Balto (1995) - a Film Review

(written on 24-01-1999)

Feature Animation films that do not come from the Disney studios usually lead to a languishing existence. Some may still get to the cinema, but since Disney overflows the market old and new 'classics' all year round, most of the animation films from other studios immediately disappear into the cardboard displays of the video farmer. This is also the case (in the Netherlands) with the film Balto, a production from Universal's animation studio, which, like many other film companies, hoped to profit from the succes of market leader Disney. Unfortunately, the film flopped in America and was never released in the cinemas in the Netherlands.

So I have every respect for the video distributor who dared to release a relatively unknown film ... and fortunately, because Balto is definitely one of the better (non-Disney) animation films of the last years. The film tells the (true) story of Balto, half-dog, half-wolf, a sled dog from the town of Nome in Alaska. Due to the harsh winter there is a shortage of penicillin for the sick in the village and Balto shows himself to be a true hero by going to get the medicine as a sled dog. Of course, the journey is not without risks: sabotage, the erratic and cold landscape create the necessary difficulties.

A number of well-known actors are asked to dub in the voices: Kevin Bacon; Bridget Fonda; Bob Hoskins and Phil Collins.

To be able to compete with Disney, the makers have used typical Disney characters. There are funny cuddly animals for the little ones, a funny goose for the liberating smile, the identity problems of the protagonist and the love interest in the background ... but let the latter not spoil the fun. Don Bluth's films have been unpalatable for years because of this well-worn formula approach. But Balto remains intact as an exciting road movie, with beautiful effects, excellent animation and a deserving soundtrack. Daan Jippes was the storyboard supervisor and Rob Stevenhagen was the supervising animator for Jenna, Balto's girlfriend. This also makes Balto a bit of a Dutch film.

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