Once upon a time, the idea of a direct to video or DVD release used to mean that the producers or distributors didn’t think the movie would do well in the theater and thus, the films themselves were likely of lower quality. While I think Disney does produce a few now and again that don’t quite live up to par, they have definitely set the bar high on the direct to DVD market. The soon to be released Brother Bear 2 looks to be maintaining that high level of quality.
Scheduled to be released on August 29, Brother Bear 2 focuses on the continued adventures of Kenai and Koda, the bear brothers from the first film. The absolute beauty of the first film is maintained in this animated follow-up as Kenai and Koda travel across the Pacific Northwest during the ice age. Kenai, who became a brown bear in the original Brother Bear is troubled by dreams of his former human existence.
Plot Details & Voice Cast
As a human, Kenai shared a deep and abiding friendship with a young girl named Nita. When Kenai and Koda awaken from hibernation, they encounter Nita who is on a journey to burn an amulet that Kenai gave her. She apparently has the gift to speak with animals and she is undertaking this quest because she needs a clean slate with which to begin her soon to be married life.
Kenai agrees to accompany her and there the conflict begins for the separated friends who not only renew their acquaintance but also feel a measure of regret for the differing paths their lives have taken. Koda is not forgotten in this journey as he too worries about the bond between the two and what it will mean to him for Kenai is his brother and the only family he has now.
Rutt and Tuke (the moose from the original Brother Bear film) also make an appearance in this one. Previews of Brother Bear 2 already have my daughter excited and it’s on her wish list of films for us to share a ‘movie night’ with here at home.
The voice cast includes: Mandy Moore, Patrick Dempsey, Michael Clarke Duncan, Rick Moranis, Kathy Najimy, Catherine O’Hara, Wanda Sykes, Dave Thomas and many, many more.
If you haven’t seen the ads on the Disney Channel, you can check out a sneak peek at the film at the Brother Bear 2 official website. Do you think you will pick up Brother Bear 2?