Loosely based on a true story, Balto is an animated epic about a hybrid wolf-dog, who while rejected and considered dangerous for being part wolf, goes out of his way to not only prove his worth, but to save the lives of sick children during a Diphtheria epidemic.

He is continuously taunted and bullied by a lead sled dog, Steele, who is also accompanied by his sled dog lackeys who join in the bullying as well. Balto is not alone, however. By his side is Boris, a Russian snow goose, and two polar bears named Muk and Luk (who mostly serve as the film's comic relief). Also on his side is the female husky (and Balto's love interest), Jenna, owned by a young girl named Rosie who also suffers in the epidemic.

After failed attempts to retrieve life-saving antitoxin, they decide to send a team of dogs to Nome's neighboring town, Nenana. A race is held to find the fastest dogs to put on the team. Balto enters and wins, but Steele sets Balto up to be rejected once again. Steele leads the team into the wilderness and gets lost. In turn, Balto takes it upon himself to take off after and rescue the team, and retrieve the medicine in time.

The film as almost entirely animated, and it of course takes place in Alaska. It contains well known actors, such as Bob Hoskins (Boris) and Jim Cummings (Steele), both of which are very good performances.

The movie didn't do very well during its theatrical release, due to the fact that it was released at the exact same time as Disney and Pixar's Toy Story (which as you know was the first full CGI film ever released). It's failure to reel in big numbers afterward put Amblimation out of business. Universal has since then attempted to distance themselves from the movie, which is a shame.

Be that as it may, the movie is actually very good. The animation, story and acting are good. The soundtrack is beautiful, and as most know, the film has gained itself a devoted cult following (of which I am proudly a part of). If you favor a good story with good characters and good animation, it's a good pick.