Product Details

• Actors: Matthew Broderick, Sigourney Weaver, Robbie Coltrane, Dustin Hoffman, Richard Jenkins
• Directors: Sam Fell, Rob Stevenhagen
• Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English, Spanish, French
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009
• Run Time: 94 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001FB55IU
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,212 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Tale of Despereaux looks a little like Shrek. The storytelling and animation draw on everything from Ratatouille and classic fairytales to Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, Indiana Jones, and, in its action sequences, even Bourne and Bond. But this movie stands on its own; too dark and violent for very young children, perhaps, but for the most part it’s exciting and funny, and it delivers a message about bravery and forgiveness that is relevant to us all. Voiced by Matthew Broderick, the title character is a little guy, even by mouse standards, with enormous ears and an imagination to match; much to the dismay of his elders, he "never cowers, won’t scurry, and refuses to be taught to be scared" (he’d much rather read a book than eat it, a pursuit that fills his head with visions of valiant knights, damsels in distress, and a life defined by "courage, honor, and decency"). That leads to his being banished from Mouseworld to the realm of the rats, where, it is presumed, he will be eaten. But no. Ratworld--a dark, chaotic, genuinely scary place--happens to be the current residence of one Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), a peaceful sort whose shenanigans in the human world have accidentally led to the death of the Queen, the imprisonment of the Princess (Emma Watson), and, worst of all, the banning of Soup Day (no small deal) and the end of soup itself! Roscuro and Despereaux join forces, inadvertently helped out by a homely but soft-hearted farm girl named Miggery Sow (Tracey Ullman), and, well, you can imagine how it all turns out. Directors Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen and scriptwriter Gary Ross (adapting Kate DiCamillo’s book) have concocted some vivid and interesting worlds for their film; the look is unusual, often washed out, muted, and bathed in hazy light; and the voice acting is excellent (others include William H. Macy, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, and Frank Langella). All in all, despite a conclusion that’s confusing even while it’s predictable, The Tale of Despereaux is a worthy addition to the crowded animation field. --Sam Graham

Printable Coloring Page, Map & Despereaux ears from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for full size)

Coloring Page

Maze

Despereaux Ears

Stills from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for larger image)

Product Description

20th Century The Tale of Despereaux (Blu-ray)A diminutive mouse strives to make a mammoth change in his troubled kingdom in this adaptation of author Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal-winning children's book. A long time ago, in the distant kingdom of Dor, a horrible accident broke the heart of the king, left abeautiful princess crestfallen, and filled the townspeople with despair. As the sun disappeared from the sky and the flowers were drained of color, the laughter slowly ceased in this once-magical land. It was into this darkened world that a tiny mouse named Despereaux Tilling was born, and while this virtuous little rodent may have been short in stature, his bravery was ultimately too big for such a small world to contain. An unlikely hero with oversized ears and a discernible wheeze, Despereaux was taken with tales of chivalry, and longed to one day become a noble figure among his people. Sometimes in order to realize their true destiny, heroes must first experience great hardship, however, and when Despereaux fails to adhere to the rigidrules of his society, he is banished from Dor.Later, while exploring the outer realms, the lonely Despereaux is joined by a kindhearted rat named Roscuro. Roscuro, too, has been excommunicated from his homeland, and still cannot stand to look into a mirror lest he be reminded of his painful past. Later, as Despereaux embarks on a treacherous quest to rescue the endangered Princess Pea, Roscurois set down the path of self-destruction after receiving a painful rejection from his highness. Now, on their way to realizing their extraordinary destinies, these two unlikely heroes will face off against the malevolent leader of the sewer rats, who is plotting revenge on humans from his subterranean kingdom; befriend a common serving girl who longs to become princess; and meet a whole host of colorful characters that they will never forget.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Family Movie, February 23, 2009

By	S. R. Little (Billerica, Ma) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was an excellent movie adaptation from a book. But do yourself and your children a favor and read the book first.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, July 23, 2009

By	Mariam "meme05" (Bahrain) - See all my reviews

I Just loved this animation. It was fun, smart, and adventurous. I never expected to fall in love with the characters. Despereaux is a mouse that's different and he isn't afraid or ashamed of the fact. He will inspire kids and give them courage. This isn't just a cartoon it's a fun lesson too.

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from someone who hasn't read the book, June 20, 2009

By	ILoveGadgets "Gadgets always fit" (Florence, SC) - See all my reviews

I loved this movie. The story was engaging and fun. The narration helped move it along and likely was filling in the blanks from the book. I love that it had a lesson or two but done in an entertaining way. I really liked the serendipity of it all at the very end, like those movies that complete a circle. Despereaux is a very cute 'gentleman'. The Blu-ray version is the one I own. The detail of his fur and nose are amazing. A big bowl of stove-popped popcorn, a soda, and this movie make a very happy Saturday evening.