HalfBreed
Unregistered User
(3/30/02 9:20 pm) Reply
Who liked the sequel?
Well I just got Balto 2 on video and I've been able to watch it quite a few times. It was a good movie on its own, but man did it not have anything to do with the first Balto at all?! I think it's because no one who participated in the direction and production of the Balto 1 was in on Balto 2. Of course this is just my opinion. Don't get me wrong I though Balto 2 was great movie just not what I had expected. Some of you probably like Balto 2 best. Give me you opinion about the sequel. Who knows, there might even be a Balto 3. Hehehe.....
White Wolf Spirit guide
Posts: 230
(3/31/02 11:22 am) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
I thoroughly enjoyed Balto II...and you're right, it had nothing to do with the first movie. While Balto was about his race to Nome- the original Iditarod - Balto II focused on Pacific Northwest culture with spirit totems and other such ideas. However, both movies had the story of a hero who doesn't know where they belong!
Therefore, I see them as two separate movies, having nothing to do with eachother except for a few of the characters being in both. I tried to get an idea of what to expect from Balto II before its released, but it just couldn't be done! *Shrug*. Oh well, it still is a great movie with some memorable moments.
Registered User
Posts: 255
(3/31/02 11:41 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
Exactly, Snow! I really liked the sequel, but no matter what it will never compare with what was set before it ;-). I kinda missed the snowy feeling though, lol. Personally I think the ending came too soon, and Nava becoming 'one with the tree' was a bit strange too. Otherwise I really enjoyed it, and wish there was a soundtrack!
Just some things to make ya think--
Where had Balto's fame gone?
Why didn't they tell their children about it?
Where's Steele (and others in the original cast as well)? I think a cool twist would have been if he returned and was exiled from Nome, then found Aleu when she ran off. Or maybe not....
How does a wolf become part of a tree?!
Nome is a small Eskimo town in the far north. Eskimos weren't the ones who made totem poles. What is a totem pole doing in Nome? (to help the story plot, hehe ;-) )
White Wolf Spirit guide
Posts: 233
(4/1/02 12:57 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
Here are my guesses!
1. Well, he sure got the respect of Nome's human population, but I'm sure Balto still hadn't become a celebrity around the canines. Some of them still could dislike him for his heritage, or be jealous of his fame.
2. Well, his kids were just pups, so I think they needed to be carefree and live their puppyhood without much knowledge of their heritage. Plus, if they had heard the story, they would have known why Balto was an outcast from the beginning...and what that made them...
3. I think it would have been fun to see Steele and the others return! However, they wouldn't have fit in with the movie's theme well, and those who didn't see the first movie may have been confused.
4. *lol!* That was just Nava's shaman abilities... of course it's not physically possible, but rather demonstrating a peace of mind one could achieve.
5. That was a small controversy at TBL...if you go back in their archives, the associate producer will explain how totem poles were possible in Nome at that time!
~Snow Wolf
HalfBreed
Unregistered User
(4/1/02 4:50 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
I just forgot to mention one big thing about how Balto 2 makes no sense with the first one, which you guys have pretty much already mentioned. I think the biggest thing that sets these two movies apart is not only the story, but how the voices was completely different from the first, and the animation is way different as well. I mean look at Jenna's illustration in Balto 1 as in comparison to Balto 2. I think the animation style in Balto 1 is more detailed and didn't look to bright which is usually better looking. Now think this one real hard... the music. James Horner, the origional Balto's song writer, did an excellent job with the background that really brought the movie to life. Just some big points to think about.
Thanx so far to Snow and Rush for your replies. You guys are really observant. Keep em' comin'.
White Wolf Spirit guide
Posts: 235
(4/1/02 8:21 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
True, there were major differences in all aspects you have mentioned...
As for the animation, it's a given that a second movie will look different from the first. I was surprised at the quality considering that it is a sequel. Balto has beautiful animation; it's dark (though I've read it called "washed-out" as far as colors go; not true!) and has an almost sketchy feel to it when compared to other movies. It is very smooth and blends wonderfully with the CG snow blizzards. While Balto II most definitely does not have this style, they take advantage of color and give us the full spectrum throughout the movie. The most striking scene for me for color usage was the very end with that sunset as Balto sees his mother. I can tell the producers had fun with some of those backgrounds. I suppose it is a matter of preference as far as animation style goes for the two movies...
Voices, yes, they were changed! Maurice LaMarche portrayed Balto quite well, though his more recognizable sound began to show whenever Balto had to raise his voice. Jenna's was not quite what we're used to, though definitely acceptible for her character. The voice I didn't like was Boris...he had to shout far too often. The others fit their characters perfectly, considering that they are the new characters' original voices. ;-)
I won't go into the category of music as far as comparisons go... the styles are too different... I'll just mention how a good point of the vocals is that they seemed more reserved, or conservative, than a typical Disney musical.
(No problem, Halfbreed...these topics are fun to discuss when we have actual visitors coming! Thanks for posting.)
~Snow Wolf
HalfBreed Registered User
Posts: 1
(4/1/02 11:20 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
Wow, Snow. You really are good at describing some important points. You hit every nail on the head; impressive. Anyways, I've been working with the message board and I should be registered... or not--I'm workin' on it. I've been busy with ideas for a fan fic. Maybe I can get that started. Thanx again Snow for the replies... wonder if there is anything we haven't mentioned yet about the two movies. Later...
White Wolf Spirit guide
Posts: 236
(4/2/02 12:51 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
It looks like you're officially registered now!
Oh, I'll bet you could find a whole world of topics to discuss concerning the two movies. One point may be the source of conflict - in Balto, the tension was between Balto & Steele, the dogs against the weather.... whereas in Balto II, there was conflict within one family, and one pack. I was sure that the "evil wolf" was going to be the leader of a rival pack in the sequel, but it turns out that Niju was in the same group under Nava's leadership. Interesting.
What's your fan-fic about? I'd love to see it after you get it going.
~Snow Wolf
HalfBreed Registered User
Posts: 2
(4/2/02 5:10 pm) Reply
Re: Who liked the sequel?
Good point, Snow. I'm trying to get that whole hero-enemy conflict going in my fan fic. It might take me a while but I'll let you know how I'm coming along. It'll probably be a long story with all the ideas I'm getting. It starts out right where Wolf Quest ended. The general plot is winter comes again and Balto, know Nome's greatest sled dog, gets in shape for the coming of a new sledding season. I have a bunch of different ideas there on, and don't what to do, really. Maybe you can give me some suggestions. I really don't want it to be a cheezy story. Alright then, Snow, talk to ya' soon.
Re: Who liked the sequel?
I thought the movie over-all was good, but, the thing that I just found different about it was the characters voices, I think Kevin Bacon, and Bridget Fonda were all better voices, some what in the movie, one thing I would also like to know in the end where does Niju go to?? There are not all that many places to go in that area, I think they also ended it to short, they could have kept it going, instead of cutting it off.
Nijou stays in the old packlands where we assume Nava joins him due to what he says.
What I found very strange was there was no "bad guy," for Nijou was not really evil. Fear consumed him and he wanted to stay with the old way of life, not take over the pack. It upsets me that some pages have him as "Nijou-the evil wolf."
We don't really know that--"there aren't many places to go..." We are never really shown much except for a meeting place and a few stops along the way.
Like Snow was saying about the music-- you can't compare the films. The quality of voice, music and animation is determined by your opinion since the movies were done in two totally differnt styles. I wish it could have been a bit longer and had more depth to the characters, but I'm satisfied that with the money and time given what came out of it.
I'm sorry to say that after so long of anticipating seeing the movie, I finally got it for easter, watched it, and was very disapointed. I, personally think the animation was poor, and the storyline was a bit boring. I wasn'y terribly annoyed by Balto's voice, I think they matched it pretty well, but Jenna's made me cringe, as did her attitude and drawing. I like Aleu, I thought she was pretty, but her voice reminded me something of Brittany Spears. I also liked the mouse and fox, and thought Nava was a very good character. But the villans I was not too impressed with, as they mirrored Steal, Kaltag, Nikki, and Star to a fault (right down to the markings around Nijou's eyes). All in all, I didn't really enjoy the movie...<=( Guess I'll be sticking to Balto I.
HalfBreed Registered User
Posts: 3
(4/3/02 9:12 am) Reply
Re: Disapointment
Your right about the change in the character's attitudes. Jenna sounded, looked, and acted in no way the same in comparison with Balto 1. She was to easy going, it didn't matter when her own children were going away while Balto was upset about it. Until after the pups are born she had no other purpose of being in the movie. I happened to like this movie however, even though my expectations were greater for it. Also, what was mentioned earlier, the movie really could have been longer. It ended too soon, and I dislike endings that leave you wondering what happens next. And remmember how in Balto 2 they get in the same kind of fight with the same looking bear in Balto 1. That was one thing that made me dissapointed. I guess they didn't exactly take their time when they made the movie. Overall, with all the good points, I still find it to be a good movie.
This has been...
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HalfBreed
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Starhusky Registered User
Posts: 5
(4/9/02 6:39 pm) Reply
Re: Disapointment
well, I thought the movie was more than likely directed at a younger age group than that of the first. The animation, like so many other animated movies of today, (Esp. sequals) was rather choppy and not as crisp and clear as it could have been. Overall, the main characters, Aleu and Balto, were animated pretty good. However, the way they did away with some of the original comic relief characters was totaly uncool! Me, being a big fan of Star, was very dissapointed to see that these well developed, well acted characters, had been tossed aside, as though they'd never been there and helped in any way. Also, I'm sure they could have found someone better to voice Boris. I sounded like he had a cold the whole time, and his accent slipped once in a while. The only character I was REALLY impressed with in the sequal was the fox, whose role in the film was a short lived as King Richard's role in English history. She was on the screen for maybe two, three minutes tops, and then was dropped out like she'd never been there either! I don't get it, but maybe I'm not supposed to. Other that that, I pretty much liked the film. There's better ones out there, that I know, but I'm sure I always could've been worse...
Re: Disapointment
Balto 2 to me was a decent movie. It in no way in my mind should be considered a sequl though. Balto 1 was an incredible movie, and just stands on it's own as one of the best animated movies of all time. Balto 2 was not. I mean the story was neat, but not nearly as good as the first movie. Balto 2 had lower budget animation, and that could have been expected. I mean it wasn't released in thearters, also, it was released 7 years after the first one. Also, I'm pretty sure none of the origanal voice cast was working in this movie. Which is a bummer. Another thing I noticed was that, just like all animations, the sequls all seem more kiddy and in a lot of cases, such as Balto 2, it is a musical. This is just like one of my favorite animations of all time "the secret of nimh." It was an excellent movie, but did anyone see the sequl, it's just a shame.
Balto 2 did not focus on Nome at all. which is interesting, cause Balto is now such a big part of that town. Although this movie wasn't about Balto, but about his daughter. Balto, was a true story, and that's how they did the movie, as a true story with added character things. Balto 2 was not a true story so they added a magical element to it to give it more appeal. To whom, well in this case to little kids.
All around it was a decent movie, but does not compare to Balto 1, and how could it. Also, I was glad to find that Don Bulth is working on another Secret Of Nimh, which is going to be a prequel. Hope he does a better job then the makers of the sequl.
My Crazy World! Check It Out! Nate Fox!!!!
Princess of the wolves
Unregistered User
(6/2/02 10:30 pm) Reply
No way
I love balto 2 way more, it has more meaning! iv watched it over 3 times already! In two days!
Very awesome!!! :]
I thought Balto 2 Was Awesome!!!, I have had it since
May 12 And Since then I have Seen it Over 750,675 Times Exactly Including The World Television Premere
Over on CN, Again Awesome Film, and I Wouldn't have
done Anything Differently!!!!,Can't Wait for Balto 3 To
Be Released [Slides Off Topic]Sorry I'M highly Extited About This! Once more Sorry About getting Off topic!!
[ Moorewc278 ]
:] :]AKA Corey Moore :] :]
Kylewulf Registered User
Posts: 20
(8/29/02 11:08 pm) Reply
Re: Very awesome!!! :]
Naw...it's not off the topic, Moore! We're still talking about Balto, aren't we? I heard that they've started pre-production on Balto 3, and that it won't come out until 2004. Probably though, it's just my guess. BTW, I've made up a section on my site entitled to Balto 3 updates so if you like it you can check it out:
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