1. I had never, ever, ever heard of Arthur And The Invisibles.
2. I never knew that the film got a theatrical release.
3. I like boobies (not that that has anything to do with this film, I’m just saying).
4. I never knew that there was a book series prior to this film.
5. I had no clue that video games were made off these characters for the PS2, Gameboy Advance and Nintendo DS.
6. I rarely watch films obviously intended for a prepubescent audience (nostalgic releases aside).

Yes, it’s true. I knew nothing about this movie until I read an online press release about the DVD's release. Two words were included in this press release, though, that sold me on watching this even if I wouldn’t end up screening it for your enjoyment. Those words were “Luc” and “Besson.”

Dude. RESPECT!

Anyhow, before I get too involved with preparing the Altar of Besson, we should probably discuss Arthur And The Invisibles. The story, which Besson himself wrote, follows a child named Arthur (Freddie Highmore, Finding Neverland) who is being raised by his grandmother (Mia Farrow, Rosemary’s Baby) in Connecticut whilst his parents are out looking for work. Arthur learns from Granny that his grandfather Archibald (Ron Crawford) discovered a tribe of small creatures called Minimoys while on expedition to help teach the art of irrigation to African tribesmen. In return for providing them this science, Archibald is rewarded with a considerably large amount of rubies, and when he returns home, he takes the Minimoys home with him and hides the rubies with them. Soon afterwards, when Archibald and his wife are struggling financially, he transports to the land of the Minimoys to retrieve his treasure, but he never returns.

Arthur begins his adventure at the point of Granny’s near financial despair. Unless money is paid by Archibald to his creditors, they are going to lose their home, so at the zero hour, Arthur finds out how to transport himself to the Minimoys’ world and begins a wonderfully animated adventure.

The animated parts of Arthur And The Invisibles are, as you might expect, where the film really shines. The visual look is very much what one might expect from a Besson directed cartoon. There are big, bulky enemies like Darkos (Jason Bateman, Smokin’ Aces) and thin, almost effeminate villains like Maltazard (brilliantly voiced by David Bowie, Labyrinth). Arthur becomes an elfish hero, but retains the personality of a kid. The princess Selenia (Madonna, yes that Madonna) of the Minimoy kingdom kicks all sorts of ass, and she and Arthur share a mutual crush. Their bumbling friend Betameche (Jimmy Fallon, Fever Pitch), naturally, is there for comic relief. I caught myself thinking about The Fifth Element on several occasions, both in character designs and plot, because this film is basically the same as the other only intended for a much younger audience and set in “Innerspace” as opposed to outer space. (And come on, a red-headed chick kicking ass? I wonder where that inspiration came from.)

Characters and villains of course make up 99% of the requirement for a good story, and the ones here in Arthur, while essentially derivative of the director’s own work as well as other tales (Arthurian legend, Harry Potter, etc.), are never boring or not fun. In fact, I had such a good time with the characters that it’s sad to think that only two-thirds of the film is animated. We simply don’t get to spend that much time with them, and the time that we do zips along at a crack rock pace.

That pacing is the one fundamental problem that I have with the film. The beginning act, which is entirely live action, goes on for far too long and then when Arthur joins the Minimoys, the whole thing gets rushed. I can forgive a film for being unoriginal as long as I’m enjoying myself, and while I was enjoying myself quite nicely, I would have loved to be doing so for a half-hour longer. It seems like all the characters have a larger back-story that never gets fleshed out. The main villain Maltazard’s background is explained, but entirely in a self-recited exposition. Actually seeing what made him as evil as he is would have been awesome. Perhaps it’s being saved up for the sequels.

Speaking of, Arthur came and went theatrically without even clearing $30 million in the States, but apparently it was more successful in France where it was released under its original title, Arthur And The Minimoys. This, you know, makes a lot more sense since they aren’t fucking invisible. It made enough to greenlight two sequels which (if the IMDB is to be believed) will be released in 2009 and 2010. Hopefully, these will see a release in the US although I doubt a wide American release is likely since the series actually relies on fun storytelling as opposed to crude humor and an endless series of pop culture references.

So yes, I do believe Arthur deserves a second chance, and hopefully this DVD will help the film find its audience.

The DVD Presentation
The quality of the Arthur And The Invisibles DVD is, for once, quite difficult to gauge as it is less about what is good or bad with it, as it is what I perceive is good or bad. Take the video for example. The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen, and the video looks pretty damn good. The thing is, with such a heavily CGI-animated feature, it should look drop-dead fucking stellar, yet it’s still soft. The 5.1 surround mix is really cool with spatial effects well directed. But this is, essentially, a French film – so why is there no French alternate language track? That’s a tad disappointing, I must say. So while the presentation of what’s here isn’t bad it could have been dramatically improved. English and Spanish subtitles are available for those that require them.

And the Extras Are?
The Voices of Arthur And The Invisibles – (7:08)
Some of the actors in the film talk about the experience in recording the voice-overs for the film. Several actors repeat thoughts about how they never met each other when recording. Jimmy Fallon, Snoop Dogg and Jason Bateman participate in this feature, as well as Freddie Highmore and some other supporting actors. It’s disappointing that Madonna, Robert De Niro or David Bowie couldn’t participate. Hell, even some thoughts from Luc would be nice. As fluffy and short as it is though, its sadly the only look at production that this DVD provides us.

“Quest for Love” Music Video by Jewel – (3:14)
A mediocre Jewel song, it does at least work as a theme for the film, even though I think I only recall it during the credits. I can’t really say I’m a fan of hers, but it’s a nice inclusion for those who might be interested.

In the Recording Studio with Jewel – (2:17)
A brief bit with Jewel explaining her song and its themes and how it relates to the film’s mood. Meh…

“Beautiful Day” Music Video by Elijah – (3:23)
To imagine Elijah’s sound you only have to torture yourself with the thought of what would happen if you had Hanson writing raps for a six-year old Jay-Z. Aside from me, only two people will watch this music video Elijah and his mom. I’d say that Elijah’s friends might be interested, but it’s evident to me upon watching that Elijah probably doesn’t have any.

The Chosen Trailer from the “Make Your Own Arthur And The Invisibles Movie Mash-Up” Game – (0:31)
Apparently there was a contest online where you could make your own trailer for Arthur And The Invisibles. Well, this one, labeled as “Peter’s Preview” was the one that was selected best. It was shown on Nickelodeon’s Just Jordan to promote the film. It isn’t badly cut, but it isn’t anything great either. If I were the contest winner, I would be pretty pissed they didn’t list my whole name though.

Theatrical Trailer – (2:31)
The official trailer was very well cut. It quickly gives us the set up, some exciting animation bits and other cool visuals. Too bad it didn’t get more asses in seats.

Previews –
Non selectable, forced non-anamorphic trailers are provided when you play the DVD. These are mainly for other Weinstein projects, and include The Nanny Diaries (which stars Scarlet Johansson – yum!), Miss Potter, Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker, Hoodwinked and Doogal. In other words, flicks that the kids will probably dig.

A Langers juice coupon –
I shit you not; there is a Langers juice coupon inside the DVD. You can save a dollar. A sticker advertising this inclusion is even stuck to the DVD wrapper. So keep this in mind if you are thinking about picking up a children’s flick and then shopping for some liquid fruit products. I prefer wine, but… whatever.

I really would have liked to have some more in-depth extras. Like anything involving the director or bringing the film to American audiences. Or, maybe… WHY THEY CHANGED THE NAME OF THE FILM?

Anything would be nice really, but hell if I’m not gonna score me some cheap juice!

The Bottom Line
I thought that Arthur And The Invisibles was great fun, and it’s really a tragedy that this film garnered very little attention during its theatrical run. It’s a shame that animated farting ogres who make one too many pop-culture references can garner two theatrical sequels, whereas legitimate modern-day fairy tales like this get overlooked. Parents who don’t mind some bloodless violence are sure to embrace the film, and kids probably will too. Hell, as a 26 year old I enjoyed it and I still get drunk and watch Voltron so I’m pretty sure I would have dug it as a kid. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested, and the DVD, while not amazing, is suitable.