Starring Eddie Murphy, Ming-Na, B.D. Wong, Soon-Tek Oh, Harvey Fierstein
Written By: Robert D. San Souci
Directed By: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook
Studio: Disney
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One of Disney’s most successful films is now available in a two disc special edition including bonus features and a new never- before-heard deleted song “” Eddie Murphy shines as the character of Mushu the Demoted One, and is worth watching the movie just for his character.

Mulan is the story of a young Chinese woman who has different ideals than her more traditional society. Mulan is supposed to be married, while trying to get out of it, and makes her family’s arrangements a mess. Meanwhile, the Hun army are approaching and preparing to invade China. Mulan’s father is called away to war and Mulan knows her father will not make it. She offers to go in his place, and she is laughed away. Mulan takes matters in her own hands and cuts her hair and ventures out to join the army. Joining Mulan is Mushu, played hilariously by Eddie Murphy, as a fire breathing guardian dragon sent down by her ancestors to protect her. Without Eddie Murphy in this movie, it wouldn’t have been that good. Before there was Shrek 1 and 2, there was Mulan and Eddie definitely hit his mark with this one. So Mulan disguises herself as a man and begins to train with the army as a warrior and makes sacrifice that will bring honor and respect to her country. You have the typical Disney format. Great animation, that has since fallen by the wayside for more CGI animation, humor, drama, action and lots of singing. Ugh, the singing. I guess the songs help hit their demographic and a grown man like myself will not enjoy the songs. Other that that, the story is interesting and gives you a little history lesson, being based on a famous chinese legend.

The features on the special edition set are pretty entertaining, for some. You have 4 music videos, Deleted scenes, backstage disney which covers Ancient China, trivia about the movie, and audio commentary. Disc two covers more behind the scenes items like discovering the character of Mulan with the filmmakers, a narration of the Mulan legend with production art in the background, and early presentation reels used to give ideas to the animators on how to shape the film. Also check out how story board artists developed the designs and story lines for the movie. Plenty of other extras on disk two relating to the production, design and music portions of the film.

Overall, Mulan was visually beautiful and animated great with artwork never really captured with a Disney film. The movie fell a little flat with a quick paced and short film with only Eddie Murphy’s performance as the most stand out. Mulan was one of the more successful Disney films but in terms of entertainment, that is not the case.

Features:
Deleted Scenes
Alternate Openings
Never Before Heard Deleted Song
Music & More
Music Videos
All New Music Videos Featuring Jackie Chan, Raven, and Christina Aguilera
Backstage Disney
Discovering Mulan: Embark on a behind the scenes adventure with the filmmakers
And Much More!

Games & Activities
DisneyPedia: Mulan’s World: Explore the fascinating world of ancient China with your host, Mushu
Mulan Fun Facts
Plus Audio Commentary

Storyboard To Film Comparisons
Multi-Language Presentation
Digital Dim Sum
Songs Of Mulan
THX Certified
And Much More!

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC
SPANISH: Dolby Digital Stereo
FRENCH: Dolby Digital Stereo
MANDARIN: Dolby Digital Stereo

Video:
Widescreen 1.66:1 Color (Anamorphic)

Subtitles:

Favorite Scenes: Anything with Eddie Murphy, anything with not singing.
Rating: G
Running Time: 88 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: