A bug's life (1998)

This was one of the first of the new animated films that came out when DVD was just beginning to catch on, and this really helped sell the new format by giving us a very sharp picture, bold colors and a fantastic 5.1surround sound, all a vast improvement over the VHS. In this instance, the sound was most impressive aspect.

The story is pretty good with interesting characters, mainly the circus performers. As in most of these modern-day animations, there are so many astounding sights and sounds it would take many viewings to catch them all.

The only negative in the movie is the typical Disney plug for the gay agenda. Here's it's the ladybug being really "a man in touch with his feminine side." Other than that, the film is family-friendly and far better than another animated film that came out at the same time: the profane and crude "Antz."

This isn't a laugh-out-loud film but there are many amusing and clever lines which makes it fun for adults, not just the kids.