Barnyard - The Original Party Animals (Full Screen Edition)
List Price:
Our Price: $10.94
You Save: $4.04 (27%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.99 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD details
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD details
Actor: Voice of Courtney Cox, Voice of Kevin JamesBrand: GLOVER,DANNY
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
Published: 2006-12-01
DVD Release Date: 2006-12-12
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Reviews of Barnyard - The Original Party Animals (Full Screen Edition)
DVD Review: You'll Have Fun 'Til the Cows Come Home
Summary: 4 Stars
One look at Steve Oedekerk's resume is enough to determine how much pride he takes in writing and directing silly films. Keep in mind that this is the man who gave us such films as "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls," "Nothing to Lose," and "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist." He also contributed to numerous screenplays, including the remake of "The Nutty Professor," "Bruce Almighty," and the family friendly "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius." He even created a series of entertaining short films in which thumbs act as puppets (the actors' faces are digitally superimposed onto them). It's obvious that you can't take any of these films seriously; they were created solely to entertain kids and adults alike with a juvenile sense of humor. While his films aren't exactly enlightening, complex, or meaningful, they definitely are a lot of fun.
This is the way I feel about his latest film "Barnyard." This is such a loveable computer generated cartoon, filled with colorful characters, silly jokes, and a lighthearted story. It's also surprisingly sweet, with a couple of simple but significant tender moments shared between certain characters. I have to admit that I wasn't quite expecting that side of the story to be so effective, considering the ads make the entire film seem like a chaotic free-for-all. To some extent, the ads are correct; a good portion of "Barnyard" is comically over the top. But its actually a more structured film than it appears, going seamlessly from one sequence to the next without losing sight of what it sets out to accomplish.
Does any of this make it a necessary film? Not really: when you think about it, most--if not all--cartoons are completely unnecessary. However, all the elements come together and deliver a fun film, one perfectly suited for younger children. I'm sure that even some adults can find the antics amusing. Of course, this is assuming that they can look past a couple of things, most notably the fact that male cows are portrayed with udders. Yes, it is a little odd that Oedekerk took some major liberties with species and gender, and I'm sure some anatomical purists will find this discrepancy too glaring to allow them to notice the rest of the film. But you have to understand that children don't really care about such things. If they can go with the flow, maybe you should too.
That's because there's so much more to "Barnyard," and if you're willing to take it in, you just might come away feeling satisfied. It tells the story of a group of animals led by Otis the Cow (Kevin James), and his father, Ben (Sam Elliott). Everyone behaves much like the toys of the "Toy Story" films do: they act one way in the presence of humans and another way when alone. In this case, the animals talk, stand on their hind legs, and even dance whenever the humans leave. They also like to party every night in a country/western dance club (by day known as the barn). It's complete with music and singing; I distinctly remember one especially fat rat singing Shaggy's "Mr. Bombastic."
There are other humorous moments showing the division between humans and animals. At one point, Otis taunts a mailman while his back is turned. Whenever the mailman faces Otis, he immediately repositions himself to look like an ordinary cow. This is just the kind of behavior he's known for, along with a slew of other indiscretions. He doesn't take life very seriously; rather than take part in the organized world of the barn, he chooses to party every night and perform reckless stunts during the day. His attitude is very much like that of a teenager (which he probably is, despite the fact that the characters' ages are never given), especially in the way he communicates with his father. Ben is the leader of all the barnyard animals, and he takes his responsibility very seriously. The two couldn't be anything less alike, and it's understandably creating friction between them.
And it couldn't come at a worse time. Coyote season is beginning, and soon the barnyard will be vulnerable to attacks. A pack of especially vicious coyotes--led by the ruthless Dag (David Koechner)--infiltrates the barn one night with the intent to snatch away a couple of hens. A pretty severe confrontation follows. I won't reveal its outcome, but I will say that it that forces the animals to reconsider how safe they really are. If anything good is to be gained from this whole experience, Otis has to learn how to be a leader, whether or not he wants the responsibility. From this, you can pretty much guess that maturing is the moral of the story. While not particularly original, it's still quite effective, especially when you factor in a budding romance.
Here enters Daisy (Courtney Cox), a pregnant cow recently introduced to the barn. She takes a liking to Otis almost immediately, and Otis is certainly interested in her (despite being told off by her best friend, Bessy, voiced by none other than Wanda Sykes). The moments they share are both comical and endearing, if a little strained (due to his nervousness around women). It's clear that she's willing to support him, believing wholeheartedly that he has what it takes to be a leader. And when the coyotes kidnap a group of hens, he'll need that support more than ever; only he can save the helpless creatures and restore peace in the barnyard.
It seems like I've been describing a pretty serious movie. Don't get the wrong impression: this is, from start to finish, a light, entertaining, silly children's movie, and it includes a number of purely comedic characters. There's Freddy (Cam Clarke), a hyperactive ferret that continuously makes chicken-eating Freudian slips; Miles (Danny Glover), a wise old Mule who likes to kick; Pip the Mouse (Jeffrey Garcia), Otis' best friend; Pig (Tino Insana), a perpetually muddy apple lover; and Peck (Rob Paulson), a featherless rooster who can't crow to save his life. There are also a couple of notable human characters. There's Mrs. Beady (Maria Bamford), whose lazy, beer-guzzling husband (Steve Oedekerk) is unwilling to believe a word she says. There's also Snotty Boy (also voiced by Oedekerk), a fat, red headed kid who takes pleasure in cow tipping.
"Barnyard" is a cartoon about talking animals. It's not meant to be realistic or even plausible, and I think going into it with that mindset will help a great deal. I had a lot of fun watching this movie, and I hope those of you willing to look past the anatomical inaccuracies will too. Who cares if Steve Oedekerk gave udders to his male cow characters? It's such a minor problem, especially when you take into consideration the fact that animals can't really talk. I'm glad I saw "Barnyard"; it's a pleasing, light film that had me smiling from start to finish.
Description of Barnyard - The Original Party Animals (Full Screen Edition)
After his father is no longer able to serve as barnyard security, Otis, a happy-go-lucky cow whose only interest is partying, must try to be responsible and take over his father's position.Genre: Feature Film Family
Rating: PG
Release Date: 10-APR-2007
Media Type: DVD
Bestsellers in DVD
![The Story of Jeremiah [VHS] Image](/images/noimg.gif)
The Story of Jeremiah [VHS]Vision Video; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Wresting With God [VHS]by Vision Video
Vision Video; Published: 1990-10-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
Study Bible Video with Workbook [VHS]Spring Arbor Distributors; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $7.95
Price in other shops:
Tempo:Childrens TV Favourites Video [VHS]HarperCollins Audio; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $9.17
Price in other shops:
Tempo.Herbs:Parseley'Sb/ Party Video [VHS]HarperCollins Audio; VHS Tape; VHS Video
![Strike the Original Match [VHS] Image](/images/Strike-the-Original-Match-VHS-0001374079-X.jpg)
Strike the Original Match [VHS]New Liberty Films; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
![Medjugorje The Miracles and the Message [VHS] Image](/images/Medjugorje-The-Miracles-and-the-Message-VHS-0001373293-X.jpg)
Medjugorje The Miracles and the Message [VHS]JPN Film Production; Release date: 1995-12-15; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.99
Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Review Course for Boards and Recertification DVD 2008by Mayo
DVD
Price in other shops:
Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging DVD: Single Userby Oakstone
DVD
Price in other shops:
Cost Accounting [VHS]by Charles T. Horngren, George Foster, Srikant M. Datar, Howard Teall
Pearson Canada, Toronto; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
Monster House (Fullscreen)Sony Pictures; Release date: 2006-10-24; DVD
Best price: $4.94
Price in other shops:
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Widescreen Edition)Dreamworks; Release date: 2009-02-06; Published: 2009-02-01; DVD
Best price: $8.49
Price in other shops:
Ice Age: Dawn of the DinosaursFox; Release date: 2009-10-27; Published: 2009-10-01; DVD
Best price: $10.42
Price in other shops:
Clifford's Really Big MovieWarner Brothers; Release date: 2007-05-15; DVD
Best price: $4.87
Price in other shops:
Flushed Away (Widescreen Edition)Dreamworks; Release date: 2007-02-20; DVD
Best price: $3.84
Price in other shops:
Back at the Barnyard: When No One's LookingPARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO; Release date: 2008-08-05; DVD
Best price: $8.55
Price in other shops:
The WildWalt Disney Video; Release date: 2006-09-12; DVD
Best price: $7.92
Price in other shops:
Open Season (Widescreen Special Edition)Sony Pictures; Release date: 2007-01-30; DVD
Best price: $4.98
Price in other shops:
Home on the RangeDisney; Release date: 2004-09-14; Published: 2004-09-01; DVD
Best price: $2.47
Price in other shops:
Over the Hedge (Widescreen Edition)Dreamworks; Release date: 2006-10-17; Published: 2006-10-01; DVD
Best price: $3.95
Price in other shops: