Product Details

• Actors: Sarah Brightman, Peter Ustinov
• Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Sony
• VHS Release Date: March 24, 1992
• Run Time: 30 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302353025
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,652 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If all adaptations were conceived with the skill and grace of Granpa, a great slab of moviegoers' current cynicism could be sent packing once and for all. The 30-minute feature, based on the John Burningham children's book, romances audiences with lighter-than-air, sketch-style animation; dreamy, endearing characters; and a serene, story-enhancing score that expertly melds a 40-piece orchestra and a middle school choir. Its loveliness to look at aside, the video's triumph is its loyalty to the tale--Granpa celebrates the relationship between Emily, an eager, young explorer of especially fanciful fantasies, and the affable old man who's never too busy being a grown-up to indulge her. Together, through the power of in-synch imaginations, they're transported to a Victorian-era ball, where they dance the night away. They also go on a picnic in which a parade of stuffed animals come pleasantly and politely to life; they conduct a jungle safari; they go on a high-seas fishing expedition that puts them at the mercy of a speed-demon whale; and they share a sometimes high-flying, sometimes warm and fuzzy panoply of other momentary yet memorable adventures. It's a gentle exploration of a genuinely touching child-adult relationship that erects no age barriers and, to its credit, doesn't duck a difficult subject--Granpa's gradual decline. Sarah Brightman's performance of "Make Believe" further bolsters the film's sky-high charm factor. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely, lovely story for all ages!, March 11, 2002

By 

B. Ordway "simplybridget" (MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Granpa [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I bought this for my daughter who adores it. This is a lovely story and wonderful for all ages. Every time I watch it, I get teary-eyed! It's a treasure!

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful art and story, October 21, 1999

By 

Scott Tyler (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Granpa [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Drawings are reminiscent of Beatrice Potter. Wonderful story of playing with Granpa and of learning to deal with his absence or death.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Endearing children's story, March 5, 2004

By 

frisky2000 "frisky2000" (Margaritaville) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Granpa [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Much like THE SNOWMAN, you will find this video does much with very little words. You will be transported into this child's world where she and her beloved Granpa explore wondrous adventures together. A choir of 40 children accompany a spectacular orchestra to add the moving music to this treasured story. The animation is wonderful, the colors soft and easy on the eyes. In 30 short minutes this program will sensitively handle tough topics for children; a perfect film to watch with your kids and invite grandparents too!