Product Details

• Actors: Gordon Pinsent, Gavin Magrath, Elizabeth Hanna, Lisa Yamanaka, Marsha Moreau
• Directors: Alan Bunce
• Writers: Alan Bunce, J.D. Smith, Jean de Brunhoff, John de Klein, Laurent de Brunhoff
• Format: Animated, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English, French
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Family Home Ent
• VHS Release Date: July 28, 1998
• Run Time: 70 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301609794
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #232,110 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Crocodile Dundee and Indiana Jones got together to make an animated feature-length film about Babar, they might come up with this. The tale of Babar's first days as the boy elephant king are a wild action-adventure ride that recounts Elephantland's victory in a war against the rhinos. Some of the action may be a little too heavy for the little ones at whom the film is aimed--elephants are enslaved and their village is burned--but they are set against the broader landscape of Babar trying to do the right thing. Several musical numbers, including an amusing one that makes fun of red tape, help give the film an upbeat pace. Yes, Babar does save the day, but he does it in such a spectacular, eye-popping way that even the adults watching will sit up and pay attention. --Valerie J. Nelson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Movie for Kids, February 4, 2004

By 

Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Babar - The Movie (DVD)

It's Babar's first day as king, and is this young ruler nervous. The most pressing thing on his agenda seems to be coming up with a name for the annual Elephantland parade when Celeste bursts in. Rataxes and his rhinos are attacking villages on the outskirts of Babar's kingdom and taking elephants as slave labor. Babar calls out the army, but it will take three days to be ready. Not able to wait that long, he sets out to do what he can on his own. But does Babar have what it takes? With a little luck, smart thinking, and a few new allies, he just might.

I remember watching this movie as a kid and enjoying it. I just couldn't pass up a chance to get it on DVD, and I'm glad to say it was almost as good as I remembered. A couple parts seemed a little cheesy now, but they were minor. There are still a couple great action sequences and the great one-liners I remembered were still present. This is a low budget picture, and its animation isn't up to the level of a Disney film, but it's certainly adequate to get the point across.

This DVD release is bare bones - just the film. The picture is good with only the occasional mar to its full frame image. Sound, in Dolby stereo, was a little disappointing in spot because it sounded a little fuzzy to me. Still, for what it is, this DVD serves up the movie right.

Kids will be entranced by this movie aimed directly at them. Adults will find it entertaining as well if not as engrossing as their kids think it is. Don't hesitate to get this little gem.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A perfect hit for kids, December 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Babar: The Movie [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This movie, although a bit tough to understand for really little kids, remains firmly in my mind even though it has been about nine years since I have seen it. It teaches kids about the wrongs of slavery, and the idea that even a kid can make a difference. I can't begin to express my sorrow since they've discontinued it, I'm considering writing to the prouducer-type-people. Because if there's anything this movie has taught me, it's that no matter your age, you can still change things.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ok for some children, August 9, 2008

By 

literalley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Babar - The Movie (DVD)

I first viewed Babar The Movie when it was released in cinemas, then about six years old and looked to purchase this for my children, as some say even the series had mild violence but it's no Watership Down; it depends on your child, I recall it stirred me and made me sad at times when I was a child but that's why it became a part of my heart, Babar is a sentimental epic, sit down and watch it with your children like my father did with me, you are destined to enjoy it with an open mind.