Customer Reviews

Halloween Tree [VHS]

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First let me warn you, this is a little too spooky for kids 7 and under. But it won both an Emmy Award, and an award from the Film Advisory Board. The film is based on a story by Ray Bradbury, and he narrates the movie. The movie is very different than the book, but than what movie isn't? The scary "Moundshroud" character keeps you guessing as to whether his intents are good or evil. He is wonderfully voiced by Leonard Nimoy, and if you have never heard him voice animated films, not only is he really good but you can't tell it is him!

In the story 4 kids,(3 boys and 1 girl) are preparing for Halloween night and find that their buddy Pippin is being taken away in an ambulance. No one seems to know whats wrong with him, and the kids seem lost without him as he is the one they all look up to. A mysterious character shows up by the name of Moundshroud, who tells them that his spirit has been taken by ghosts of Halloween past and they must come with him to capture Pippins spirit and return it to its body. But can they trust him, as it seems he has his own secret motive for capturing Pippin. Each of the kids is dressed as a classic Haloween character Moundshroud takes them across the world and through time itself to discover the origin of that classic Halloween costume character. For example the hunt for the mummys origin leads them to ancient Egypt and its dark secrets. The skeleton takes them to old Mexico for "Day of the Dead" celebrations. The Witch takes them back to the bards of England. They also learn what real friendship truly means, and must freely give a huge personal sacrifice if they want to save the soul of their friend.

This movie is bigger in story than it seems, and my wife has watched this tape about 6 times. The animation is good, very fluid, good character design. The movie will keep you guessing until the end. Suspenseful, imaginative, and educational without looking like it is trying to be.

UPDATE 2010: I wrote this review in 2003, and I cannot believe this movie is still not on DVD. It is for rare gems like this that so many of us have kept our VCR players. We still watch this at least once a year. Hang onto your VHS copy, who knows how long we will have to wait.

This animated made-for-television Halloween special has captivated me since the first time I saw it back in 1994. Based on Ray Bradbury's novella of the same name, the plot weaves together the Halloween traditions of cultures gone by with four modern-day children's quest to save the life of their friend, whose soul is also being sought by the mysterious and sinister Moundshroud (voice-acted superbly by Leonard Nemoy).

The only confusing section in this cartoon comes from the updated Celtic Samhain tradition. In his original novella, Bradbury included the wildly incorrect belief that the Celtic Druids worshipped Sam Hain, the god of death (of which there was actually no such thing). For the special, that horribly inaccurate section was re-written to discuss pagan witch traditions. While the end result of this content switch is much more satisfying, the story line does feel a little bumpy in this part.

This is spooky fare, but only mildly so. Little kids can watch it without having nightmares, and should come away from it both entertained and enlightened. A wonderful addition for your Halloween traditions.

I highly recommend this witty and award winning cartoon for any older children, alittle too scary for under 7 or 8 but great fun for the older ones! I just wish it would come out on DVD !

This is one of the best animated movies of it's kind that I have ever seen! I loved this movie the very first time I saw it on TV several years ago! I waited and waited to see if it would be shown on TV since the last time I saw some of it, but it never came back on as far as I know, so this had to be a (must find movie for me). It seemed as if I never would be able to find this movie anywhere but with God's help I did. I like the animation and the storyline and narriation by Ray Bradbury. I gave this movie 5 Stars because it is an awesome movie! I like movies of this kind so this movie is just the right one for me.I like the feeling of Halloween it gives me, I can reminess about when I was little and growing up when I saw this movie. I recommend this movie to everyone and hope those who have this movie will continue to enjoy it for many years and for those who don't have this movie purchase a copy whereever you can as soon as possible!

This movie is bound to become a Halloween special tradition, among the ranks of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!". Based on the Ray Bradbury book of the same name, it falls a little short of the magic of the book (due to the cheesiness of Hanna-Barbara studios), but holds its own with the help of Bradbury's Emmy-winning teleplay. I enjoy this every year on TV, and you and your family should too. My recommendation: watch this on a brisk, smoky October Sunday afternoon, after carving pumpkins.

The fisrt time I saw this video i was 13, and was completely blown away. I am now 20, and still yearn for this classic. The beauty of THE HALLOWEEN TREE, is not to be missed. In a special journey across time and space, a few close friends learn the true meaning of the spirit of All Hallows Eve, and also of friendship. Mr. Nemoy does a fantastic job of setting the scene with his ghostly voice talents. I have never known a halloween film to bring as much joy to a child's life, as this one did for mine. I would recomend buying this timeless classic to add to anyone's video collection.

I came across the book "The Halloween Tree" by Ray Bradbury years ago and
I knew it would make a great film. I found this VHS tape a few years back and
even though its changed some it still has the magic and is well worth seeking out. Its a big shame, this should be on DVD and should be watched
by both the younger elementary/middle school kids, even adults find this
such a treat at this Halloween time of the year, it has a message woven
through that makes this special, spooky in some spots but a visual
treat for the eyes, love the amimation and the journey's
they are taken on. Can't recommend this one any higher. Lenny Nimoy and
Ray Bradbury himself narrate this engrossing, wonderful tale. THIS NEEDS
TO BE REMASTERED AND TOUCHED UP and PUT OUT AS A DVD?? I bet you could
really make this soundtrack come alive.

This was my son's favorite halloween movie when he was a kid. It's an enjoyable, and rather spooky tale written by the great Ray Bradbury who also doubles as the story's narrator. Voice talents include Leonard Nimoy as the evil Moundshroud. It tells the story of four kids dressed up for Halloween as a witch, skeleton, werewolf, and mummy who travel both around the world and also throught time to save the life of their friend and also learn the true meaning of Halloween. The traditonal animation is first rate as is the voice talent. While it does provide it's lesson for kids the movie is a bit spooky so very young ones may get scared so be warned. It was fun, scary, and eductional. A real Winner. I wish it played on TV regularly.

The Halloween Tree is a classic with outstanding Halloween animation. (Have you noticed the faces in the cloud scenes and many other subtle details??) I now have a copy on VHS but I USED to have a SUPERB copy on laserdisc (machine died) INCLUDING a voice over option by the author, Ray Bradbury. Bradbury walks you through the film, his input on its making and how it's really the most recent revision of his book. He also talks about his childhood inspiration for the tale. Since Bradbury is now 90 (born 1920), everyone should have a chance to hear him while he's still here! This DVD could be phenomenal....now why on earth can't they transfer this from their laserdisc master to DVD with the same perks??? HERE ME OH CARTOON NETWORK GODS....put this on DVD to equal the quality of the laserdisc!!

This is a great cartoon. I love how it teaches several different cultures' halloween celebrations. I just wish this came in a DVD, instead of just VHS.