Blu-ray Release: Pete’s Dragon

Last Tuesday, Walt Disney Home Entertainment released Pete’s Dragon for the first time on Blu-ray.  First released in 1977 and picking up an Oscar nomination for Helen Reddy’s song “Candle on the Water,” at the heart of the film is the story of a young orphan boy named Pete (Sean Marshall) and his best friend who just so happens to be an animated dragon named Elliott (voiced by Charlie Callas).

Although the amusing animated dragon is a high point of the film and some of the songs are sure to get kids singing along, Pete’s Dragon is a little long at 128 minutes and often too random in terms of tone to be remembered in the same high league as other Disney classics.  But those who grew up with the harmless film and have fond memories of watching it should check out this newly restored Blu-ray and add it to their collections.

The Blu-ray includes a featurette on the special effects, a storyboard sequence and a deleted song.

Pete’s Dragon is 128 minutes and rated G.

-John C.