Who doesn’t love Tinker Bell, the tiny fairy who helps Peter Pan in Disney’s animated version of James M. Barrie’s Peter Pan? Happily, this delightful character now has a DVD movie of her own. Tinker Bell tells the story of where the iconic pixie came from and what happened before she became part of the Peter Pan legend. It also extols the wondrous mysteries of nature while emphasizing the importance of finding your true talent and using it to make valuable contributions to your world.   

With glorious, vibrant CG animation, Tinker Bell paints a beautiful world in which fairies create all kinds of magic. These lovely creatures live and fly effortless around Pixie Hollow, a secret hideaway in Never Land. They give flowers their color, conjure up rainbows, put dew drops on spider webs and accomplish many other magical things. When Tinker Bell (voiced by Mae Whitman) first arrives -- or, I should say “floats in” during a fascinating birth scene -- Queen Clarion (voiced by Anjelica Huston) explains that she must discover her talent. Is she a flight fairy, an animal fairy, a garden fairy or a tinker fairy? The latter, of course, which displeases the newcomer a great deal.

Because Tinker Bell thinks tinkers aren’t as exciting as the other fairies, she goes through some very funny scenes trying to be something other than herself. However, after Pixie Hollow faces a catastrophe only a tinker like her can prevent, Tinker Bell learns the value of her special talent.   

Tinker Bell boasts impressive voice talent, and this adds to the quality of the film. In addition to Whitman and Huston, it’s a treat to hear fine actors like America Ferrera, Lucy Liu, Kristin Chenoweth, Raven-Symon and Jesse McCartney interpreting various roles with such sincerity and enthusiasm.  

DVD bonus items include: 

Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow -- an exploration of pixie lore under the guidance of Queen Clarion and Tinker Bell.   

Tinker Trainer DVD Rom -- four games to help turn winter into spring.

Ever Wonder -- a whimsical depiction of how fairies work their magic.

Creating Pixie Hollow -- an explanation of how filmmakers created Pixie Hollow plus fascinating information about its history.

I predict Tinker Bell will be a big hit with youngsters. And there’s more good news. Parents will probably enjoy it almost as much as their children do.  

(Released by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; not rated by MPAA.)