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Film

Also opening: Hyping 'Heffalump'

By STEVE PERSALL
Published February 10, 2005

Once again, Disney proves its signature on a film doesn't mean what it used to. Unless you find a theater that prorates ticket prices, Pooh's Heffalump Movie (G) sounds like a questionable investment. Clocking in at a mere 68 minutes, the animated movie - actually produced to go directly to home video - takes a temporary detour into theaters, as The Tigger Movie and Piglet's Big Movie did before.

Why? Because Disney sees a chance to rake in a few bucks at box offices, perhaps even enough to recoup the movie's reported $20-million budget. Anything earned later on DVD sales will be gravy, seasoned by advertising Pooh's Heffalump Movie as a theatrical release. Which would you rather rent or buy: something creatively described as "a box office smash," or "available exclusively on home video"?

Anyway, Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger, too!) make friends with a Heffalump, which looks a lot like an elephant cross-dressing as Eeyore, with the same plush-toy stitching. It shouldn't matter to viewers 6 and younger, which is obviously the target audience. Parents accompanying children may appreciate that short running time.

[Last modified February 9, 2005, 13:23:08]