FernGully: The Last Rainforest [DVD] [2017]

Rediscover the magic and message of the beloved animated classic, FernGully: The Last Rainforest with this 2017 DVD release. This enchanting film transports viewers into a vibrant, hidden world within an ancient Australian rainforest, where tiny fairies and mystical creatures live in harmony. The story follows Crysta, a curious young fairy, who accidentally shrinks a human logger named Zak. Together with the eccentric, neurotic bat Batty Koda (voiced by the legendary Robin Williams), they must rally the creatures of FernGully to stop the destructive force of the toxic sludge monster, Hexxus, and save their home from deforestation. It's a timeless tale that blends adventure, humor, and a powerful environmental message suitable for the whole family.

This DVD edition makes it easy to enjoy this 90s animated classic anytime. The film is celebrated for its beautiful, hand-drawn animation that brings the lush rainforest and its whimsical inhabitants to life. Beyond its entertainment value, FernGully: The Last Rainforest serves as a gentle and engaging introduction to themes of ecology, conservation, and respect for nature for younger audiences. The memorable soundtrack, featuring songs by artists like Tone Lōc and Robin Williams, adds to the film's nostalgic charm and energetic pace.

Ideal for family movie nights, classroom discussions on the environment, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this FernGully DVD is a valuable addition to any film collection. It captures a specific era of animation while presenting a story that remains profoundly relevant. Watching Crysta, Zak, and Batty's journey is a delightful way to spark conversations about the importance of protecting our natural world, making it more than just a movie—it's an experience that entertains and educates.

Timeless Story with Enduring Relevance

The primary strength of FernGully lies in its powerful and prescient narrative. As a bestselling title in the niche of environmental family films, its core message about the fragility of nature and the dangers of human greed resonates more strongly today than ever. The film doesn't preach but instead wraps its eco-conscious themes in a compelling adventure, making the lesson accessible and memorable for children. The character arc of Zak, the human who learns to see the forest from a new perspective, provides a relatable entry point for viewers, teaching empathy and responsibility in an engaging way.

Iconic Voice Cast and Memorable Music

A significant factor in the film's enduring popularity is its stellar voice cast, led by the inimitable Robin Williams as Batty Koda. Williams' improvisational genius brings unparalleled energy and humor to the film, creating a character that is both hilarious and heartfelt. The supporting cast, including Samantha Mathis as Crysta and Tim Curry as the villainous Hexxus, delivers standout performances. Coupled with a catchy, early-90s soundtrack that features hits like "Land of a Thousand Dances" and Batty's rap, the audio experience is a major draw. This combination of vocal talent and music elevates FernGully from a simple cartoon to a culturally memorable piece of animation.

Hand-Drawn Artistic Beauty and Nostalgic Appeal

In an age of computer-generated imagery, the traditional hand-drawn animation of FernGully offers a distinct and warm aesthetic. The lush, detailed backgrounds of the rainforest, the fluid movement of the fairies, and the terrifyingly slick animation of Hexxus as toxic sludge showcase the artistry of the period. For parents who grew up in the 90s, this DVD provides a perfect way to share a piece of their childhood with their own kids. The film's status as a 90s animated classic is cemented by this visual style, offering a nostalgic experience that newer films cannot replicate. Owning the DVD ensures this specific artistic vision is preserved and can be appreciated without the compression or alteration that can occur on some streaming platforms.

While FernGully is a beloved film, modern viewers should be aware of certain limitations inherent to its age and format. The most notable consideration is the film's animation style. Compared to today's sleek, CGI-dominated family films, the early-90s hand-drawn animation may appear dated to some younger children accustomed to different visual standards. The color palette and character designs are very much of their time. Furthermore, the DVD format itself presents constraints. This release is a standard DVD, not a high-definition Blu-ray. This means the picture and sound quality, while perfectly acceptable, will not match the crisp 1080p or 4K resolution available for newer films. Owners of large, modern televisions might notice a softer image.

Potential buyers should also manage expectations regarding special features. This 2017 re-release is a straightforward DVD, likely containing only the film itself with standard menu options. Do not expect a wealth of bonus content like director commentaries, making-of documentaries, or extensive behind-the-scenes featurettes that are common with contemporary "special edition" releases. The value here is in the movie alone. Additionally, the film's environmental message, while praised, is delivered with a level of simplicity suited for its target child audience. Some adult viewers or older children might find the allegory straightforward and the conflict between industrious humans and nature to be lacking in nuance, especially when compared to more recent ecological narratives.

Finally, from a practical collection standpoint, the DVD is a physical media product. It requires a DVD player or a computer with a disc drive, which are becoming less common in ultra-slim laptops and streaming-focused home setups. It is also susceptible to scratches and damage if not handled carefully. For viewers who prioritize maximum convenience and instant access, the lack of a digital copy code included with this DVD might be a drawback, as purchasing the film digitally would be a separate transaction.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest on DVD remains a charming and meaningful film that successfully blends fantasy adventure with an early call for environmental awareness. Its strengths are undeniable: a heartfelt story, an iconic performance by Robin Williams, beautiful traditional animation, and a nostalgic 90s soundtrack. It serves as an excellent tool for introducing young children to concepts of conservation in an engaging, non-threatening way, and provides a warm dose of nostalgia for parents.

However, your enjoyment will depend on your expectations. If you seek a high-definition visual feast with modern bonus features, this standard DVD may disappoint. Its value is in the content of the film itself, presented in a reliable physical format. We recommend this DVD primarily for families with young children, fans of 90s animation seeking to own a classic, and educators looking for a accessible film to spark discussion about nature. It's a worthwhile purchase for the right viewer, offering timeless entertainment with a purpose.