Donald Duck and Disney have always been an inspired collaboration and still hold up wonderfully. Bootle Beetle is not one of their best, some of it is on the routine side, but there is much to enjoy about it. The animation is beautiful with lots of vibrant colour and detailed fluidity in the backgrounds. The music has almost always been pivotal in enhancing what happens in the Disney shorts. Bootle Beetle does nothing that shows otherwise, it is very appealingly orchestrated and very characterful. Every expression, gesture, action or funny moment is matched perfectly with the music. The story is cute and sweet, while there is not much that screams out as new or truly special it is still well-paced and fun. The gags are well-delivered and amusing, the ending with an elderly Donald still trying to catch the beetle was a both funny and moving touch. Donald and the beetle work very well together. Donald is not as angry as before, but their chemistry is helped by what the beetle perceives Donald as, which is as a monster, and not being able to recognise him. The narration omniscient but thoughtful but never too obvious. The vocals are fine.
All in all, sweet, fun and enjoyable though Disney has done better. 8/10 Bethany Cox