Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)

Amazon.com

E.B. White's classic tale gets a Babe-like makeover in Charlotte's Web, a delightful and well-made film that is sure to become a family classic. Directed by Gary Winick (13 Going on 30), the new version eschews the musical numbers of the 1973 cartoon and mixes CGI with live-action animals. Dakota Fanning brings the right amount of chutzpah to Fern, the young farm girl who rescues a runt, Wilbur, from death and visits him every day at her Uncle Homer's farm. But it's Wilbur's friendship with Charlotte the spider (voiced by Julia Roberts) that ultimately saves him from the "smoke house" (a kid-friendly alternative term to the slaughterhouse), for Charlotte's talent for weaving praiseworthy words about Wilbur into her web turns the Zuckerman farm into a tourist attraction. The more tragic elements of the book are handled sensitively by Winick, working from a script by Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich), and Roberts' soothing, maternal voice (who knew it would work so well?) makes it all go down easy. It turns out to be just one of many perfect celebrity voice-casting choices, for the farm animals, voiced by an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey (the goose), Robert Redford (the horse), Steve Buscemi (Templeton the rat), and John Cleese (the sheep), lend plenty of sharp humor. But it's two corn-hungry crows, voiced by Thomas Haden Church (Sideways) and OutKast's Andre "3000" Benjamin who steal the show. (Ages 4 and older) -- Ellen A. Kim

Beyond Charlotte's Web

Other Children's Book Adaptations on DVD
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
The Original 1973 Charlotte's Web Cartoon

Stills from Charlotte's Web (click for larger image)

Product Description

The classic story of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice comes to life in this live-action adaptation. Fern (Dakota Fanning) is one of only two living beings who sees that Wilbur is a special animal as she raises him, the runt of the litter, into a terrific and radiant pig. As Wilbur moves into a new barn, he begins a second profound friendship with the most unlikely of creatures - a spider named Charlotte - and their bond inspires the animals around them to come together as a family. When the word gets out that Wilbur's days are numbered, it seems that only a miracle will save his life. A determined Charlotte - who sees miracles in the ordinary - spins words into her web in an effort to convince the farmer that Wilbur is "some pig" and worth saving.

Customer Reviews:

awesome.......2007-09-11

I thought this movie was nice and the animals look so real and they help out there friend .

Great Movie!.......2007-08-22

This movie is great for kids or adults of any age. Very good animal personalities and voices. Recommended!

One of the best kid movies ever.......2007-08-07

I like this movie even better than the original animated movie. It's a favorite for kids and adults in our house.

Cute!.......2007-08-03

Look, nothing beets the book, but this live action version is pretty good! I like that the pig isn't as whiny as in the cartoon. However if you've read the book Wilbur does come across as whiny and needy. A little too much for my taste. This version makes him much more enjoyable. Just my opinion.

Not just an itsy bitsh spider!.......2007-07-25

As a kid, CHARLOTTE'S WEB was my favorite story, and I vividly remember it making me cry (several times, in fact!). I was thrilled to hear that they were coming out with an ambitious theatrical release of the story. I was not disappointed!

The ensemble of voices is impressive, featuring Reba McIntyre, Cathy Bates, Steve Buscemi, Robert Redford, Oprah Winfrey, John Cleese and Julia Roberts as Charlotte. The CGI effects are wonderful and they bring all the barnyard animals to life.

If you're in the market for a family friendly movie, you would do well to pick this one up. They stick pretty close to the book w/out doing too much improvisation, and it's clear by the big names associated with the project that CHARLOTTE'S WEB is a story that is / was dear to the hearts of a great many people.

Baby Einstein - Baby MacDonald - A Day on the Farm

Average customer rating:

Our favorite!
The Only Baby Einstein DVD You Need
Baby Einstein DVD
My Granddaughter Loves This
Works every time!

Baby Einstein - Baby MacDonald - A Day on the Farm
Director: Jim Janicek
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000DJZC9
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Product Description

Baby MacDonald A Day on the Farm DVD introduces your little one to life on a real farm. Through live-action images, traditional nursery rhymes, puppet shows and visuals of happy children, engaging toys and real-world objects, your baby will explore all of the sights and sounds of a farm. Together you will meet the farm animals, plant the crops, ride on a tractor, celebrate the harvest and much more! Baby MacDonald A Day on the Farm DVD contains music by the worlds master composers specially re-orchestrated for little ears, including the works of Schubert, Schumann and Strauss. This must-have DVD also contains six bonus features, including Repeat Play, Discovery Cards, Old MacDonald Sing-Along, Puppet Shows, Story Time with Baby MacDonald On the Farm, and Toy Chest. Baby MacDonald A Day on the Farm has a total running time of approximately 30 minutes and is organized for easy navigation. Scene Selection and Bonus Materials are provided in the Parents Guide. DVD zoned for Region 1 only, which is the USA and Canada Baby Einstein offers a wide variety of DVDs

Amazon.com

The beauty of this entry in the Baby Einstein catalog is its integration of puppets, toys, and live farm footage to help babies and toddlers make the connection between their plastic play sets and stuffed animals with images of a real farm. As always, the spoken language is minimal, omitting the pesky verbs and adjectives that would confuse the very young. The 30-minute main program is divided into sections: barns and equipment, animals, planting crops, and harvesting. Background music ranges from "Old MacDonald" to Schumann, and DVD extras include a 6-minute puppet show and visual "discovery cards" identifying animals and farm paraphernalia with a single word. (Ages 6 months to 3 years) --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews:

Our favorite!.......2007-07-21

We have many Baby Einstein DVD's and we love them all. If you're giving it as a gift or looking to buy for your own baby this one is a great choice.

The Only Baby Einstein DVD You Need.......2007-07-21

I received most of the Baby Einstein DVD's as gifts and let me say this is the BEST one. I have played all of them for both of my kids and this one is the only one that held their attention all the way through.
Don't waste your $ on the rest of the set. Just get this one.

Baby Einstein DVD.......2007-07-19

Thank you for the Baby Einstein DVD. Even without it's original packaging, the DVD is in perfect condition and my daughter LOVES it. Super fast shipping. Pleasure to do business with!

My Granddaughter Loves This.......2007-06-27

I purchased this product because my 17 month old granddaughter loves animals. Though a child's attention span is usually short at this age, she is captivated by the varied ways this subject is displayed in this DVD.

Works every time!.......2007-06-09

We use this CD to get our son to play on his tummy. He loves the part where they sing Old McDonald. It works like a charm every time.

Average customer rating:

Baby Einstein DVD
Cuter than most!!
Makes my baby cry!
Baby Einstein - Neighborhood Animals, Just extrodinary
Love this movie!!

Baby Einstein - Neighborhood Animals

Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Accessories:

Product Features:

Features classical music of Beethoven, Vivaldi and more
Includes parents guide to video
Enhances motor skills
Length of DVD: 71 minutes
Series of 12 delightful vignettes dedicated to animals found around the home

ASIN: B00006SFM2
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Product Description

First educational DVD series for infants! Features an interactive DVD board book of video still frame of familiar animals, words, natural sounds and classical music background pieces. The interactive flash cards are a first of its kind application of DVD technology. Baby Doolittle flash cards have been recreated in video still frames. A parent and child can step through the 29 visuals, identifying animals together and labeling the pictures with written vocabulary. Accompanying the visuals is classical musical pieces by Tsar Saltan, Beethoven, Scalatti and more. For ages 1 to 4. DVD zoned for Region 1 only, which is the USA and Canada Baby Einstein offers a wide variety of DVDs

Amazon.com

When Baby Einstein started its "video board books" in 1997, the company was virtually alone in the field of baby development. By its sixth video, the field has become crowded with similar-sounding titles. Now scientists might be able to analyze what a baby will get out of a video like Baby Dolittle compared to Baby Van Gogh, but is it worth getting more baby videos? Absolutely--babies love variety as much as their adult counterparts. On that level, Baby Dolittle scores. The theme of animals is a natural, and this show should cause squeals of delight from little ones 1 to 4 years old. Using a stimulating mix of brightly colored toys, whimsical puppets (including your host, Pavlov the Dog), and lots of pictures, Baby Dolittle takes the viewer on a 30-minute tour of commonly found animals. Help your little pal spot a pig on the farm or a dog in the house. Baby Dolittle uses animals' sounds, kids' drawings, and photography for each animal in four habitats. The natural settings and original, bright recordings of Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, Vivaldi, and others should make this a favorite every time you want to visit Old MacDonald's Farm. Followed by a companion production, Baby Dolittle World Animals. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Baby Einstein DVD.......2007-07-22

I purchased the Baby Einstein Neighborhood Animals DVD because my daughter loves dogs and kitties. The DVD came with quick delivery and in perfect condtion. My daughter has enjoyed every second of it. Thanks!!

Cuter than most!!.......2007-07-21

My four 1/2 month old son really enjoys this DVD. And my 3 year old daughter, being an animal lover, also enjoys it. Worth buying!! This particular DVD captures my kids attention more than some of the other Baby Einstein videos.

Makes my baby cry!.......2007-07-16

Something about the music and pictures at the beginning of this video frightens my 11-month-old. She is fascinated by animals in real life, and enjoys Baby MacDonald, but this DVD freaks her out. I think it's the motion picture of all the cows coming towards her. She hates the music, as soon as I try to play this DVD she really screams. I tried it first when she was about 7 months old, then thought I would wait a bit and try it later - no luck.

Baby Einstein - Neighborhood Animals, Just extrodinary.......2007-06-03

Baby Einstein is a wonderful line of videos to help aid in your child's development. Get them off to a very good start with these videos, and this special one, Baby Einstein - Neighborhood Animals. Get them well on the way to a successful future now! Don't wait!

Love this movie!!.......2007-05-22

Out of all the Baby Einstein DVD's, this one is one of my son's favorite. Everyday while I cook dinner, he asks to watch "the puppy movie" because it has a puppy on the side of the front cover.

Average customer rating:

awesome
Great Movie!
One of the best kid movies ever
Cute!
Not just an itsy bitsh spider!

Charlotte's Web (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Julia Roberts , Steve Buscemi , John Cleese , Oprah Winfrey , and Cedric the Entertainer
Director: Gary Winick
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000NA6CP4
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Amazon.com

Beyond Charlotte's Web

Other Children's Book Adaptations on DVD
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
The Original 1973 Charlotte's Web Cartoon

Stills from Charlotte's Web (click for larger image)

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

awesome.......2007-09-11

I thought this movie was nice and the animals look so real and they help out there friend .

Great Movie!.......2007-08-22

This movie is great for kids or adults of any age. Very good animal personalities and voices. Recommended!

One of the best kid movies ever.......2007-08-07

I like this movie even better than the original animated movie. It's a favorite for kids and adults in our house.

Cute!.......2007-08-03

Not just an itsy bitsh spider!.......2007-07-25

Average customer rating:

Love this video
excellent
Barney: Let's Go to the Farm
the best for 1-2 year old kids
Not so interesting

Barney: Let's Go To the Farm
Starring: Barney
Manufacturer: Lyons / Hit Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006L0LPW
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Description

It's fun on the farm with Barney™! Come join Barney, Baby Bop™ and BJ™ as they take their friends on a fun-filled adventure to a farm. They meet and play with baby animals, take a pony ride and learn all about farm fresh fruits and veggies! They also explore the barn and enjoy fresh air and sunshine while singing their favorite songs. The day ends with some homemade ice cream and a big barn dance. Approx. Run Time: 100 minutes (including bonus features)

Customer Reviews:

Love this video.......2007-08-03

I got this for my daughter when she was 15 months. She absolutely loves it and dances the whole time, names the animals and loves the songs.
It is well-paced. She does not have many videos as I am selective with what I buy and let her watch, but I definitely recommend this one.

excellent.......2007-07-20

i bought it for my 18 month old boy and he love barney a lot
he got many others barney dvd and he likes them all
he is not into tv but some how barney enterteins him...alot

Barney: Let's Go to the Farm.......2007-02-13

It's very educational and my daughter loved it so much.

the best for 1-2 year old kids.......2006-12-13

This video would be the best for the kids who are 1-2 years old. That's the age when they are so interested in animals and songs like on this video. My son is 13 monthes old and he's been watching this video since he turned one. Now he is slowly moving to other ones like Best Manners and Let's play school.But this one is still his favorite.This video is probably the best Barney introduction to your kid.

Not so interesting.......2006-07-31

I bought this for my 3 years old and i thought it will be very interesting and attractive but i discovered that it is not. The farm activities are not interesting and they don't interact alot with animals or even nature so close so my child didn't find something attractive in this video, even the songs are not like other barney songs. I already bought him best manners DVD and that one much more attractive and interesting. However on this DVD you will find some games that may attract your child even more the video like the animals sounds.

Average customer rating:

Animal Farm Review
English teacher gives this DVD a C-
A Difficult Film to Make, Updated for Our Times
Beware!
not that bad

Animal Farm
Starring: Kelsey Grammer , Ian Holm , Julia Louis-Dreyfus , Julia Ormond , and Pete Postlethwaite
Director: John Stephenson (II)
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000365DS
Release Date: 2000-01-18

Amazon.com

After the technical achievement of Babe, it was inevitable that "talking animal" effects would be applied to the serious themes of George Orwell's Animal Farm. A bitterly satirical indictment of Stalinist Russia and the failure of Communism, Orwell's 1945 novel is a time-honored classic, so it's only fitting that this TNT production remains largely faithful to Orwell's potent narrative. A showcase for the impressive creations of Jim Henson's Creature Shop (where director John Stephenson was a veteran supervisor), the film employs animatronic critters and computer animation to tell the story of uprising, unity, and tragic rebellion among the animals of a British farm.

The politics of "Animalism" are initially effective, ousting enemy humans according to rules ordained by Old Major, the barnyard pig whose death sets the stage for the corruptive influence of the pig Napoleon, who cites superior intelligence as his right to superiority. This tyrannical reign destroys the farm's stability, and the film--decidedly not for young children--preserves Orwell's dark, cynical view of absolute power corrupting absolutely. Particularly effective is a propaganda film shown to the barnyard collective, and certain scenes--while not as impressive as the Babe films--powerfully convey the force of Orwell's story through animal "performance." Animal Farm occasionally falters in its emotional impact (the fate of the horse Boxer should be heart-rending, and it isn't), but it's certainly blessed with an elite voice cast, including Peter Ustinov, Patrick Stewart, Pete Postlethwaite, Julia Ormond, Kelsey Grammer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Paul Scofield, and Ian Holm. Not the masterpiece it might've been, this is nevertheless a worthy representation of Orwell's novel. (Ages 8 and older) --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Animal Farm Review.......2007-08-29

The story was as good as ever, but no one can replace the voice of Orson Wells in the original. That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. There were no problems with the order. We received it in just a few days.

English teacher gives this DVD a C-.......2007-05-18

Reading some of the other customer reviews, it seems this DVD runs the gamut of emotions for many viewers. Some liked it; while others felt that too many liberties were taken with the book. I recently showed this DVD to my Sophomore English class after reading the novella with them. I think my students probably would have rated this DVD higher than I did; however, there were far too many differences from the text for my liking.

For starters, the story is told from the perspective of Jesse, one of Mr. Jones's dogs. While this may not seem like a major flaw, I feel it overly inflates the importance of a minor character in the book. Secondly, while there is no nudity in the DVD, there is an implied sexual encounter between Mr. Jones and Mrs. Pilkington about 15 minutes into the movie. Mr. Jones finds Mrs. P in his bed; Mrs. P assures Mr. Jones that her husband is fast asleep; camera pans up to headboard; Mrs. P says "Oh, Mr. Jones" and then the headboard begins knocking. Some of my studetns did snicker at the scene; most were nonplussed. (In fact, an earlier scene were Old Major's carcass is being butchered elicited far more shock than this one.) The "sex scene" was not an issue with my class, as I'm sure most have seen far more suggestive things on regular TV. However, USE YOUR OWN DESCRETION. You may want to fast-forward scene. While I did not find the scene overly objectionable, it was yet another deviation from the text. Lastly, and more importantly, the DVD does alter the ending of the novella. Whereas the book ends with the pigs playing cards with the humans and everyone looks the same, the movie continues on with Jesse and the animals running away from the farm upon this discovery. Eventually the farm is bought by new owners (a young American family), and Jesse and her pups return. I feel the "happy Hollwood ending" runs counter to the spirit of the novella, as did many of my students.

On the positive side, the effects were (for the most part) rather clever. I think there was only one scene (Squealer painting "Animal Farm" on the front gate) that seemed hokey and cartoonish. This updating, by itself, overcame most of the flaws in the adaptation and is why I chose this version over the earlier cartoon one. I remember seeing the cartoon version when I was in high school 25 years ago; I didn't like it then, and I don't like it now. (I feel the very fact that it IS a cartoon belittles the importance of Orwell's message. I mean, who takes a cartoon seriously?) The movie also does a good job showing how governments use the media to control public opinion. Particularly haunting was the black-and-white newsreel toward the end of the DVD which was highly reminiscent of Hitler's Nuremburg rallies. This particular scene is a microcosm of how I feel about the movie: While it is beautifully shot and imaginative, it is reminiscent of Hitler (not Stalin) and goes for far too long. Some editing and a more literal rendering of the book would have gone a long way in improving this movie.

Overall, this version is better than the earlier cartoon one. However, "better" in this case does not mean "good", just "OK".

A Difficult Film to Make, Updated for Our Times.......2006-11-02

I'm surprised by the harsh reviews of many of the commenters. Ok, there are some failed efforts at updating, and liberties are taken with the text, but I found some of the updating to be very effective.

For example, the manner in which television and propaganda films were used to pacify the animals hint at the way the mass media operates today. Also, Napoleon's use of the bogeyman of Farmer Jones returning certainly resonates in an age where the politics of fear are openly utlized to convince voters to support ongoing government policies.

And I found the mixed use of real animals, human actors, and Frank Oz effects to be intriguing, though perhaps not ultimately successful.

Finally, this is a much darker vision, which may not be appropriate for children. Patrick Stewart's voicing of Napoleon is genuinely frightening, as he slowly perverts the good intentions of Old Major and eliminates and appropriates Snowball's far-thinking ideas, only to accumulate further power and material possessions.

A flawed production, but a creative and interesting take on this Orwell classic.

Beware!.......2006-09-28

For any of you teachers out there who plan to watch this in your classroom with your students: BEWARE!! First of all, I've heard of taking "liberties" with a book but this is ridiculous! Sex between Farmer Jones and the neighbor farmer's wife is not in the book, but sure is shown in the movie. I was shocked to see them rolling under the sheet as the headboard was "knocking against the wall". Utterly revolting and embarassing for me and my students. I expect better from Hallmark Entertainment, Family Home Entertainment, etc...
Second, there is a "no rating" statement on the DVD - I'm angry about this and don't appreciate being taken advantage of. There was no warning about adult situations. It's a shame that one can't be truthful in advertising. Buyer Beware!

not that bad.......2006-06-21

I have read a number of reviews that are upset that the ending was too optimistic. But there is a reason for that. Remember that Animal Farm was at least partially based on the Soviet Union, and when this movie was made (1999) the soviet union had fallen and it looked as if we had new hope for a democratic russia under the leadership of borris yeltsin. So to have a more optimistic ending (that George Orwell would have never in a million years written) is not that bad of an idea and it follows russian history. But after 7 years we see that things are not that optimistic. Borris Yeltsin had to leave office because his alcholism made him unfit to rule a country (disturbingly like Mr. Jones). Now a former member of the KGB is in charge of russia. Furthermore the entire world is now starting to enter a war that seems to be unwinnable with goals that are at best ambigious and may very well be unachievable. Hmmm all of this is starting to remind me another Orwell book, that could be made into a bad TNT adaptation.

Average customer rating:

REALLY GOOD! IN THE STYLE OF AN OLD LOONEY TUNES CARTOON!
I wonder why all the negative hype
My kids love it!
Worst. Disney. Animated. Feature. EVER.
Love It!

Home on the Range
Starring: G.W. Bailey , Bobby Block , Steve Buscemi , Carole Cook , and Charlie Dell
Director: John Sanford (II)
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00029LO0Y
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Amazon.com

A spiky animation style and cowboy yodelling give Home on the Range some charisma. A trio of cows--Maggie (voiced by Roseanne, She-Devil), Mrs. Calloway (Judi Dench, Iris), and Grace (Jennifer Tilly, Bound)--hit the high prairie to track down a cattle rustler named Alameda Slim (Randy Quaid, Kingpin) in hopes that the reward money will save their farm. With the aid of Buck, a horse with heroic ambitions (Cuba Gooding Jr., Jerry Maguire), the bovine avengers track the villain to his lair and save the day, to the accompaniment of tunes warbled by k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, and Tim McGraw. These songs--composed by Alan Menken (who wrote the music for The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast)--are the movie's strongest element; the characters are largely trumped up to fit a number of weak jokes that reference current pop culture, thus rupturing the movie's Old West world. Still, it looks nifty. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Round up the family and get ready for a whole lotta fun with Disney's hilarious animated comedy HOME ON THE RANGE. It's a "total joy," raves Gene Shalit, The Today Show. When a greedy outlaw schemes to take possession of the "Patch Of Heaven" dairy farm, three determined cows, a karate-kicking stallion named Buck, and a colorful coral of critters join forces to save their home. The stakes are sky high as this unlikely animal alliance risks their hides and match wits with a mysterious band of bad guys. Experience Disney's new moo-vie adventure with spectacular bonus features, stunning animation, and original songs performed by k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, Tim McGraw, and The Beu Sisters and written by the Academy Award(R)-winning composer of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and ALADDIN. It's "good fun for the whole family," declares Leonard Maltin.

Customer Reviews:

REALLY GOOD! IN THE STYLE OF AN OLD LOONEY TUNES CARTOON!.......2007-08-04

I love most of the animated features that have come out in recent years. CGI has come along way, but this film uses hand drawn animation and it is also Disneys last hand drawn animated movie. The characters reminded me a little of Warner Brothers cartoon characters, which is never a bad thing! I thought the film was very entertaining with a very beautiful and vibrant color palette. The DVD transfer is great and there are interesting extras.

I wonder why all the negative hype.......2007-07-31

I was really worried about buying this movie for my grandkids with all the negative reviews I read regarding the movie. But my Grandkids LOVED it and my daughter says the songs are outstanding... she hums them all day long. I give it a double thumbs up if you've got little ones. They call it their cow movie and are not at all offended at Disney's last hand drawn movie.

My kids love it!.......2007-06-29

I don't understand the bad reviews. My 3 kids have watched this over and over. The story involves trains, horses and cows--and lots of laughs. Maggie only farts once or twice, and it is to communicate with the pigs--so what's the big deal.
My kids won't watch the sappy disney love stories like bambi, hercules, peter pan, cinderella, or even snow white---but you get their attention with farms, trains, and cowboys!

Worst. Disney. Animated. Feature. EVER........2007-06-15

HOME ON THE RANGE is rock-bottom Disney animation. It's amazing to believe the studio that produced memorable classics could turn out a movie as bad as this (yes, it's worse than HERCULES and TREASURE PLANET). The wire-thin storyline, which involves barnyard animals on the trail of an outlaw who can hypnotize animals by singing (huh?) is needlessly stretched out for 76 minutes (which is 70 minutes too long) with forced, unfunny gags, frantic but lifeless sequences and lame characterizations. The animation, usually a high point in a Disney feature, is both pedestrian and unappealing to look at. Alan Menken supplies the music, but like the movie, his tunes are banal, insepid, and unappealing, even weaker than his work for HERCULES. Failed Disney cartoons don't have to be this horrific; case in point: THE BLACK CAULDRON and ATLANTIS-THE LOST EMPIRE fell short financially and were flawed, but both movies made an attempt to be something more complex and adult-oriented than typical Disney fare (I actually liked both of those films). This film, on the other hand, is a big step backward, and the hectic, pedestrian execution ultimately cripples it. It's disheartening that this may be the last traditionally animated feature we may see from Disney, and even more unfortunate that they chose to go out with a flop as insidious as this. Uncle Walt would surely turn over in his grave if he found out his studio ever produced this film.

Love It!.......2007-06-13

This is a great movie! Roseanne ought to do more cartoons! Who would have thought she be so good? My son can't watch it enough. He loves the cows and the cowboys. I love when the sarcastic goat calls the little piglets "bacon bits". Too funny!

Average customer rating:

The Beauty of Black Beauty
FOR HORSE LOVERS ONLY !!!
Classic tale that never gets out-dated
Heart Warming
Black Beauty

Black Beauty
Starring: Sean Bean , David Thewlis , Jim Carter , Peter Davison , and Alun Armstrong
Director: Caroline Thompson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00002E229
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Amazon.com

Don't waste this one on your children: buy it for yourself. A spectacular adaptation of the Anna Sewell novel, this is faithful to the source material but creates a life of its own on the screen. Told from the point of view of the horse, it recalls a time and a place that could be both beautiful and cruel. Black Beauty faced both hardship and kindness as he passed through the hands of many owners throughout his life. Some are generous, but the agonies endured by the title character may be too harsh for small children. Unfortunately, director Caroline Thompson did not resurrect her magical touch a few years later with another animal tale, Buddy. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Description

A wondrous new version of Anna Sewell's classic about a remarkable horse and the various owners whose lives he transforms. "The most imaginative and stirring picture since The black Stallion" (Washington Times) Year: 1994 Director: Caroline Thompson Starring: Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Jim Carter

Customer Reviews:

The Beauty of Black Beauty.......2007-05-18

In this work, screen writer and director Carolyne Thompson and composer Danny Elfman, collaborators in such works as Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, and others reunite to create their version of Anna Sewell's classic novel Black Beauty. Set in the English countryside in the late 1800s, the story is an autobiography of a horse narrated by that horse that speaks of the life and treatment of the equine in Victorian times. Miss Sewell wrote the work to raise consciousness about the ill treatment she witnessed. Despite moderate deviations from Sewell's text, Director Thompson captures its essence. This is a moving narrative about the innocence, trust, loyalty, betrayal and hope a horse experiences when he is at the behest of owners he has had no choice in selecting. Thompson, Elfman, the trainers and all the co-directors and associates are the real winners in this production as they collectively choreograph the beauty, freedom, frolic, banter, tragedy, cruelty and hope the non-human characters enjoy or endure. Commendable performances are given by Andrew Knott who plays the younger Joe Green, one of Beauty's grooms from his youth, and the good natured cabby Jerry Barker played by David Thewlis who purchases the horse and brings him out of his natural country setting into the cold hard streets of London. The contrast between the good and not-so-good owners Beauty had in the country and the cold entrepreneurial ownership of London is stark; it is marked well when he discovers there a former stable companion, a mare named Ginger whose friendship he greatly cherishes. Along with the cheerfully buoyant white pony Merrylegs, they had spent much time together in their former country dwellings before each was sold to different owners. Tragically, Ginger, by now broken through abusive treatment and overwork, looses her life. Commendable performances continue as Beauty's fortunes turn. He is sold again, this time to a hard driving dealer who forces the horse to pull carts laden with heavy sacks of grain. This treacherous labor eventually takes its toll as Beauty suffers a breakdown. Like Ginger, this once gallant colt full of life and spirit is reduced to a broken shadow bent over as he is once again taken to fair to be sold. It is here that the groom of his youth, the older Joe Green, discovers him and takes him back to the golden pastures of his birth. Joe promises he will never be sold again. In the final pastoral setting, one year later, Beauty, after regaining his strength and spirit, rests upon a grassy mound beneath a tree and finishes his narrative, happy in the certainty that he will never be separated from his friends again.

For the horses alone, in particular the Quarter Horse `Docs Keepin Time' that performed the role of Black Beauty, this is a film well worth viewing in conjunction with reading or rereading Sewell's classic. Add to that the hauntingly beautiful score Danny Elfman provides and you have a marvel. The score hints at the co-existence of an inner-sadness and an inner-joy that Beauty wearily accepts as required.

Happy viewing (and keep a towel at hand).

FOR HORSE LOVERS ONLY !!!.......2007-05-13

THIS IS A SENTIMENTAL TALE THROUGH THE EYES AND VOICE OF A HORSE THAT HAS GOOD MOMENTS ANS BAD TIMES !!! NOT A CHILDS MOVIE !!! YOU WILL CRY AT TIMES AND SMILE AT TIMES !!!

Classic tale that never gets out-dated.......2007-01-27

My five year old daughter has now watched this a dozens times. She loves it. It does have sadness, but it has so many great values in it, and she totally sees that. It is a lovely film.

The DVD itself has no frills, and I can't attest to the pixels, etc. as my television is an old one.

Heart Warming.......2007-01-25

It does not matter if you are a horse lover or not you will love this movie, it is amazing I watched it at a friends house and then made the goal to buy it the next day. A movie you will definatly want on your self.

Black Beauty.......2007-01-12

This CD was purchased as a gift, and I am unable to give it a fair rating. I did however as a child enjoy the original movie.

Average customer rating:

Not as bad as you remember . . .
pee wee's first major dissapointment
Pee Wee is the best
played in australia!
Decent Sequel

Big Top Pee-Wee
Starring: Frances Bay , David Byrd (II) , Valeria Golino , Leo Gordon , and Albert Henderson
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000228ECM
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Amazon.com

There's nothing wrong with Randall Kleiser's Big Top Pee-Wee that Pee-Wee's Big Adventure director Tim Burton wouldn't be able to fix. Take the scene in which entwined farmer and botanist Pee-Wee and ravishing circus performer Gina (Valeria Golina) blissfully ponder the shapes of the clouds. One can only imagine the wondrous forms Burton would have animated in the heavens. In Kleiser's sequel, they are mere cumulus. A talking pig and a sympathetic gallery of outcast circus performers (including a young Benicio Del Toro as the Dog-Faced Boy) notwithstanding, Big Top squanders much of the first film's magic and goodwill. Blame it on the script, which places arrested adolescent Pee-Wee in a small town that is unaccountably hostile to him. Blame it on Paul Rubens, who, perhaps rebelling against his own iconic creation, puts Pee-Wee in some disquieting libido-fueled situations, such as jumping his schoolteacher girlfriend Winnie (Penelope Ann Miller). "The children," Winnie fights him off as her class looks on. Indeed. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews:

Not as bad as you remember . . . .......2007-09-08

Nearly everyone gives this follow up to Big Adventure negative reviews; however, if Big Adventure had never been made, this film would have been a much larger success and certainly a fondly remembered movie. Though not as ground-breaking and consistently funny as Pee Wee's first film, this rather slight tale about a farm, a circus, and a tree that grows cocktail weinies has several notable charms, including great sideshow ambience and several bits of Pee Wee weirdness that will appear to adult fans. Basically, if you love Pee Wee, there's practically no way you can dislike this film.

pee wee's first major dissapointment.......2007-05-31

paul reubens character was one of the greatest comedic events of our time.. From the early variety show, to the playhouse, to the big adventure - pee wee could not lose.. I remember seeing big top pee wee in the theatre - and feeling very dissapointed with a movie that was just not very fun or interesting.. Whereas 'pee wee's big adventure' explored more of pee wees quirkiness (remember the scene with the tape in the bathroom) 'big top pee wee' tried to take the character move him to a different setting and make a sort of romantic comedy.. This is probably where it all falls apart.. pee wee should not be a romantic figure - he is the opposite.. he is best when he remains a sort of neuter or man child.. the second romance enters the picture.. pee wee loses all of his charm and comedy.. there are a few funny moments in big top pee wee but on the whole it falls flat.

Pee Wee is the best.......2007-03-27

I love Pee Wee my kids love Pee Wee and if you don't know who he is you need to get this movie. I wish P.W. would make more!

played in australia!.......2007-03-22

It was great to be able to surprise my husband with his all time favourite movie from when he was a kid. The movies were in great condition except for the fact that we had to recopy them because it wouldnt play on our dvd player or psp! It was dissapointing and annoying and i had wandered about this when purchasing but couldnt find anything mentioned about 'universal playing' on the amazon site. I've learnt my lesson and wont be buying from amazon again.

Decent Sequel.......2007-01-16

Okay so it isn't as innocent and charming as Pee-Wee's Big Adventure but Big Top still has a place in my heart. The movie isn't really a sequel, it has none of the same characters as Big Adventure just Pee-Wee living the life of a farmer in a small town. The story depicts Pee-Wee as the town idiot in the eyes of all the other elderly citizens. With the help of a hot dog tree the story plays out and is sure to leave a smile on your face. May I also say the scene of Pee-Wee and Gina and the depiction of their actions with (fireworks, mud wrestling, and a train) may be one of the finest scenes of cinematogrophy ever* please do not watch this movie expecting the charm of Big Adventure, if you like Pee-Wee and a good comedy this may be worth a peek.

Average customer rating:

Simply beautiful
bad horsie

Zoo (Widescreen)
Starring: John Paulsen , Richard Carmen , and CJ
Director: Robinson Devor
Manufacturer: Velocity / Thinkfilm
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000Q66QFQ
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Customer Reviews:

Simply beautiful.......2007-06-27

Devor has created an aesthetic masterpiece with this film, which I first saw at Sundance this year. Don't let the debate over the subject matter impact your decision to watch this film. It is too weird and beautiful to focus on such a hollow point. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a good introduction to the Gonzo Filmaking that is sweeping the documentary world.

bad horsie.......2007-05-28

This is an idiot who ends up on the business end of a horse flounder.
These are not normal folks, they're about as broken as it gets. I don't care that this movie is attempting to make them seem like yer next door pals.
Darwin is laughing, Pookie is laughing,
and Mr. Ed just popped a guys O ring.

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