Balto
II - Wolf Quest
(2002)
DVD
As if becoming a new father isn't
enough, Balto the half-wolf is puzzled by a recurring nightmare involving
a treacherous journey, some threatening characters, and plenty of unanswered
questions. Chalk it up to parenthood: nightmare turns into reality when
the last of his litter, whom no human will adopt, learns the devastating
truth about her mixed heritage and embarks on a dangerous Wolf Quest, with
papa Balto hot on her trail. The result is 75 minutes of engrossing action,
beautifully integrated songs, well-timed humor, polished animation, and
a refreshing tendency to surprise rather than shock. As thoughtfully composed
as the original Balto (based on the true story of a heroic Alaskan sled
dog), this made-for-video sequel promises to be a deeply satisfying selection
for families with 3- to 8-year-olds. --Liane Thomas |
Balto
(1995) DVD
The film is structured on the true
tale of a lead sled dog, Balto, that brought a diphtheria antitoxin to
the small town of Nome, Alaska. The film balances comedy, villany, warmth
and drama. It gives its young viewers something to think about. The voice
work is very good, above average. Order
VHS |
We're
Back!
A
Dinosaur's Story
(1993)
VHS
About four delightful dinosaurs
given the opportunity to visit modern-day New York City in this magical
adventure movie. The parts played by Walter Cronkite and Julia Child are
beautifully cast and voiced. Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg. |
|
Cats
Don't Dance (1997) VHS
Typical fare: a dancing cat who
wants to be a Hollywood star circa 1939. Of course, animals only play animal
roles in the movies, but our hero Danny (a cat) won't accept that as an
answer. Plenty of big laughs for adults here and great musical numbers.
Order
DVD |
Anastasia
(1997) DVD
A Great Movie for Kids
|
The
Chipmunk Adventure
(1987)
VHS
This is a rock 'n' roll adventure
travelogue that takes the boys around the world in a hot air balloon race
against the Chipettes, the boys' sprightly girlfriends. While they compete
for a prize of $100,000, they unwittingly assist a pair of international
diamond smugglers. |
Rock-A-Doodle
(1992) VHS
From Leonard Maltin's Movie &
Video Guide - A cocky cock heads for Vegas after suffering a severe blow
to his ego, finds success as a nightclub superstar in the Elvis mode. A
better idea might have been to team him with Rover Dangerfield in a super
neon musical spectacle; kiddie cartoon is missing the essential components
to make it more than passable entertainment for six year olds. |
|
| The
Pebble & the Penguin DVD |
| The
Pebble & the Penguin VHS |
| The
Rugrats Movie (1998) VHS |
| The
Rugrats Movie (1998) DVD |
|
Joseph
- King of Dreams
(2000)
DVD
Based on a classic tale known the
world over, JOSEPH: KING OF DREAMS is a stirring story of family and forgiveness.
An inspiring musical adventure, JOSEPH: KING OF DREAMS retells the fascinating
story of a boy whose extraordinary gift of seeing the future in his dreams
sparks a deep division in his family. The jealousy of his brothers sends
Joseph to faraway Egypt, where he is suddenly thrown into a world of high
adventure, hidden intrigue and blossoming romance. In this new land, the
Pharaoh enlists Joseph to interpret his royal dreams and save Egypt from
disaster. Joseph is rewarded with honor and status, and as he rises to
power, Joseph finds love and happiness. But when a sudden twist of fate
reunites Joseph with his brothers, Joseph must face decisions of forgiveness. |
The
Prince of Egypt - DTS
(1998)
DVD
Three directors and 16 writers
succeed in carrying out much of Katzenberg's vision. The linear story of
Moses is crisply told, and the look of the film is stunning; indeed, no
animated film has looked so ready to be placed in the Louvre since Fantasia.
Here is an Egypt alive with energetic bustle and pristine buildings. Born
a slave and set adrift in the river, Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) is raised
as the son of Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart) and is a fitting rival for
his stepbrother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). When he learns of his roots--in
a knockout sequence in which hieroglyphics come alive--he flees to the
desert, where he finds his roots and heeds God's calling to free the slaves
from Egypt. --Doug
Thomas |
The
Tale of Peter Rabbit (1991)
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