Billy enhanced many aspects of the film, each in different ways, to create a solid, layered, and multifaceted narrative. It was structured from various angles, allowing for a non-linear depiction of a world full of stories, quite different from simply telling a long story that, when edited, could be cut down.
For example, Jim's house was destroyed by a spaceship in the middle of the night, and the event is captured in photographs on the wall. They were then pursued, eventually infiltrating the captain's ship. Secondly, the plot featured a fast-paced sequence in which time was condensed into under five minutes, showing how the boy transformed from a well-behaved child into a rebellious youth.
The lunar city was defined and presented from multiple perspectives, allowing the true villains to be revealed between the lines and introducing key characters to turn the journey into an extended voyage across the universe. This also set up the death of the captain's first officer. This event would ultimately help Jim defeat the true antagonist, recover a great treasure, and be recruited into the navy, following in his father's footsteps.
As the film neared completion, and at the captain's suggestion, some scenes were cut while others were added as extras. The removed scenes were released as three-minute shorts on Lux Nation and its various channels at the time of the premiere, serving as part of the film's marketing campaign.
Spain
Diario El País
Andrés Marañón
Disney has preserved the spirit of a great adventure that never grows tiresome. (...) Teenage audiences won't find any silly romances here—just a thirst for rebellion and friendship.
United States
Clarence Ebert
Treasure Planet has spark and humor, along with some adorable supporting characters, but do we need this rushed version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic?
United Kingdom
William Thomas – The Empire
A truly wonderful story with stunning animation (...) Solid entertainment.
United States
CNN – Paul Clinton
A clumsy and cynical act of piracy, designed to steal time and money.
United States
The New York Times – Andrew O. Scott
Though there's nothing particularly wrong with it, the pedigree of Lux Animation and Clements (...) promised something better (...) Score: 3.5 out of 5.
United States
Chicago Reader – Sam Stamets
Robert Louis Stevenson's work is transformed into an exciting sci-fi adventure.
United States
Variety – Andy Klous
It starts with the clever idea of turning the story into an old-school space opera (...) But its appeal wanes as the journey of a boy seeking belonging loses its momentum.
United Kingdom
BBC – Nev Pierce
The result is as inconsistent as the script (...) Score: 2 out of 5.
United States
Slant – Ed Gonzalez
The film stays alive with a playful sense of adventure (...) It ends with a charming and satisfying resolution.
United Kingdom
Liverpool Times – Sloan Freer
It boasts some breathtaking intergalactic landscapes, but also a jumble of alien characters.
United Kingdom
Time Out – Tom Charity
It's watchable. Stevenson's story is strong enough to withstand this underdeveloped adaptation.
United States
The Washington Post – Keith Phipps
The production design cleverly blends past and future.
The reviews were somewhat harsh, but that didn't matter—it was a film for kids. Still, Anne had her doubts about the financial outcome. With a budget of $41 million, the film needed to gross at least $75 million to cover all expenses. That was the break-even point—the number that would make the project minimally profitable. But Billy believed that all these criticisms were—
-I just wish they weren't so harsh, - Anne said.
-BBC and CNN are friendly properties of Warner, and we have some connections with companies based in Chicago. I'm afraid our competitor, Disney, is pulling strings behind the scenes, drawing attention away from us, especially now, after Michael Ovitz's departure. We'll just have to let it pass. The film isn't a masterpiece, but it's good. Plus, it has beautifully crafted artwork, thanks to Pixar. There's nothing quite like it in the realm of space operas, Jim Gianopulos responded. In truth, he had managed to create a genuine space opera, packed with extraordinary phenomena that would captivate children.
-McDonald's will pay us $4 million in licensing fees to develop a toy line. This year, toy-related partnerships—like Toy Story's—have generated substantial revenue for the company. Plus, they'll help with advertising,- added Anna Washington. That brought Anne some relief—she now saw the number drop to $71 million, and further deals with Hasbro would lower it to an even more manageable $70 million.
-So we just need that final push,- she thought, walking through the theater, searching for a quiet spot to focus on the numbers.
***
Billy wrapped up filming. No matter how much time he had spent immersed in the various scenes, Monica was waiting for him. She wore a stunning blue dress by a renowned designer, complemented by a red belt tied in a bow at the back, elegantly accentuating her exposed shoulders. Billy, on the other hand, wore a matching blue suit, a red tie, and brown shoes.
-We have a reservation on the 45th floor, - Monica said, adjusting his suit and gently brushing his cheeks. - Anne will call you tomorrow. The premiere is starting now, and, lucky for us, even though this isn't an official premiere, you reserved a theater and invited some of your friends to watch the film. It feels like a real event. -
-Thanks, love, - Billy replied.
The invitations were extended to everyone involved in the production, along with his friends from Marvel and other close business associates. Some members of the Discovery Channel production team were also present—they had just reached financial stability after investing $80 million, supplemented by a $50 million mortgage for major productions. The company was now beginning to sustain itself, largely relying on a subscription-based model. While this wasn't the most profitable approach, their second initiative was proving promising: launching a free documentary channel, developed in collaboration with the newly established History Channel.
-Yes,- Monica murmured as she stepped onto a quieter street, inhaling the crisp Thursday night air.
They got into the car for a short five-block ride. The bodyguards were stationed nearby, though only the captain remained constant—his team rotated periodically as per company policy.
-Erwin, you have an hour to grab something to eat. We'll be attending the premiere, - Billy said, handing two $100 bills to the guards for parking arrangements.
The restaurant was on the 125th floor—a breathtaking surprise. Billy took a moment to admire the view, watching as the city that never sleeps buzzed with life. Though the chill of the approaching winter was beginning to set in, the sight of the illuminated skyline from such a height was mesmerizing.
-Tomorrow, we can dine somewhere just like this, - Billy said to Monica, who nodded in agreement.
...