Product Details

• Actors: Charlton Heston, Michèle Mercier, Raimund Harmstorf, George Eastman, Maria Rohm
• Directors: Ken Annakin
• Writers: Federico De Urrutia, Harry Alan Towers, Hubert Frank, Jack London, Peter Yeldham
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Good Times Video
• DVD Release Date: December 17, 2002
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00006RCLH
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,902 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Call of the Wild" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

ACADEMY AWARD® winner Charlton Heston (Ben-Hur) heads an international cast as John Thornton in this adaptation of the classic novel by Jack London, famed author of The Sea Wolf and White Fang. Government mail carriers Thornton and Pete Smith (Raimund Harmstorf) take mail and supplies across the brutal Yukon wilderness from Skagway to Dawson City during the 1898 Klondike gold rush. An intelligent German Shepherd, Buck is stolen from his beloved owner in California and sold to John as a sled dog, whose loyalty to his new master is tested when John tries his own hand at prospecting. Praised by Leonard Maltin’s Movie & Video Guide for its "striking...scenery," this 1972 version of the family adventure was shot in Norway by Ken Annakin (The Swiss Family Robinson, The Longest Day).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Buck realizes his potential, June 10, 2006

By 

bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Call of the Wild (DVD)

"The Indians in this frozen land tell of a ghost dog which runs at the head of a wolf pack. - They are afraid. For it has more strength than any wolf, more cunning than any dog. No one knows from whence he came or why he stays."

It is summer in California and Buck has it made as the family pet. That is until it is discovered that he was worth his wait in gold or at least $75. He is sold to a broker who will take him to the Klondike where only dogs can do the work usually delegated to horses. There Buck goes through many lives, trials, and tribulations finally realizing his potential. On the way he learns many concepts from surprise, to deceit, and cunning; he also learns loyalty, devotion, and love. As he is growing he feels the call of the wild. And so do we.

Screen Play:
Peter Welbeck
Win Wells
Peter Yeldham

True to the book this film holds nothing back. All the highlights of the original story are portrayed and Charlton Heston has the main character, John Thornton down to a tee. And unlike some Disney versions we see Buck's tribute and love for John.

The Call of the Wild: Annotated and Illustrated

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jack London's Best, Charlton Heston at his best & Buck rounds it all out to be a perfect 5!, November 26, 2006

By 

Jill Jenkins "JYLL" (E. Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Call of the Wild [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This wonderfully naturalistic movie is not for the weak at heart. The story line was taken from Jack London's adventures in his own life experiences. Charlton Heston did an absolutely wonderful job acting out the part, Buck the dog made the entire movie perfect! So this movie more than deserves the 5 stars! This story was taken from the late 1800's during the great gold rush days, hard core times for many men... it's not supposed to be easy on the emotions!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst quality DVD I have even owned, to date., February 15, 2000

By 

Henry Chen (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Call of the Wild (DVD)

Video is bad, audio is bad, packaging is bad. Watching this DVD right out of the box is like watching a VHS tape that has been run 100 times. *NOT* recommended for any DVD fan. Maybe you'll have better luck with a VHS tape. Spend your money somewhere else.