18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best animated version of The Nutcracker!, November 9, 2005
This review is from: The Nutcracker Prince (DVD)
After wearing out my old video every Christmas in the 90's, this one took a while to show up on DVD. It was first out in Europe in 2002, so being able to play multi region DVD's, I quickly snatched it up. It was rather low budget, but finally, in 2004, a slightly better quality US version came out!
The incredible music, the vibrant colors, the excellent voice-overs, and of course, the story. A young girl is told by her Grandfather the tale about the wooden nutcracker he gave her as a gift. A boy soldier was turned into wood by the evil Mousequeen, and to become a real boy again, he must defeat the Mouseking.
With the voices of Phyllis Diller, Kiefer Sutherland, Peter O'Toole, and Megan Follows, you just can't go wrong with this cast. An excellent treat, meant to be watched every year!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Holiday Treat, January 1, 2003
When I was eleven, I remember watching this version of "The Nutcracker" when it first came out on video, and I fell completely in love with it. I agree with the other reviewers about the not so top notch animation ; however the story line was intriguing. It is a bit different when comparing it to Tchaikovsky's ballet. This portrayal of the Christmas classic comes close to E.T.A. Hoffman's book "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." (If you love the "Nutcracker" you should go read it. The best translation is by Ralph Manheim and illustrator by Maurice Sendak. Go check it out!!!) You have the leading character, Clara (Megan Fellows "Anne of Green Gables"), an adolescent girl who wants to hold on to her childhood. Nutcracker (Keiffer Sutherland), a young prince of the toys, who is cursed to live his life as a nutcracker. Uncle Drosselmier (I have no idea who play's this character) who is the instigator of Clara's and Nutcrackers meeting. Also, a handful of colorful supporting characters (the mouse queen played by Phylis Diller) that makes the story a delight to watch. Through out the story they have dance scenes and used Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" music as background music. What I mostly enjoyed in the movie is Clara's struggle to figure out what her true dreams are and whether to live in a fantasy world or face adulthood. The ending also leaves us questioning if Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker Prince was a dream or reality. Older children (as well as adults) will enjoy this movie. What I mean by older children (8 yrs and up) is that there is a bit of fighting and death scenes. Other than that, it's a great movie to watch during the holidays!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Xmas Classic, December 1, 2003
Forget what those snobby critics say, this movie is awesome. I saw it years ago on the Disney Channel and loved it, now my family watch it every Christams. I always loved the story of Clara and the Nutcracker but could never get into ballet. Sure ballet is nice to watch for the first several minutes to everything starts looking like it's repeated over and over. This movie has the plot with the Prince turning into the Nutcracker, the battle scene with the Mice and toys and the confrontation with the Nutcracker and the Mouse King (who I think is the best animated charactor, what can I say I am a mouse lover and owner!) and Clara's journey into Toyland without all the endless jumping up and down. There is one scene where the Prince and Clara dance in toyland which is well done with the music too. The ending is great and it should be played every year. I bought the video and since I liked it so much I wanted to buy it on DVD but it didn't come so I bought the DVD UK version since my player plays all DVD's and it's Great!! Please buy this movie and see it for yourself!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
