Released in 1995, "Balto" was Amblinations attempt to the animated empire that was then occupied by Disney (although their domination was starting to decline). While it didn't set the box office on fire, "Balto" was still a cult hit and has gained it's audience after wards, which is quite deserved.
Balto may not be a milestone in animation, but still delivers a quite likable experience, as the matter of fact quite likable. Watching the film again after many years, I was surprised to see how much there was to like about the film, as a solid story, engaging characters and a fine score by James Horner. Although "Balto" is obviously aimed towards a younger audience, it has enough pathos, drama and suspense to engage an older viewer. While the animation may not be at Disney's standards, its's still not entirely flawed either. The character designs are good and the character animation is quite effective.
Whether it was intentional or not, "Balto" does bring back some thoughts to Disney's features. Balto comes across as a canine version of Aladdin, while Steele is obviously a canine version of Gaston. The three dogs that worship Steele are reminiscent of the hyenas in "The Lion King", while the female dogs hearkens back the thoughts to the female dogs in "Oliver and Company". The bear attack is reminiscent to the one in "The Fox and the Hound". In true Disney fashion, Balto has the sidekicks in Boris, Muk and Luk and a love interest. But interestingly enough, "Balto" is no musical and is absent for songs, which is an interesting choice.
The characters are another strong component to make "Balto" work. Balto may be your average hero, but he still is quite likable. Rosie is an endearing little girl. Steele is a effective semi-villain and his three worshipers are enjoyable. Boris and Muk/Luk might be grating at times, but they do have their moments. The least successful is Balto's love interest, Jenna, who's horribly bland.
If there's any flaw in "Balto", then there's the screenplay and the pacing. The pacing is somewhat clunky and muddled at times. The obligatory kiddie-humor can also be grating at times.
Despite this, "Balto" is a good film that deserves to be seen by every animation fan.
Balto may not be a milestone in animation, but still delivers a quite likable experience, as the matter of fact quite likable. Watching the film again after many years, I was surprised to see how much there was to like about the film, as a solid story, engaging characters and a fine score by James Horner. Although "Balto" is obviously aimed towards a younger audience, it has enough pathos, drama and suspense to engage an older viewer. While the animation may not be at Disney's standards, its's still not entirely flawed either. The character designs are good and the character animation is quite effective.
Whether it was intentional or not, "Balto" does bring back some thoughts to Disney's features. Balto comes across as a canine version of Aladdin, while Steele is obviously a canine version of Gaston. The three dogs that worship Steele are reminiscent of the hyenas in "The Lion King", while the female dogs hearkens back the thoughts to the female dogs in "Oliver and Company". The bear attack is reminiscent to the one in "The Fox and the Hound". In true Disney fashion, Balto has the sidekicks in Boris, Muk and Luk and a love interest. But interestingly enough, "Balto" is no musical and is absent for songs, which is an interesting choice.
The characters are another strong component to make "Balto" work. Balto may be your average hero, but he still is quite likable. Rosie is an endearing little girl. Steele is a effective semi-villain and his three worshipers are enjoyable. Boris and Muk/Luk might be grating at times, but they do have their moments. The least successful is Balto's love interest, Jenna, who's horribly bland.
If there's any flaw in "Balto", then there's the screenplay and the pacing. The pacing is somewhat clunky and muddled at times. The obligatory kiddie-humor can also be grating at times.
Despite this, "Balto" is a good film that deserves to be seen by every animation fan.