Product Description

We're back in an all-new movie, eh? Beauty. And not just us moose, but the large bear (that's Kenai) and his little brother bear (that's Koda) and also this new girl named Nita. She's a handful, eh? Nita knew Large Bear way back when he wasn't a bear. That was in the first movie, remember? Anyway, they thought they were gonna be together forever even though they get along like two angry beavers in a mud hut. Okay, so now the Great Spirits say they have to go on a great big, exciting journey to break the pact. So don't trample off. Join me and my brother -- oh, and there's a couple fetching moosettes in this story too -– for all sorts of laughs and wild adventure. (See what I did. I used the word "wild" 'cause we're out in the woods.) Beauty. It's gonna be tons of fun for the whole family, eh?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7687 in DVD
• Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
• Released on: 2006-08-29
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 73 minutes

Features

• We're back in an all-new movie, eh? Beauty. And not just us moose but the large bear (that's Kenai) and his little brother bear (that's Koda) and also this new girl named Nita. She's a handful, eh? Nita knew Large Bear way back when he wasn't a bear. That was in the first movie, remember? Anyway, they thought they were gonna be together forever even though they get along like t

Amazon.com
The bonds of true friendship and love are powerful enough to persist through even the most extreme circumstances, but can even the strongest bond endure when a young man and a young woman are split apart by the spirits? Since being turned into a bear as punishment for his insensitivity in Brother Bear, Kenai has managed to find true happiness and a compelling sense of purpose in his new relationship with his adopted brother Koda. But when Kenai's old friend Nita prepares for her wedding day with another man, the spirits send a sign indicating that a strong connection still exists between Kenai and Nita. The tribe Shaman suggests that the two join forces in a ritual to sever the bond between them and Nita, newly endowed with the ability to communicate with animals, seeks out Kenai in the woods. Even as the two friends resolutely journey to break the connection between them, the inescapable bond between them strengthens and threatens to disrupt not only Nita's upcoming marriage, but the special relationship between Kenai and Koda. In the end, destiny may require that each of the three choose between his or her happiness and the happiness of the other two. Like its predecessor Brother Bear, Brother Bear 2 features lush animation; a nice blend of action, suspense, and comedy; and a powerful message. (Ages 3 - 12) --Tami Horiuchi

Bryan Erdy, NBC TV
"Sure to become another Disney classic."

Sandie Newton, CBS TV, Dallas/Fort Worth
"All the Disney magic returns in ‘BROTHER BEAR 2’"

Customer Reviews

Once you love someone...They stay in your heart forever!
I had the opportunity to go to an advance screening of this film and for those who may be skeptical about the quality of sequels to modern animated works, it is hoped that you will give this feature a try. Quality children's programming is rare and this effort tries to impart messages that focus upon the power of friendship and that real strength and beauty comes from within. If you enjoyed the first film, the returning characters of Kenai and Koda are still as engaging and the moose, Rutt and Tuke, effortlessly steal every scene they are in. The new character additions also add great levity to this unique family treat!

Excellent Direct-To-DVD Disney Fare
In the past, Disney has always seemed to have a considerable drop-off in story quality with their direct-to-dvd sequels. "Lion King 2" is a prime example of this. However, Disney's recent DVD sequels such as "Return To Neverland," "Tarzan 2," and "Lion King 1 1/2," have all been very good. Add "Brother Bear 2" to that group.

Love is in the air in this sequel to the underrated "Brother Bear." Joaquin Phoenix' role as Kenai has been gamely taken over by Patrick Dempsey. Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas reprise their roles of Rutt and Tuke, the moose brothers. Jeremy Suarez also returns as Koda and Michael Clarke Duncan makes a brief appearance as his character, Tug, from the original film. Joining the cast in new roles are Mandy Moore as Nita, Wendie Malick as Aunt Siqiniq and the hilarious Wanda Sykes as wise-cracking and wisdom-filled, Innoko.

Kenai and Koda have been together for a long time, and their brotherly love is strong. However, when one of Kenai's old (and human) playmates attempts to marry, she finds out that she must destroy an amulet that Kenai gave her a long time ago. The problem is that she must burn it at the Equinox AND have Kenai accompany her. Granted the ability to speak to animals in order to find Kenai, Nita sets out on her quest. Once she finds Kenai, old flames begin to fan. Along the way, Rutt and Tuke take a few notes in wooing the fairer sex (in this case, moosettes) from both Kenai and Nita. Koda begins to feel left out as Kenai and Nita become closer. In the end (and in typical Disney fashion), the tale closes with all parties being happy. I won't give away any more info than that.

As far as the production goes, "Brother Bear 2" appears to have received a lot more attention than most direct-to-dvd sequels. It has a strong musical score and very good songs performed by Melissa Etheridge, though she'll surely be compared to Phil Collins' performance in the first film. The animation is very good as well.

The extras are pretty slim. There's an Etheridge praise segment about her songs in the film and a few sneak peeks. There's also a game that has Rutt and Tuke in it.

Overall, this is a very good film with a wonderful message of sacrifice and love for others. I highly recommend it and assure you that you'll be proud to have it on your DVD shelf with the rest of your Disney collection.

Color Me a Sentimentalist, but I Like BB2 Even Better than the Original
Yes, it is true that the original Brother Bear was excellent, that it was more "earthy" than Brother Bear 2, and that using the voice of Wanda Sykes as the "Sha-Woman" in this sequel was a little odd. Overall, however, I actually found this movie more moving and more enjoyable to watch--over and over again--than the original Brother Bear. I also liked the score and the songs just as well, if not better, in this wonderful sequel. (What the heck does singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge's sexual orientation have to do with anything? See review dated Oct 9, 2006.)

[Warning: Next paragraph may contain minor "spoilers."]

I have raised two sons. Now, I am raising two daughters, so perhaps I have become a sentimentalist! Well, so be it. I am touched, and I want my children to be touched emotionally, when we see the occasional examples of true love in these Disney movies; such as, when Koda is willing to let Kenai return to human form if that is what will make Kenai happy, when Kenai later refuses because his little brother needs him, or in the Tarzan movies when Kala says to Tarzan that all she wants as a mom is for him to be happy--and means it, even though it would make her very sad if he leaves. Or, when Tarzan says: "... you will always be my mother." And when Kerchak finally acknowledges Tarzan as "my son." This depth of love--true love--is also displayed by Feline in Bambi II as she is genuinely happy for Bambi to be running off with his father when she would undoubtedly prefer than he stay and play with her.

These are moments that should touch us emotionally, and perhaps the "Two Worlds - One Family" theme of the Tarzan movies is particularly meaningful to us because our two adopted girls have different racial backgrounds.

Anyway, for whatever it may be worth, I love Brother Bear 2 and enjoy sharing it with all of those close to me who can appreciate this kind of movie. Watch it. I think you will find that the strong criticisms of some are overstated and perhaps even unjustified--but that's why we have chocolate and vanilla, n'est pas??!!!