Nostalgia Critic Real Thoughts On - Balto 

... Rob.. I finally have to say this. I got this far keeping my mouth shut. It's a goose. Darn it.

"Inspired by true events" would have been better.

Regarding the "based on a true story" bit, Anastasia is hundred times worse than Balto in that regard.

They did give Steel a backstory to why he's so crazy, they just don't go into enough detail with it so you miss it. He's been on top for so long he doesn't know who he is anymore without that. He's also beginning to "lose his edge" (as his master puts it). So he's scared and insecure and sees Balto as a threat to his sense of superiority on which his entire identity and self-worth hangs.

Fun fact: the real Balto was in fact known to have been seen around town playing with, or just wandering around alongside, a goose. I am not making this up, the goose is actually one of the more accurate bits of this.

His daughter gets more character development in the second movie than balto gets in all three movies.

You keep on mentioning El Dorado, and you say that you have a problem with it. I'd be interested to see you do a full in depth nostalgia critic review of it...

Boris is a goose...not a duck. That's why it was ironic that he was goose-stepping to cheer up Balto. A Russian Goose doing the Goose Step.

00:40 I thought I was the only one who noticed. Not only does it look Bluthish, but the music is done by the same composer who did American Tail and Land Before Time. Spielberg was still trying to make Bluth movies in his absence. That's what all three of the Amblimation movies were trying to do. Ironically, Balto is actually better than most of the later Bluth films, though not as good as his first few.

Balto was a childhood favorite of mine! I'll have to rewatch it again at some point. Your review of it was also pretty solid, minus the slam at Phil Collins. By the way, the company that made this movie was called Amblimation, which was run by Spielberg and only lasted for the first half of the 90s. It also made Fievel Goes West and We're Back!, both of which I also liked as a kid. That company then evolved into Dreamworks Animation, at least the part that worked on the hand-drawn films like Prince of Egypt.

Iron Giant and Prince of Eygypt are my favorite non Disney films!

Steele's motivation is not to have kids die, which is likely why he isn't on a top 10 or 20 villains list anywhere. *Steele's goal is to look like the hero and the top dog no matter what.* Thats why he doesn't care if children die in their beds, thats why he's determined to make sure Balto fails, that's why he agrees with Jenna verbally while going against her wishes behind her back, thats why he lies about Balto to the other dogs. Steele is a narcissist to the core. He cares about no one else but himself so the only thing he cares about is making himself look good and be the best while trying to get the best mate (jenna). Everything he does because of that is just consequence. Not goal.

the duck is a goose...... had to get that out

I hate how Doug tries to talk real fast and get his point out before Rob starts talking over him. That's the only thing that bugs the shit out of me on these reviews. Ahhhh! Lol

What about Joseph: King of Dreams? It's a prequel to Prince of Egypt that Dreamworks did.

I love their review of this movie! This might be the best review you guys have done this year!

another one for Balto ? Waw.. you really wanted to talk about it, didn't you ?

I want to thank you again. My girlfriend is an Alaska native from Nome Alaska and the Serum is a big part of her family history and loves this movie so much. Thank you so for doing this review

I'll admit Balto's one of my favorite animated films, though heavily flawed (I researched the shit out of famous dogs when I was a kid. I drew them too- my wolf/dog obsession started years before the film came out.) So when I heard they were making a movie based on Balto and the epidemic in Nome in 1925- my 12 year old self was losing his MIND over the idea. So I saw all the mistakes as I watched the film.. I just shrugged it off. The animation was just so beautiful and Seetle was such a piece of SHIT it made for a good story. So I enjoyed it, even if the goose and bears were annoying. Goose guy had a few good lines. However. Its painful to watch Balto as a character in the other two movies. You're just " is this the same dog that braved the wilderness alone? Helped a sled dog team make it back to Nome while having every thing that could possibly go wrong to him on the way back? 'GRAVITY was nicer to it's main character'! Really? Did he get fixed after he knocked Jenna up?? Wtf dude." btw Doug if you DO review the two direct to video Balto films, I am so so sorry. But I will enjoy every moment of your suffering ;D.

Wow, good call Rob, you were close. Miriam Margoyles was 53 when they filmed the live action stuff for Balto.

Rob: I like this movie. Me: *falls down* Those were literally four words I never thought I'd hear Rob say about Balto. You have my utmost respect. Balto is one of my favorite animated films of all time.

When the IT trailer dropped, every time the red balloon drifted by, I thought "Balloons are NOT SCARY!!"

It would've been better if it said, "Inspired By A True Story". Not based, Inspired!

It should've been "Inspired by a true story."

Omg it's so painful once you notice it. Poor Doug just looks like he gives up on hope a few times. I might try to get an interrupt counter.

1995: okay guys, we’re going to try and be historically accurate with our movies this year. Who’s on board? Apollo 13: I am. Balto, Braveheart, Pocahontas: uhhhh......

I'll tell you why a lot of these era films have a huge following for us people around the age of 25: THEY PLAYED THESE FILMS (both the GOOD AND BAD shit) CONSTANTLY IN SCHOOL WHEN WE WERE KIDS DURING ANY SORT OF TIME WHERE THEY WANTED US TO BE QUIET AND SHUT UP.

Now review the sequels. I think the second one is actually pretty good.

I always thought it'd be a really great movie if maybe Steele had a change of heart at the end. Something like, after Balto accepts his heritage as a wolf, Steele acknowledges him as a dog as well and after going through all those batshit obstacles during the race they work together to get the medicine. maybe not exactly being super friends at the end but acknowledging each other with a glance or maybe they just say goodbye and that's it. something subtle. idk. like not all villains need a redemption arc but I feel like Steele and the story would've benefit from one.

How amazing would it be to have Prince of Egypt re-released in movie theaters? The surround sound...good lord, the surround sound!

*YES! DOUG WAS THE ONE WHO CALLED HIM A GOOSE!!!! THANK YOU!!!*

I would seriously love a movie about Balto and Togo!

Another thing to mention is that that director is a direct descendant of H. G. Wells, which is why he choose to direct the live action Time Machine.

If you thought this movie was trying hard to be Disney, wait until you see the sequels. I loved this movie as a kid, looking back on it, yeah, I think they could've done without the live action bits, you could've taken them out and it wouldn't really have affected the story. I feel like instead of saying "Based on a true story" they should've said "Inspire by a true story".

This movie was done by Amblin Entertainment, which did An American Tail II: Fievel Goes West, so there is a somewhat tangential connection to Don Bluth in Balto

Doug can you give thoughts on IT trailer pretty please?

I'm 15 and my grandma and I would always watch Balto when I was younger. I've always loved it a lot

Here is how I would change the movie to improve it. I would scrap the non-animated parts and the “based on a true story” advertising. I would keep Boris and remove the polar bears. Boris’ character could be enhanced with a deeper father-like bond with Balto. Steele’s character would be replaced with Togo. With Steele gone, the villain of the story would be the blizzard itself. Steele’s absence would also free up time for Balto and Togo to have more character development, especially in regards to the sled team. Togo, to be historically accurate, would make the longest, most dangerous part of the journey and end up lost. Balto would find him and the team and lead them all back to Nome. Balto would be the big hero for saving the team, but Togo would still be given due credit as a hero (minus the half breed underdog status). In closure, Balto would be given an earned reward of joining Togo’s sled team. Even with the film’s flaws, it’s my favorite movie for it’s uniqueness, it’s historical connection, Balto’s sweet and brave character and that beautiful score from James Horner.

I'd argue Steel isn't on any lists because no one's seen Balto.

I think Balto has no dialogue in the last parts of the movie because maybe it's supposed to be implied that when he howls with the spirit wolf he's giving his voice up for strength? That's the only explanation I have and if that's what they were going for it's obviously not portrayed well.

If you want a bad "based on a true story," I suggest The Perfect Storm. How some films try to get away with that is amazing.

You gotta review Ultraviolet!!!! It's the worst movie of all time!!!!!

I love this movie. I have to admit I loved Steel as a villains from childhood. I just love villains that have so much fun being evil. Hades from Hercules and Bill Cipher from Gravity Falls are other ones I absolutely adore.

Why didn’t they just say: Inspired by a True Story? Saying it’s not what actually happened but it is inspired by an actual event.

This, the review, and the first viewing have been so fun to watch. I remember seeing the Balto movies on YTV when I was a kid, so the last few weeks hearing Doug and Rob talk about it have been so nostalgic and entertaining for me.

20:19 Rob that was an awesome Doug impression

Funny story:The very day I found and bought Balto and viewed it for the first time was the very day the Nostalgia Critic video was released.

The Brothers Walker's recent focus on *Balto* really makes me want them to review/give the same treatment to another non-Disney animated film from the '90s: *Cats Don't Dance* (remember that one?). It's a movie that most people now regard as "really good," even though it definitely has its very, very noticeable flaws. For a similar treatment, guys, do *Cats Don't Dance*

1: Goose not duck XD 2: I compare Steel to Gaston. He's the town hero who's ego drives him to become the villain.

For some reason, at the age of five, it was the only film I wanted to rent from the videostore. I had a bit of a fixation about it. Saw it again recently after a gap of about 20 years, and yeah, it's not perfect but the nostalgia got me. And the animation of that bear was fucking amazing.

I find it rather ironic that Disney went on to do a bunch of live action sled dog movies throughout the 2000s.

Yeah, Jim Cummings!

It came out in '95 so looking it up for yourself back then meant going to the library. Yes there was internet but hardly anyone back then had it.

Movies like this should go with "Inspired by a true story" instead of "Based on a true story".

The biggest missed opportunity in the review was missing the fact that the real balto was definitely NOT A WOLFDOG!

Imma be honest Balto is one of my favorite animated dog movies and I'm liking so much that you have 3 videos talking about it lol. Regardless of person opions differing I still enjoy these video's immensely

"Everyone who loves wolves is like, oh yeah, Balto" -Doug Walker, 2017. I think that quote is a terrible understatement, XD.

Speaking of the grandma in the live action sequences, the actress (Miriam Margolyes) was actually 54 when the film came out, and she's still alive today

11:24 Doug describes the American congress beautifully

Since we're on the topic of _good_ movies for a change, has anybody seen Garfield Gets Real, Garfield's Fun Fest and/or Garfield's Pet Force? They're way better than the live-action Garfield movies in my opinion.

I love this movie but they should have put "INSPIRED by a true story" XD No, guys, you NEED Boris's lulzy lines in a heavy drama like this. I still think he's pretty funny, all the same. But the film would have been too dark without him.

Actually, Balto 2 is good and fixes a lot of the problems the first Balto did, even though it can't live up to the first Balto. There was more developement in the characters, a stronger story, more time to breathe in between conflicts and less comic relief.. I think the only problem with the second Balto is the... sorta villain? but because the story and characters are so good that the problem with the villain is looked over. You could even argue that there is no villain and just conflicts that happen left and right. Compared to the first Balto, the second one goes into deep, emotional conflicts that many people often/sometimes have to go through growing up: identity, growing up, loss, acceptance and being independent. It also goes into what fathers go through watching their kids having to grow up in a world that won't accept them, while trying to protect them. Balto 3 is okay. Not bad, not horrible, just okay.

Am I the only one who just really wants to watch Darkwing Duck now?

I remember Balto. I thought that it was good. If Jim Cummings ever voices Batman, I will laugh my ass-off.

Come on Doug, review the Alpha & Omega movies. Descend into the darkness like Bobsheux and Toon Grin.

The director of this film is also the great-grandson of H.G Wells, the legendary science fiction author of "The Time Machine" and "War of the Worlds".

I know NC said he wouldn't do Cats Don't Dance, but he really should!

I gave a shit about Balto when Toy Story came out. I gave a shit.

Honestly, Steel reminds me of Martin Shkreli, the guy who was CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals and raised the price of that AIDS medication from $13.50 to $750 per pill and then lived in his penthouse/evil lair, bought that Wu-Tang Clan album that nobody's heard so he can have it to himself. Hell, he even got kicked off of Twitter. lol

For direct to video sequel fodder, the Balto sequels actually aren't too bad. Probably the best DtV sequels I've seen.

More historical accuracy than Pocahontas.

As a millennial, I did grow up with this movie, and I love it to death. We still have the vhs and it is still so beautiful.

5:41 missed opportunity to say "we took some FREEDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMS"

Balto is one of my favorite animated films of all time.

This movie was still fun anyways, even though Spielberg was trying too hard to be like Disney or particularly Don Bluth, because he worked with Bluth with American Tale and Land Before Time. Spielberg made a sequel to American Tale without Don Bluth.

Everytime they do one of these videos in that office I spend a significant amount of times trying to read the titles of the books behind them. Can we get a video about those bookshelves?

Rob, let Doug get a word in edgewise. This is an issue Ive noticed watching these for awhile, but this time it was unbearable. Literally every time Doug's trying to express an anecdote you cut him off before he can get a sentence out. Just some constructive criticism.

My takeaway from this is that I should watch Prince of Egypt.

Damn I REALLY want to see Ralph Bakshi's Balto now.

I'm so glad they like this movie. It was one of my favorites as a kid

I really liked this movie as a kid, and it seems to have held up better than I expected. I remember liking the second movie and being bored by the third.

All this talking about other studios trying to be Disney actually reminds me of why people love The Emperor's New Groove... It's almost like the reverse concept, Disney doing a feature length Warner Brothers cartoon... but somehow they pull it off a lot better than when its the other way around (Emperor's New Groove is way better than Quest for Camelot.) Because not every movie Disney does needs to be the same either.

"It's like if Darkwing Duck was found out to be a lying ass who just wanted to kill Gosalyn" That's basically NegaDuck XD

it really should have been "inspired by a true story."

Holy shit you guys actually praised my favourite movie from when I was a kid. Thanks for not shitting on it.

The goose was kind of entertaining, just not in the way that they wanted him to be. You should review *Balto 2: Wolf Quest*.

I just want to say, my great grandmother lived to be 95, and she looked rather young for her age. Funny thing is, her name was Rose. So this movie always reminded me or her when I was a kid.

Last time I was this early, I thought AJ was dead.

List of movies for Nostalgia Critic to review in April 2017: Year of the Comet (1992), Wing Commander (1999), SNL Stuart Saves His Family (1995), Dragon Hunters (2008), SNL A Night At The Roxbury (1998), The Borrowers (1997), Ski Patrol (1990), SNL Superstar (1999), Poetic Justice (1993), Ratboy (1986).

The sad thing about the real Balto is that he and his team ended up in a crappy zoo. When Balto died he was stuffed and is on display at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Now that's more like it. I'm glad they finally talked about all the characters, including Jenna (Bridget Fonda dog). Although I still don't understand why they don't like the natural disasters at the end; that was the film's main contribution to the true event since vicious weather and natural disasters were the main problem. If you like the characters though, I'd recommend Balto 3 as well because they stay loveable and interesting in that.

Hands up, am I the only one here who actually LIKED the sequel?

On the 'based on a true story' bit, yeah I agree it's ridiculous how often it is used when very little of a movie is actually based on true events. It should be 'inspired by a true story' unless of course they stay true to the story than they can use 'based'.

All the Darkwing Duck references are making me insanely happy.

Next time please do real thoughts on the animated Titanic movies, it's long overdue.

1:23 It would be more evil if he had had GREAT FLAMING EYEBROWS!

A couple Pebble and the Penguin characters had eyebrows that were flying off their faces. XD

Seeing my favorite reviewers delight in discovering things that I have loved for years is such a good feeling. (I also experienced it when you started the Avatar the Last Airbender Vlogs)

I'm beyond thankful you both took the time to review balto, it's one of my favorite childhood films.

They should review Anastasia next.