The problem with anything released direct-to-video (referred to as DTV) is the stigma associated with it. Though a DTV flick may have some merit -- it may even be groundbreaking and completely absorbing -- it can never surmount the stigma of having bypassed a theatrical release. That short-changing is viewed (for good reason) as a means of avoiding substantial distribution losses and merely capitalizing on the rental costs and sales. Yes, from a business perspective, it makes sense.
Contrary to what Hollywood executives would have you belief, no one wants to suffer through a terrible movie. By releasing it on video, it saves the general public from forking over $20 for a night's entertainment and reduces the out of pocket cost to a meager rental rate. You can consider it a public service of sorts. Of course, all this typically applies to live-action films, and most animated films. I say most as a few manage to escape the stigma and actually deliver the goods.
Case in point: Mulan II. No, it was not as good as the first film. No the animation was not as defined and innovative. No the celebrity voice didn't show up for version 2. But, what did manage to show up is a convincing story line that builds on the first film and gives plausibility to the sequel. Unfortunately, there is a propensity to just start at any place in the narrative projection. This sequel actually picks up where the first film left off.
I would like, now, to avoid a common pitfall. I'm not going to waste your time discussing the story's plot line. Rather than waste your eyes on such nonsense, I'd encourage you to reserve a copy of the film and screen it with your kids. Unlike most Disney movies, this flick manages to entertain, without being too scary. My niece doesn't care much for Disney films because he thinks they're "too scary." Not so with Mulan II -- in fact he was laughing his head off.
All hope is not lost. There are times when the stigma of the DTV moniker can be circumvented. Though it tends to be the animated flicks that squeak through, there are a handful of live action films that go on to enjoy a cult film status. A good case in point is BOONDOCK SAINTS. This derivation of typical Tarantino fair managed to pick up steam on the rental markets and managed to turn the DTV paradigm on its head when its sequel was granted a theatrical release.
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The beauty of Mulan II is the fact that children seem to enjoy it, despite its short-comings. Order it online now and watch it with your kids tonight.
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