Atlantis: Milo’s Return

The Walt Disney studio has a penhant, indeed a knack, for making direct-to-video sequels to some of its successful films. Some of them are very good (Return to Neverland is one), but this sequel is no better than the original, a film we didn't really find particularly interesting.

Unfortunately, Atlantis: Milo’s Return epitomizes the worst of these direct to video sequels. It has a lame storyline, animation that isn't up to Disney's lofty standards, and voice talent that doesn't hold a candle to the original stars.

Okay, to be fair, Jim Varney is dead; but Milo without Michael J. Fox?

Anyway, the story, such as it is, sees Milo and Kida going back to the surface, only to be drawn into a series of what in a good movie would be called adventures. They battle a mythical Kraken (shades of Harryhause), a giant ice creature, etc.

It's all pretty lame, but as with many of these titles it'll probably keep the kiddies happy while mom and dad are busy empowering themselves. So it'll undoubtedly sell.

The DVD release is typical of Disney’s direct-to-video sequels. It offers the film in “family-friendly” (whatever that means!) anamorpic widescreen (1.66:1, 16x9 TV compatible), and the picture is pretty good. Not great, mind you; it’s soft, and the colors aren't as rich as they were in the in the original film (whose DVD release was excellent).

The audio is presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and dts, which is great! The audio quality itself is merely good, however; there are plenty of opportunities for some good use of the surround channels, but there wasn’t much surround.

The ankle biters may not care about all this, though.

Extras include a deleted scene and a “Search for the Spear of Destiny” game.

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