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Essentially a Tim Burton homage to the classic 1931 film Frankenstein, Frankenweenie is a stylized black-and-white, stop-motion animated movie about a very smart boy named Victor and his love for his pet dog Sparky. When Sparky gets hit and killed by a car, Victor is heartbroken at the loss of his only friend. Then, in his science class, Victor's teacher demonstrates how electrical impulses make muscles move. Victor gets the sudden inspiration to harness the power of lightning to bring back his friend and win the school science fair at the same time. Victor's experiment tests the limits of science and love, provokes jealousy in his classmates, sends a serious shock wave through the neighborhood, and generates unintended consequences that threaten the entire community. This film is funny and engaging, especially to those familiar with the original Frankenstein, but the plot does feel rather piecemeal. What's absolutely perfect is the ominous black-and-white world Burton creates with an abundance of puppets and his eye for the creepy. Tim Burton fans will be interested to discover that Frankenweenie is actually a remake of Burton's 1984 short film of the same name. (Ages 8 and older) --Tami Horiuchi
Product Description
From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes the hilarious and offbeat Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life - with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town learn that getting a new 'leash on life' can be monstrous. Complete with electrifying bonus features, Frankenweenie is alive with enchanting fun for the whole family in eye-popping Blu-ray 3D.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 81 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not too creepy, and TONS of heart. Our sensitive children approved.
October 26, 2012
By Reviewer
Format:Blu-ray
Our children, ages 6 (daughter) and 9 (son), are typically scared or upset fairly easily. My son generally shields himself from upsetting or frightening things by covering his eyes and ears or walking out of the room. Our daughter usually tries to be brave, but regrets it and has nightmares. For example, the Disney version of "A Christmas Carol" is way too much for them to endure. However, even certain "tense" portions of otherwise harmless fare such as the Tinkerbell films can cause them concern. (Not sure why... they are just really sensitive that way.)
At any rate, we thought for sure that this film would be a "no go" for our kids because of the themes surrounding the death of the young boys dog, as well as the "monster-like" animals brought back to life and the overall creepy vibe of the film. However, while at a recent trip to Disneyland, we took them into a special Tim Burton/Frankenweenie exhibit which gave an overview of the film and showed some of the sets used in the actual picture. To our surprise, our kids expressed interest in seeing the movie. Because our son especially loves stop-motion films and even makes his own, we thought we may try to go ahead and take the kids.
Anyway, to bring this long story to an end... OUR KIDS ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! In fact, it's all they talked about for the next week. They were not frightened or upset by it at all. It is not overly creepy or macabre, neither is it a horror film on any level. Still, I was unprepared for how much of a liking our children took to it. Maybe seeing the sets in person, and being aware of some of the behind the scenes stories helped. However, I can say that this movie has TONS of heart. And, it is absolutely a modern day classic. My wife and I enjoyed the film as much (or more) than the kids because of how well it is made along with the fun references to other classic films. (How many can you pick out?) :-)
Seriously, this is one of the best films we have seen in a long time. It's a shame it didn't do as well as it should have at the box office. However, we're certain that it will find a following on video. It is an absolutely charming film, impeccably crafted, and infused with tons of heart and soul. It is certainly a piece of work the filmmakers should be proud of. And, it is definitely a gift to audiences around the world.
We give it our HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. Enjoy!!!
At any rate, we thought for sure that this film would be a "no go" for our kids because of the themes surrounding the death of the young boys dog, as well as the "monster-like" animals brought back to life and the overall creepy vibe of the film. However, while at a recent trip to Disneyland, we took them into a special Tim Burton/Frankenweenie exhibit which gave an overview of the film and showed some of the sets used in the actual picture. To our surprise, our kids expressed interest in seeing the movie. Because our son especially loves stop-motion films and even makes his own, we thought we may try to go ahead and take the kids.
Anyway, to bring this long story to an end... OUR KIDS ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! In fact, it's all they talked about for the next week. They were not frightened or upset by it at all. It is not overly creepy or macabre, neither is it a horror film on any level. Still, I was unprepared for how much of a liking our children took to it. Maybe seeing the sets in person, and being aware of some of the behind the scenes stories helped. However, I can say that this movie has TONS of heart. And, it is absolutely a modern day classic. My wife and I enjoyed the film as much (or more) than the kids because of how well it is made along with the fun references to other classic films. (How many can you pick out?) :-)
Seriously, this is one of the best films we have seen in a long time. It's a shame it didn't do as well as it should have at the box office. However, we're certain that it will find a following on video. It is an absolutely charming film, impeccably crafted, and infused with tons of heart and soul. It is certainly a piece of work the filmmakers should be proud of. And, it is definitely a gift to audiences around the world.
We give it our HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. Enjoy!!!
49 of 62 people found the following review helpful
"Frankenweenie" is Tim Burton's first stop-motion animated film in seven years, his first film not to feature Johnny Depp in nearly a decade, and his first film not to feature his wife Helena Bonham Carter since "Sleepy Hollow" back in 1999. There also aren't any big musical numbers or songs in "Frankenweenie," which seems a bit odd after watching the Tim Burton produced "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Corpse Bride." It's also a massive improvement over Burton's other film released earlier this year; the remake of the TV series from 1966 "Dark Shadows."
"ParaNorman" seemed to beat "Frankenweenie" to the punch by nearly two months, but the main difference is that "ParaNorman" is centered around zombies where "Frankenweenie" is more "Frankenstein" influenced. There are countless horror influences in both films, but "ParaNorman" is a bit more adult in comparison and makes you laugh out loud more often whereas "Frankenweenie" mostly just makes you snicker but certainly has a lot more heart.
This is the first time in a long time that Danny Elfman's score for a Tim Burton film doesn't feel overly cliché or obnoxious. Maybe it's because this is coming from a dog owner and from someone who loves dogs, but it was really easy to relate to Victor (voiced by Charlie Tahan) and his relationship to his dog Sparky. Tearing up is also something that doesn't happen very often, but it occurred every time Sparky was brought back to life while that somber piece of Elfman orchestration tenderly picks its moment to sucker punch you in the chest. Boys that age often look to their dogs as their best friend, but in this case Sparky is Victor's only friend and they're inseparable. Sparky's never ending energy, his ability to amuse himself, and the way he dances whenever he's happy only makes you feel for the character even more.
Most of the characters in "Frankenweenie" have these really tiny mouths and it's kind of boring to watch them talk. Victor's next door neighbor and mayor of New Holland Mr. Burgemeister (voiced by Martin Short) has this incredibly animated mouth though. His round shape helps, but his mouth movements are so extreme and fluid. The same can be said for Victor's new science-obsessed teacher Mr. Rzykruski (voiced by Martin Landau). Similar in appearance to Vincent Price, the outstretched shape of his head along with his long and awkwardly shaped teeth have you fixated on him the entire time. His eccentric speeches about lightning and the townsfolk being too stupid to comprehend science cements the fantastic nature of Mr. Rzykruski.
The classic horror movie references are all over the place; "Pet Sematary," "An American Werewolf in London," "Dracula," and countless references to the original "Frankenstein" including author Mary Shelley. You also can't go wrong with a "Gamera" or "Godzilla" reference.
The frustrating part of "Frankenweenie" is that there are many factors that feel like a safe zone for Tim Burton since he's done them so many times in the past. While the Danny Elfman score only enhances the experience, many may think otherwise since Elfman has been Burton's go to musical director for his entire career. Many of the secondary characters in the film are really familiar, as well. When you first see Mr. Burgemeister's niece Elsa Van Helsing, she looks exactly like Lydia from "Beetlejuice" so you automatically know it's Winona Ryder before she even speaks. The black cat that shows up at Sparky's grave looks exactly like the Keith David voiced cat from "Coraline." A rat is brought back to life with electricity and turns into this monster that looks nearly identical to the werewolf in "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
There is this fantastic story about the relationship between a boy and his dog at the center of "Frankenweenie," but a lot of people won't be able to look past what they see as typical "Tim Burton fluff" to fully enjoy it. If you enjoy it and your friends don't, just ask them, "When was the last time Tim Burton had a cat in his movies who could foretell the future with its poo?"
"Frankenweenie" isn't as good as "ParaNorman," but it's certainly more charming. Tim Burton has created an enchanting animated film that is suitable for all ages that is quite possibly his most accessible film in the last decade. Amusing from beginning to end, a heartwarming relationship at its core, and its love for classic horror worn on its sleeve, "Frankenweenie" is one of Tim Burton's best.
"ParaNorman" seemed to beat "Frankenweenie" to the punch by nearly two months, but the main difference is that "ParaNorman" is centered around zombies where "Frankenweenie" is more "Frankenstein" influenced. There are countless horror influences in both films, but "ParaNorman" is a bit more adult in comparison and makes you laugh out loud more often whereas "Frankenweenie" mostly just makes you snicker but certainly has a lot more heart.
This is the first time in a long time that Danny Elfman's score for a Tim Burton film doesn't feel overly cliché or obnoxious. Maybe it's because this is coming from a dog owner and from someone who loves dogs, but it was really easy to relate to Victor (voiced by Charlie Tahan) and his relationship to his dog Sparky. Tearing up is also something that doesn't happen very often, but it occurred every time Sparky was brought back to life while that somber piece of Elfman orchestration tenderly picks its moment to sucker punch you in the chest. Boys that age often look to their dogs as their best friend, but in this case Sparky is Victor's only friend and they're inseparable. Sparky's never ending energy, his ability to amuse himself, and the way he dances whenever he's happy only makes you feel for the character even more.
Most of the characters in "Frankenweenie" have these really tiny mouths and it's kind of boring to watch them talk. Victor's next door neighbor and mayor of New Holland Mr. Burgemeister (voiced by Martin Short) has this incredibly animated mouth though. His round shape helps, but his mouth movements are so extreme and fluid. The same can be said for Victor's new science-obsessed teacher Mr. Rzykruski (voiced by Martin Landau). Similar in appearance to Vincent Price, the outstretched shape of his head along with his long and awkwardly shaped teeth have you fixated on him the entire time. His eccentric speeches about lightning and the townsfolk being too stupid to comprehend science cements the fantastic nature of Mr. Rzykruski.
The classic horror movie references are all over the place; "Pet Sematary," "An American Werewolf in London," "Dracula," and countless references to the original "Frankenstein" including author Mary Shelley. You also can't go wrong with a "Gamera" or "Godzilla" reference.
The frustrating part of "Frankenweenie" is that there are many factors that feel like a safe zone for Tim Burton since he's done them so many times in the past. While the Danny Elfman score only enhances the experience, many may think otherwise since Elfman has been Burton's go to musical director for his entire career. Many of the secondary characters in the film are really familiar, as well. When you first see Mr. Burgemeister's niece Elsa Van Helsing, she looks exactly like Lydia from "Beetlejuice" so you automatically know it's Winona Ryder before she even speaks. The black cat that shows up at Sparky's grave looks exactly like the Keith David voiced cat from "Coraline." A rat is brought back to life with electricity and turns into this monster that looks nearly identical to the werewolf in "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
There is this fantastic story about the relationship between a boy and his dog at the center of "Frankenweenie," but a lot of people won't be able to look past what they see as typical "Tim Burton fluff" to fully enjoy it. If you enjoy it and your friends don't, just ask them, "When was the last time Tim Burton had a cat in his movies who could foretell the future with its poo?"
"Frankenweenie" isn't as good as "ParaNorman," but it's certainly more charming. Tim Burton has created an enchanting animated film that is suitable for all ages that is quite possibly his most accessible film in the last decade. Amusing from beginning to end, a heartwarming relationship at its core, and its love for classic horror worn on its sleeve, "Frankenweenie" is one of Tim Burton's best.
17 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray has nice bonuses including the original "Live Action" 30-minute short!
January 4, 2013
Format:Blu-ray
There are already nearly 30 reviews of the film here on Amazon but this will be the FIRST one for the DVD and BD version. A few folks asked about whether the original 30-minute "live action" film version will be on the DVD. Let me state up front that YES it is on both the 2-Disc Blu-ray combo pack and the 4-Disc Combo pack (which is exactly the same as the 2--Disc one except it adds a 3D BD - you need a 3D TV and player to use this - an a digital copy)! This is a wonderful bonus because it's never been on DVD format before (and for some - like me - it was something completely new.)
Before I provide some more details, I'll state that I've not seen very many Tim Burton films so I came at this one different than those already big Burton fans. I did enjoy it a lot and I'm not a fan of horror films (I love Mel Brooks but "Young Frankenstein" is one of the few Brooks films I don't care for.) Now on to the info you can use.....
At times this film looks like it is CGI animated but it is actually a stop-motion film done with puppets. While the first 20 minutes - maybe even 40 - are "cute" and might appeal to all ages - the original death of Sparky - no spoilers here, you know he is going to die so he can be brought back to life - is even done "off screen". But then things get , well, I'll say, creepy. And very young children might get scared. Let's just say that if they are old enough to be able to watch the original "Frankenstein" they'll be fine with this. But I'm not a parent, so I'm only giving guidance here.
The score by Danny Elfman - who does nearly all of Burton's films - provides most of the soundtrack. There are quite a few scenes with no dialogue; the animals (dogs and cats) don't talk like they do in Disney films. The film is in "black and white" but I'd define it better as "grayscale" and the images on my MUCH older TV were crisp and sharp on the BD.
Now to the bonuses - of which there are five:
First comes an "original short" ( 2 ˝ minutes) titled "Captain Spraky vs the Flying Saucers". Cute but virtually a throwaway
Next is "Miniatures in Motion" - a really interesting "making of" featurette that runs 23 minutes.
Next comes a 4 ˝ minute featurette on the touring exhibit of Art from Tim Burton films. Okay but more of a promo
The other great bonus comes next. The aforementioned original FILM version of "Frankenweenie" directed by Burton and starring Shelley Duvall and Daniel Stern. It runs 30 minutes and is great to see after the stop-motion 80 minute film.
Last comes the "music video" of the song "Pet Sematary" by the band Plain White T's. Okay only cause it's there.
Well there you have it. If you saw the film in the theaters and really liked it, you'll find the "making of" and "orifinal film" nice bonus features. If you haven't seen the film, these bonuses will add to your understanding and enjoyment of the film. It did mine.
I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
Before I provide some more details, I'll state that I've not seen very many Tim Burton films so I came at this one different than those already big Burton fans. I did enjoy it a lot and I'm not a fan of horror films (I love Mel Brooks but "Young Frankenstein" is one of the few Brooks films I don't care for.) Now on to the info you can use.....
At times this film looks like it is CGI animated but it is actually a stop-motion film done with puppets. While the first 20 minutes - maybe even 40 - are "cute" and might appeal to all ages - the original death of Sparky - no spoilers here, you know he is going to die so he can be brought back to life - is even done "off screen". But then things get , well, I'll say, creepy. And very young children might get scared. Let's just say that if they are old enough to be able to watch the original "Frankenstein" they'll be fine with this. But I'm not a parent, so I'm only giving guidance here.
The score by Danny Elfman - who does nearly all of Burton's films - provides most of the soundtrack. There are quite a few scenes with no dialogue; the animals (dogs and cats) don't talk like they do in Disney films. The film is in "black and white" but I'd define it better as "grayscale" and the images on my MUCH older TV were crisp and sharp on the BD.
Now to the bonuses - of which there are five:
First comes an "original short" ( 2 ˝ minutes) titled "Captain Spraky vs the Flying Saucers". Cute but virtually a throwaway
Next is "Miniatures in Motion" - a really interesting "making of" featurette that runs 23 minutes.
Next comes a 4 ˝ minute featurette on the touring exhibit of Art from Tim Burton films. Okay but more of a promo
The other great bonus comes next. The aforementioned original FILM version of "Frankenweenie" directed by Burton and starring Shelley Duvall and Daniel Stern. It runs 30 minutes and is great to see after the stop-motion 80 minute film.
Last comes the "music video" of the song "Pet Sematary" by the band Plain White T's. Okay only cause it's there.
Well there you have it. If you saw the film in the theaters and really liked it, you'll find the "making of" and "orifinal film" nice bonus features. If you haven't seen the film, these bonuses will add to your understanding and enjoyment of the film. It did mine.
I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Can't go wrong with Tim Burton
I gave it 4 starts we LOVE Tim Burton but the plot was nothing new. Still, my son loves it!
Published 1 day ago by Susan Blake
5.0 out of 5 stars
in the top 5 all time
My daughter is 20 and she has proclaimed this as one of her favorite movies! this says quite a bit as she is a huge movie lover!
Published 3 days ago by hobosinwyoming
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely LOVED it
One of those great movies that has plenty of adult humor that would go right over the heads of my kids.
Published 6 days ago by Teghan R Meyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
sad but cute
This movie made me cry but it tells a beautiful story that made me laugh, cry, and happy. It was such a nice movie to see.
Published 6 days ago by Cecilia
4.0 out of 5 stars
sweet natured, lots of fun
Burton's best in years, this charming, heartwarming homage to Frankentstein and other monster pics gives you a boy and his {formerly) dead dog to root for. Read more
Published 6 days ago by eugnj420
2.0 out of 5 stars
My kid did not enjoy it.
My 6 year old simply said that she didn't like it. It was weird. It was one of the few movies that my daughter did not watch a 2nd time.
Published 7 days ago by MikeSNJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome good 3d
i'm partial I loved this movie and soundtrack great 3d in and out I'm a Burton fan what else can I say good family story we all love it
Published 7 days ago by mmamaddman
5.0 out of 5 stars
a very classy movie
That was a great black and white movie.I really enjoyed watching it.pls.n on buying it soon from you guy at Amazon.com
Published 8 days ago by fred j.
3.0 out of 5 stars
REAL MOVIE NEWS REVIEW
Tim Burton once had a tumultuous relationship with Disney, though you would never know it from his recent ventures. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
VERY cute movie
Got this for a Birthday gift for our daughter. Of course, we watched it with her. This was just such a cute, and heartfelt movie.
Published 10 days ago by Karen A. Fessler
