ratio's, or being remastered for dvd. Although I would have preferred them released letterboxed as well, neither film was released in a very wide aspect ratio, so they play fine on tv, and as for Disney using the same masters they used for the vhs releases and tv airings, if that's what they did, big deal. Those prints are fine. Sharp, clear pictures, with good color.Sure, it would have been nice to have remastered letterboxed versions on dvd, but be grateful we have them on dvd at all. They've both been a long time coming.
Rating:  -
First of all, I must say "The Barefoot Executive", which was Kurt Russell's second starring role in his early Disney period, is a wonderful, comic farce. It has a terrific supporting cast, including the hilarious comedy team of Joe Flynn and Wally Cox, an early appearance by the late John Ritter, and a pleasing turn by Heather North as Russell's love interest. And then there's Russell's costar, a chimp who can predict hit TV shows, well-played by Bubbles. His "talent" comes in handy when ambitious mailboy Russell uses his predictions to get ahead at the television network he works at. In all, it's a funny farce that kids and their parents will enjoy.
Alas, I cannot recommend this film for purchase at this time. And here are five reasons why:
1. Disney DVD has once again made the head-scratching decision to release "Barefoot Executive" in a full-screen format, instead of widescreen. Why? Who knows. This is extremely annoying, especially since it was undoubtedly filmed in the family friendly 1:66:1 aspect ratio. Heck, my 3 year old niece has no problem with those black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Why should anyone else?
2. There is nothing to lead me to believe this film has been restored. Therefore, we're evidently getting the same tired print from the VHS version. Why replace something with something that is no better than what you already have?
3. There are absolutely no special features. None.
4. The retail price of $19.99 is ridiculously expensive for a bare-bones DVD. Most comparable DVDs are priced at $9.99 or less, so Disney should be ashamed of themselves for ripping the customer off.
5. As I said before, 1+2+3+4=ONE BIG RIPOFF.
So, my verdict, thumbs down to Disney and this package. I'd like to thank them, however, for saving me money. Not buying this, "Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.", and "Million Dollar Duck" will save me anywhere from $45-$60 that I can use to buy product from other DVD companies, like Anchor Bay, for instance, that values its customers enough to present us with topnotch, worthy product.
*** (out of *****)for the film; * for the DVD; ** overall
Rating: -
If it seems like Kurt Russell has been around forever it's because he HAS! He's been acting since 1957. He was 20 years old when he made this movie in 1951, but still was that fresh-faced kid we'd come to know in "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" done a few years before. Although it seems like it since once again Joe Flynn is a co-star, this was not a part of the Dexter Riley series of films. Other co-stars include Wally Cox, Harry Morgan, and an equally young John Ritter.
Russell plays Steven Post who works in the mail room of a big television network. Steven discovers that his girlfriend's pet chimp can pick TV ratings winners and soon as the network execs buzzing. Joe Flynn and Wally Cox play off each other hilariously in this film. Flynn was always so much fun to watch with that always perturbed look on his face and wondering "why me?". Ritter actually plays the snobby nephew to the head of the studio who gets his just desserts in the end.
Hey, these things were not classics but they were good and fun family movies the type of which you don't see anymore. Disney did so well at these types of things in the 60's and early 1970's Nice to see they are releasing them on DVD as well.
Rating: -
Ah, it great to see Disney finally cutting loose from their film vault this and other great live-action films. Kurt Russell and especially Hayley Mills were true bread and butter income for a host of Disney films and were personal favorites of Uncle Walt himself. But why oh why does Disney treat these two wonderful actor's films to lousy Pan & Scan transfers? Of the six Mills pictures, only half are in their OAR. As far as Russell, I think only one of his flicks is in its OAR, "Now You See Him, Now You Don't"! A sad, sad situation for 2008 technology and an insult to both of these fine actors.
UPDATE: 04.29.08
As someone has kindly pointed out that this movie was an open matte from a 1.85:1 print, you wonder why they would do this, especially back in 1971? Disney's logic continues to befuddle even today.
Rating: -
I've been waiting for years for "The Barefoot Executive" to finally make an appearance on DVD. I first watched the movie as a child and, of course, loved it! The film provides good and very clean fun: something that the monkey in this movie wouldn't find on network TV these days.
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