Beverly Hills Chihuahua DVD Review
Posted by Cody Dalton on 03.12.2009
Another Disney movie involving canines with a big name cast, but did this dog have its day?
Directed By: Raja Gosnell Written By: Analisa LaBianco & Jeffrey Bushell
Cast Drew Barrymore ... Chloe (voice) Piper Perabo ... Rachel Andy Garcia ... Delgado (voice) George Lopez ... Papi (voice) Cheech Marin ... Manuel (voice) Paul Rodriguez ... Chico (voice) Jamie Lee Curtis ... Vivian
THE STORY
Beverly Hills Chihuahua follows the story of Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore), a young Chihuahua, who lives the luxurious life in California. When she is turned over from her owner Vivian (Jamie Lee Curtis), who is going on a lengthy trip, to her irresponsible niece Rachel (Piper Perabo), the adventure is set. Giving her specific directions to follow on the upkeep of Chloe, Rachel rides off to Mexico for some “fiesta” time. During her stay in Mexico, Rachel leaves Chloe alone, only to have her escape from their hotel and be “dognapped” by a group of dogfighters. Chloe avoids disaster in her first fight against Diablo (voiced by Edward James Olmos) with the help of fellow dogfighter, Delgado (voiced by Andy Garcia). With Delgado, Chloe embarks on her journey home to California and tries to avoid the dogfighters and Diablo, who want her jeweled necklace. She ends up giving the necklace to a rat, Manuel (voiced by Cheech Marin) and a iguana, Chico (voiced by Paul Rodriguez). This is a crucial mistake, as the necklace is worth a lot of money and it is her only form of identification.
In the meantime, Rachel is searching for Chloe with Vivian’s landscaper, Sam (Manolo Cardona), and his adopted Chihuahua Papí (voiced by George Lopez). With the help of the Mexican police, the group continues the long search for Chloe with clues in many different places. During a scuffle with Diablo, Chloe discovers two stray dogs. These dogs talk to her and are later asked by Papí where Chloe is. The two provide helpful information before joining the search for Chloe as the journey moves forward. Along the way, both dogs are adopted by various people along the way.
Meanwhile, Delgado is continually protecting Chloe from danger, as the two travel by train to get further to California. Along the way, they are discovered on the train and escape the attendants, only to fall off the train. After that, the two take cover and it is discovered the Delgado had a bad run in with Diablo when he was with the police. He and his partner were blindsided and the attack caused Delgado problems with his sense of smell. Before Delgado can finish the story, the two encounter a group of mountain lions. When all looks bleak, the two are rescued by a enormous group of Chihuahuas, who know the history of the dog. The group shows them an Aztec-like structure where they live. Chloe grows to appreciate her past and embraces being a Chihuahua.
Papí finally tracks down Chico and Manuel and retrieves the necklace. He takes it with him on the continued journey for Chloe. Finally, the groups meet up, as Chloe and Delgado show a group of officers a missing poster with Chloe’s picture. During that time though, the dogfighters and Diablo arrive, capturing Chloe and leaving Delgado helpless. With all his strength, Delgado frees himself from his chains and goes straight for Chico and Manuel, who are once again trying to steal the necklace. Delgado regains his sense of smell, realizes Chloe’s scent, and goes to her aid, along with Papí. The group of three overcomes the dogfighters and Diablo to bring the adventure to a happy close. Delgado is offered a job on the Mexican police force and Chloe returns to Beverly Hills with her love Papí and just in time, as Vivian as just returned from her trip.
VIDEO
Offered in both full screen (1:33:1) and widescreen (2:40:1) formats.
SOUND
The movies is offered in English 5.1 Dolby Digital, as well as French and Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital.
BONUS FEATURES
Legend of the Chihuahua: A cartoon feature that describes the history of the Chihuahua species, their origins, and present-day living.
Deleted Scenes: Contains an extra three scenes that aren’t shown in the main feature.
Super Bloopers: A barrage of the film’s many outtakes from the cast of the movie, as well as the animals themselves.
SNEAK PEEKS
The movies allows viewers to see previews of Disney’s other movies, Bedtime Stories and Up, as well as Disney Blu-Ray.
The Film: 9.0/10.0
The Video: 8.0/10.0
The Audio: 8.0/10.0
The Packaging: 9.0/10.0
The Extras: 7.0/10.0
The 411: This is pretty much a standard Disney movie, but I enjoyed the ride while it lasted. Although the movie is great, the concept is even better. Throughout the journey for Chloe, the group's dogs all find homes and places after once being stray. It shows a true moral, where some movies never find one. Aside from that, it is a great family movie that I think everyone will enjoy and the cast does a great job. The sound quality and picture is great, although there aren't that many features. I think this is an above average movie that is perfect for a family night.
