CHIMPANZEE
(G)
MOVIE: ***1/2 (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **1/2 (out of 5)
STARRING
Chimpanzees as THEMSELVES
Tim Allen as NARRATOR
Directed by: Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield
BY KEVIN CARR
The DisneyNature label is a wonderful thing. Out there to compete with (and at times use footage from) the excellent productions of BBC Earth, DisneyNature has some great content on the natural world. It also taps into the classic style of the old-school Disney nature documentaries.
“Chimpanzee” is DisneyNature’s fourth film, and like “African Cats,” it is more specialized than the very general “Earth” and “Oceans” from previous years. This film tells the story of a group of chimpanzees trying to survive. When one of the mothers dies, the young focus finds a new parent in a very uplifting story of nature.
It’s a bit contrived at times, with editing and storytelling, to fit an actual narrative, but for the target market of younger viewers, it’s a perfectly fine piece of filmmaking. Showing an intimate look at chimpanzees, their culture and their nature, “Chimpanzee” is a fascinating look into the world we share with our simian cousins.
The Blu-ray comes bundled with the DVD of the film, which includes the bonus features “See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzee,” “Disney’s Friends for Change” and “Disney’s Conservation Legacy.” Additional features exclusive to the Blu-ray include “On Location: The Making of Chimpanzee,” plus a music video and making-of featurette on “Rise” by the McClain Sisters.