BALTO (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

Balto partially bases itself on the true story of an Alaskan dog who saved the lives of diphtheria patients by delivering needful medicine in 1925 to Nome, Alaska. The voices for this animated show are well chosen.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Balto (voice of Kevin Bacon), part Huskie and part Wolf dog, is often greatly humbled due to his mixed heritage and low community status. When a diphtheria outbreak requires a 600-mile dog team run from Nome, Alaska to Nenana, Alaska to pick up the needed medicine, another dog is chosen to make the critical run. The other dog team proves unable to deliver the medicine and Balto saves the day with courage, determination, and spirit.

Additional Thanks

Really good work for Director Simon Wells. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Bonne Radford, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Boris (voice of Bob Hoskins), Steele (voice of Jim Cummings), Jenna (voice of Bridget Fonda), Muk and Luk (voice of Phil Collins), Nikki (voice of Jack Angel), Kaltag (voice of Danny Mann), Star (voice of Robbie Rist), Rosy (voice of Juliette Brewer), Sylvie/Dixie/Rosy’s Mother (voice of Sandra Dickinson), and Grandma Rosy/Extra Voices (Miriam Margoyles).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. While this did not do well in box office, it is a terrific, overlooked story that shines in story value.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers