COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released a wonderful family film with “LITTLE SECRETS.”  Rachel Wood stars as Emily, a young kid with dreams of becoming a concert violinist.  Understanding something about her fellow “kid” friends, she opens a “Little Secrets” stand in her backyard.  It’s something similar to Peanuts’ Lucy and her “therapy” stand.  Emily charges the neighborhood kids 50 cents a shot to confide their secrets in her and get advice.  It’s actually a booming business, until certain events unfold that may bust wide open everything she’s worked for and put her stand to an end.

There’s some cute, innocent romance that develops with the arrival of two good looking boys who’ve moved next door, but “LITTLE SECRETS” maintains the feeling of a good DISNEY film throughout, and nothing about the “romance” should make parents shy away from allowing their youngsters view it.  
 
COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement, as well as providing a “Full-frame” version, all on the same disc.  The letterboxed image appears a little soft at times, but there’s decent resolution. There is also some minor artifacting. Contrast is fine, with deep blacks and grays. Fleshtones appear natural.  The full-frame version suffers from extensive grain, but otherwise the image is similar. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented a DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 mix.  Although there are some ambient effects, the mix is entirely focused towards the front soundstage, with the exception of music elements.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a running commentary with the film’s director and writer.  They both are enthusiastic about their work here, and it helps make the commentary feel energetic, even when the content becomes somewhat dry.  It’s nothing compelling, but fans of the film may want to listen to it.  There’s also a blooper reel, offering several good laughs as well as insight into the fun atmosphere on the set.  Younger fans of the film will certainly enjoy the fact that COLUMBIA TRISTAR has actually included the entire CD soundtrack along with the film on a separate disc.