CHIMPANZEE is a Disneynature documentary released in 2012 that follows a real chimp named Oscar through daily life in a Central African forest. Audiences see the intelligence, playfulness, and emotional sensitivity that mark chimp social life, showing how Oscar navigates family ties, group dynamics, and survival challenges. The film presents a candid portrait of a community of chimpanzees, highlighting moments of clever problem solving, compassionate care, and the everyday routines that reveal their humanity. By focusing on Oscar’s family and territory, the narrative invites viewers to understand the forest as a living stage where relationships, food gathering, and threat detection shape choices. The storytelling aims to connect viewers with the species by balancing intimate, personal moments with broader ecological context.
On Blu-ray, released August 21, 2012, the package adds value beyond the feature film. The Blu-ray/DVD combo includes additional footage about chimpanzee centered charities and Disney’s Friends for Change, a program encouraging people to take concrete steps to support endangered animals. The disc features an interview with Jane Goodall and content attributed to the Jane Goodall Institute, offering expert insight into primate behavior and conservation. Viewers also gain access to behind the scenes footage that explains how the film was made, along with a featurette that reflects on thirty years of chimp observation conducted by a team of researchers. This material deepens understanding of the science, ethics, and fieldwork behind the documentary, providing context for the story and for ongoing conservation work.
Promotional material announced a chance to win one of three CHIMPANZEE Blu-ray Combo Packs. Details about participation were outlined in the original campaign, with rules designed to encourage broad involvement. The sweepstakes referenced standard conditions common to such giveaways, including eligibility criteria and a random drawing to determine winners. The production team emphasized the importance of choosing winners in a transparent manner and preserving the anonymity of competing entries until the draw. Educational and charitable elements were highlighted as part of the promotion, aligning with the film’s conservation focus and with the partner organizations mentioned in the bonus materials.
Specific dates were shared for the promotion, marking its closing date as August 20, 2012. The rules documented a limit on entries and a consent requirement regarding the use of winners’ names and cities in any list of results. The prize distribution was coordinated through official channels, and the promotion made clear that participants under a certain age were eligible to participate under particular conditions. Some regions were noted as ineligible under the contest terms. The contest built anticipation by pairing the film with real world conservation outreach and a chance to engage with the CHIMPANZEE narrative beyond the screen.
Overall, CHIMPANZEE presents a vivid portrait of Oscar and his kin, blending cinematic wonder with scientific insight. The documentary demonstrates how chimpanzees communicate, cooperate, and adapt to changing environments, offering viewers a window into a complex world where family bonds drive survival. The Blu-ray edition expands the experience with exclusive extras that broaden understanding of chimpanzee welfare, field research, and the broader conservation story. For families and fans of natural history alike, the film serves as both entertainment and a primer on ongoing efforts to protect endangered species, encouraging responsible choices and curiosity about the natural world. The project stands as a reminder that even in the dense canopy of a forest, humans are connected to chimpanzees through shared biology, wonder, and a shared responsibility to protect their future.