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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential video
Adapted from the beloved novel by Walter Farley, this 1979 family classic was hailed by no less than hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael, who wrote that "it may be the greatest children's movie ever made." A visual feast from start to finish, the timeless tale of The Black Stallion plays out on almost mythic terms. A young boy survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a deserted island with a graceful black stallion, with whom the boy develops an almost empathic friendship. After being rescued and returning home, the two make a winning team as jockey and lightning-fast racehorse under the tutelage of a passionate trainer, played by Mickey Rooney in an Oscar-nominated role. From its serenely hypnotic island sequence to the breathtaking race scenes, this delightful film is guaranteed to enthrall any viewer, regardless of age. The Black Stallion is a genuine masterpiece of family entertainment. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
From its turbulent beginning in a storm-swept sea to its unforgettable horse race finale, The Black Stallion is a modern-day movie landmark. One of the most highly praised productions of 1979,it is a wonderful experience...for adults and for kids (Roger
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
57 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Growing up, I was a genuine horse-freak, and considered myself a connoisseur of all-things-horse, especially movies. The Black Stallion has always been one of my favorites.
Of course, it doesn't hurt any movie to be executive-produced by Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather I,II,III). But what really shines through in this film is the stunning cinematography and camera work, and the acting by Cass Ole ("The Black"), Kelly Reno (Alec) and of course, Mickey Rooney, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
This film really captures the mood and feeling of the first "Black Stallion" book. There is virtually no dialogue for a good portion of the film, and it is not missed. The on-screen relationship between Alec and The Black is one that could not be expressed in words under any circumstances.
When I first received this DVD, I put it in to watch it with my father on Christmas night a few years ago. During the island scenes between Alec and The Black, I stifled tears; the scenes - the photography is that stunning.
I was enthralled by this movie as a 13-year-old girl with a passion for horses, and I feel the same way as a 36-year-old.
Buy this DVD for your children, or buy this DVD for you, but buy this DVD. It will quickly become a favorite!
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It is with great pleasure I can tell you that I have sat through nearly every horse movie ever made - and that "The Black Stallion" is still the best one I have ever seen.
Every aspect of the film is superlative; the casting, the acting, the adaptation to screenplay, the music, the sounds, the editing, the characterization and most especially, the cinematography. But the real genius of the film lies in director Carroll Ballard's exquisite ability to render his main character, namely the black stallion himself, on the screen.
Since I have experience with horses I am obviously very aware of how films use their equine actors. Errors are immediately apparent. This film does not have any. Every time a horse is onscreen, characterization in action and expression is perfect.
Credit, of course, goes to trainer Corky Randall, and also to the decision to cast Kelly Reno and Mickey Rooney, horsemen themselves, into the human roles.
Tremendous credit also goes out to the filmmakers for making the effort to secure animals who would fit the role so well - actual black arabian stallions. Most would not have gone to the trouble, preferring to work with geldings, or with any breed of horse with the necessary color and training to make the role. Just look to other notable horse films, like Black Beauty, The Horse Whisperer and SeaBiscuit, to see how the horse is changed to fit the film.
One of the best examples of the film's genius with the horses is the scene in which Alec and "The Black" first become friends. The film shows the stallion who played that portion of the scene retreating each time the boy walks toward him, then advancing each time he walks away. By degrees of advance and retreat is Alec finally able to get close to the horse.
Such behavior mimics a horse's natural response perfectly. But it is not simply how it was it was choreographed; it is how the horse plays the part. The animal does not tamely walk forward and backwards - he displays a spirit and impatience of a gorgeously trained animal being put through a difficult series of steps; obedient but with powerful character. On film, this highly charged personality mimics perfectly the anxiety and anger of a wild stallion trying to cope with coming close to a being he regards with suspicion.
Trivia for those interested; Cass-Ole, the stallion to whom lead credit was given, actually had 4 white socks and the star. In the close shots, you can see the white under the makeup. It was Cass Ole and Kelly Reno who did most actual scenes, such as galloping without bridle and saddle down the beach. Most films use doubles for such scenes.
Fae-Jur, the main double, was also a black stallion; it is rumored he was not even a true black, but a grey who had to be dyed extensively to play the role. He is said to have done many of the "wild" scenes, when no rider was required.
The film gets my highest recommendation for both adults and children. Some may be frustrated by the artistic slant of the story - it rolls past like a dream, especially the island sequences. Children who have read the book may be disappointed by any changes they perceive in the story. But the film is a a masterpiece of storytelling - for children or otherwise.
Every aspect of the film is superlative; the casting, the acting, the adaptation to screenplay, the music, the sounds, the editing, the characterization and most especially, the cinematography. But the real genius of the film lies in director Carroll Ballard's exquisite ability to render his main character, namely the black stallion himself, on the screen.
Since I have experience with horses I am obviously very aware of how films use their equine actors. Errors are immediately apparent. This film does not have any. Every time a horse is onscreen, characterization in action and expression is perfect.
Credit, of course, goes to trainer Corky Randall, and also to the decision to cast Kelly Reno and Mickey Rooney, horsemen themselves, into the human roles.
Tremendous credit also goes out to the filmmakers for making the effort to secure animals who would fit the role so well - actual black arabian stallions. Most would not have gone to the trouble, preferring to work with geldings, or with any breed of horse with the necessary color and training to make the role. Just look to other notable horse films, like Black Beauty, The Horse Whisperer and SeaBiscuit, to see how the horse is changed to fit the film.
One of the best examples of the film's genius with the horses is the scene in which Alec and "The Black" first become friends. The film shows the stallion who played that portion of the scene retreating each time the boy walks toward him, then advancing each time he walks away. By degrees of advance and retreat is Alec finally able to get close to the horse.
Such behavior mimics a horse's natural response perfectly. But it is not simply how it was it was choreographed; it is how the horse plays the part. The animal does not tamely walk forward and backwards - he displays a spirit and impatience of a gorgeously trained animal being put through a difficult series of steps; obedient but with powerful character. On film, this highly charged personality mimics perfectly the anxiety and anger of a wild stallion trying to cope with coming close to a being he regards with suspicion.
Trivia for those interested; Cass-Ole, the stallion to whom lead credit was given, actually had 4 white socks and the star. In the close shots, you can see the white under the makeup. It was Cass Ole and Kelly Reno who did most actual scenes, such as galloping without bridle and saddle down the beach. Most films use doubles for such scenes.
Fae-Jur, the main double, was also a black stallion; it is rumored he was not even a true black, but a grey who had to be dyed extensively to play the role. He is said to have done many of the "wild" scenes, when no rider was required.
The film gets my highest recommendation for both adults and children. Some may be frustrated by the artistic slant of the story - it rolls past like a dream, especially the island sequences. Children who have read the book may be disappointed by any changes they perceive in the story. But the film is a a masterpiece of storytelling - for children or otherwise.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
As one reviewer said, this movie tells only what's relevant to the story, and oh what a story it is. I knew this movie could be truly great when Alec's father gave him a stallion figurine and a story. Looking back its easy to forget the importance of that moment. Before his death, Alecs dad provided the story that would analogize the entire movie. To ride the horse became Alecs drive, then when realized it became his gift, and finally it became our inspiration. The secret of the movie lies in everything unspoken, we don't need to be reminded, and assured of the great bond between boy and horse, we can see it, and then we can internalize it. The final scenes, the match race could have easily been distanced from the story line, after all the story was up to then not that Black was faster than other horses, but that the bond was strong between him and Alec. And so in the final turn, as the Black broke from the other two, we were taken back in time, on a beach with a boy and a stallion who simply rode. While the spectators were amazed at this horse, the viewer knew the story, we knew the bond between the two, and this is the greatness of the movie. As far as I'm concerned the give-and-take scene, as Alex and Black finally make there immortal bond, is one of the most beautiful, touching, innocent, and just plain entertaining moments ever filmed. A case could be made for the sucessful ride scene as well. Reno's performance was perfect, I don't know if I could ever "feel" an actor as well as he, as opposed to simply watch an actor. His body language and expressions were as powerfull as any dialogue. Rooney was very good, seamless in his role, but he was far less central to the movie than Alec himself. Movies are inherantly powerfull in showing, not telling. The imagery, the facial and body language, and the score of The Black Stallion take movie making to the highest level, of its most powerful level. Its one of my favorite movies, and surely one of the greatest movies the critics have largely ignored.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Praise the legendary Black!
Amazing story for all ages and all likes, the Black is simply a great statement and can be interpreted differently in all stages of life. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jean Artegui
timeless story
timeless story, beautifully filmed, for the entire family ages seven - seventy. The acting is superb, direction by Francis Ford Coppola, and then there's the Black Stallion !
Published 2 months ago by James Brown
Even if you don't love horses, you'll love the movie.
I remember this movie fondly from my childhood. Even if you're not a big fan of horses, you'll love this movie. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Vidiwell100
movie
i always thought this has one of the prettiest beginnings ever after he gets shipwrecked. it came in very good shape.
Published 4 months ago by patrea
Wild wonder, aesthetically beautiful, at times a meditative poem of...
A story about the relationship that develops between a boy and a violently wild desert stallion that has been, presumably, captured in Arabia. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Char
get Anamorphic Widescreen version here!
If you want the Anamorphic Widescreen version of this movie you'll need to buy the Region 2 UK version at Amazon.co. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Alan
Black Stallion DVD
I purchased this DVD for myself, as it's a classic movie, that I've always loved.
Cinematography is great.
The price of this DVD made it a great value as well. Read more
Cinematography is great.
The price of this DVD made it a great value as well. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Bonnie
A great, beautiful film for all ages. Grown ups - you don't need kids...
Time has perhaps taken a tiny tick off the perfection of this for me
(the ending is a bit abrupt, etc. Read more
(the ending is a bit abrupt, etc. Read more
Published 7 months ago by K. Gordon
A MOVIE CLASSIC FOR THE FAMILY
I saw The Black Stallion three times when it came out in 1979. The first time I followed the story, The second time the sounds and scenic beauty and the contrast between his wild... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Web Shopper
The Black Stallion
This was my favorite movie growing up. I mentioned it to my kids and realized that they had never seen it. I was afraid that seeing it again as an adult, I might be disappointed. Read more
Published 9 months ago by r_tindol04
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