Product Details

• Actors: Henry Czerny, Carl Marotte, Vlasta Vrana, Bronwen Booth, Brian Dooley
• Directors: Nicholas Kendall
• 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: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Questar
• DVD Release Date: July 25, 2000
• Run Time: 96 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1568556829
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,788 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Who says "they don't make them like they used to?" Kayla is a throwback to the days when family films made you feel good—while teaching you a thing or two about life. It focuses on a young boy who still can't accept the eight-year-old disappearance, and apparent death, of his explorer father. He cries out for solace, while keeping his mother and well-meaning stepfather at a stony-faced distance. Then, one day, in the snowy wilderness, he encounters a wolf who looks exactly like the dog that led his dad's sled. Despite the hostility of the townspeople, who fear the wolf is devouring their livestock, the boy bonds with this dog, Kayla, who teaches him a lot about love, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. This touchingly performed and beautifully photographed film will move you to both tears and cheers, particularly in the rousing finish, where boy and dog compete for more than just victory in the annual dogsled race. This is family entertainment at its most classic! Extra Features: Elizabeth Van Steenwyk: Biography of the Author; Kayla's Quebec: Historical Background; Thoughts To Be Shared With Friends & Family; Previews of Additional Questar Family Films.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wild Dog Wins The Hearts Of People, September 21, 2001

By 

"kids_first2" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kayla: A Cry in the Wilderness (DVD)

Excellent picture quality, great story, pleasing dialog. DVD extras are wonderful and easy-to-use, should motivate further study. "I could see lots of areas of inquiry for kids: wild dogs, exploration, sledding, dog training, music, carpentry." The children especially liked the interactive material. "Everything was wonderful, but I wanted more." "It was interesting to know about the author because I might like to read some of her other books." "We loved the story. We laughed, we cried, and we cheered." Best for ages 8 to 12.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Best for older kids, July 24, 2007

By 

Cheryl (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kayla: A Cry in the Wilderness (DVD)

The movie was good, but because of some intense scenes, it's best for older kids. There is a scene where a man kills a poisoned dog with a shovel, to put it out of its suffering. ( The shovel is shown only shoulder high, but it's still pretty intense for a little kid to see.) Also, there's a scene where a dog is shot and is shown bleeding and lame. The dog doesn't die, but it looks like he might. So if you don't think your child can handle scenes like these, you better not get this movie - or wait until they're older.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wild Dog Wins The Affections Of People, September 21, 2001

By 

"kids_first2" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kayla: A Cry in the Wilderness [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"Full of life's lessons with examples of both positive and negative interactions. A real conversation starter to help kids understand the many changes all children encounter." Some violence and killing of animals. Drama and excitement made it good. Wind and nature sounds are good. "We want to know more about Canada." "I liked seeing the boy get past his hurt and accept a new family." Best for ages 8 to 12.