Product Details

• Actors: Alex Etel, Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey, Brian Cox
• Directors: Jay Russell
• Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Subtitles: English, French
• Dubbed: French
• Region: Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
  PLEASE NOTE: Some Region 1 DVDs may contain Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE). Some, but not all, of our international customers have had problems playing these enhanced discs on what are called "region-free" DVD players. For more information on RCE, click .
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: April 8, 2008
• Run Time: 112 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (173 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0012IWO0I
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,356 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (Two-Disc Special Edition)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Based on a novel by Dick King-Smith, author of The Sheep Pig (from which Babe was adapted), the touching and often spectacular The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep ingeniously presumes to explain the truth behind "Nessie," i.e., the Loch Ness Monster. The story, told in present day to a couple of American tourists by a kindly gentleman (Brian Cox) in a pub, begins with a lonely boy, Angus (Alex Etel), pining for his father, who is serving in the Royal Navy during World War II. Angus, along with his sister (Priyanka Xi) and mother (Emily Watson), live on an estate that has been billeted by soldiers in the Scottish Highlands, near Loch Ness. The troop’s commander (David Morissey) has an eye for mom, suspicions about a mysterious handyman, Lewis (Ben Chaplin), who is also a war hero, and an absurd contention that the Highlands are the real frontline in the war against Germany.

Into this intriguing drama comes a completely different element, a fantastical creature of Celtic mythology that befriends Angus and is, in fact, the sea-beast who will eventually be known as the Loch Ness Monster. Trying to hide the dinosaur-like fellow, nicknamed Crusoe, Angus enlists Lewis to transfer it to the lake, where boy and serpent have extraordinary adventures together until human stupidity threatens Crusoe’s existence. A true family film, there is a lot for adults to like about the grownup story in The Water Horse. Meanwhile, the wistful relationship between Angus and Crusoe--each of whom helps the other move past obstacles toward their individual destinies--will leave children feeling both happy and melancholy in the best possible sense. Directed by Jay Russell (My Dog Skip), The Water Horse is the best of a mini-genre of films about or inspired by old Nessie. --Tom Keogh

Beyond The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

On Blu-ray

Paperback Novel

CD Soundtrack

Stills from The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (click for larger image)

Product Description

When a lonely young boy named Angus discovers a large, mysterious egg along the shores of Loch Ness, no one is prepared for what lies within. He soon discovers that the strange, mischievous hatchling inside is none other than The Water Horse, the loch's most mysterious and fabled creature! But with the Water Horse growing ten times its size every day, Angus finds it increasingly difficult to keep his new friend a secret. Two-time Academy Award(r) nominee Emily Watson (1998, Hilary and Jackie; 1996 Breaking the Waves), Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin (The Thin Red Line), David Morrissey (The Reaping) and Brian Cox (Running with Scissors) star in this heart warming tale from director Jay Russell (Tuck Everlasting) and written by Robert Nelson Jacobs (Flushed Away).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Take ME for a Ride! March 12, 2008

By Karen Joan VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

I just saw this film with my husband and 10 ˝ year old daughter...excuse me, she says 10 ľ. The Water Horse was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It is a treat for the entire family, sparking the imagination of young and old alike.

A near-tear jerker, set in WWII, on the banks of (we find out later) Loch Ness, this is a whimsical story of healing, full of adventure, laughter, friendship, and love. The beginning is filled with an appropriate amount of tension, drawing the audience immediately into the tale. As the story unfolds, we learn a little about Scottish folklore, a little about WWII behind the Allied front (way, way behind), and a lot about a young boy, who conquers his worst fears, helped by the love of his unique best friend. In the end, they save each other.

The cinematography is simply breathtaking. The location, the lighting, and the camera angles all work together to immerse the viewer in a rural Scottish village of the time. The starkness of the loch and the beauty of the rugged land create a perfect setting for this film.

I have no idea how the creature was created. I assume CGI. But let me tell you, it really did look like the animal was swimming in a bathtub full of water - splashes, slop, and all. I completely believed it. Near the end of the film, I found myself yelling at the characters to save Crusoe...to the high amusement of my family.

I highly recommend this film for children of all ages. You will not be disappointed.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and sweet movie. October 4, 2008

By CelticWomanFanPiano VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

This movie is very refreshing with its focus on the friendship between a young boy and his newly discovered pet, none other than a waterhorse of Celtic lore. The tenderness between the two is touching and people of all ages will enjoy it. The movie is very well done. And appropriate for all ages.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars IT'S GOOD MOVIE!!! April 17, 2008

By Popcicle

Format:Amazon Instant Video

THIS MOVIE IS GOOD, IT'S FANTASY AND INTERESTING. THIS MOVIE INTERESTS FOR CHILDREN. THIS MOVIE WAS GOOD SCRIPT AND NICE STORY. THIS MOVIE WAS KEEPING EYES OPEN FOR CHILDREN. EVERYONE ENJOYS THIS MOVIE.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Water Horse April 16, 2008

By Barbara A. King

Format:Blu-ray

A wonderful movie for children, it gives them responsibilty in caring for something that could not care for itself..to see it grow up & the animal still cared for the person who helped it! My Grandchilren loves animals & that helped them to see how important it is to follow through on caring for anilmals....I give it a 5 Star! Thanks

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Water Horse March 21, 2008

By J. Lindner

Format:DVD

This is a delightful movie. The characters are genuine and the story is entertaining for children and adults alike. Taking a legend and building a movie around it may not be a new idea, but this movie was done in such a way that it is believable throughout, even though it is all fiction. The movie was both entertaining and intriguing. The only thing I suspected all along was the identity of the old man telling the story. The rest was just a darn good movie.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good family film that probably snuck by you in the theaters March 24, 2009

By Joseph P. Menta, Jr. VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

"The Water Horse" is a nice little movie that spins an entertaining, fanciful tale based on the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The boy at the center of the story, Angus, finds a mysterious egg on the beach in 1940's Scotland, and before he knows it, he's raising his own personal little creature (who doesn't stay little for long), which he names "Crusoe". The story isn't terribly original from that point on (Angus works to keep Crusoe a secret, then slowly reveals him to a few people, and soon there's a major effort to avoid the authorities and get Crusoe safely out to sea, you know the drill), but it's all done with enthusiasm, sensitivity, and some exciting direction.

There are a few missed opportunities. Initially, a point is made that Angus is terribly afraid of water, but when he needs to search the loch in a boat for Crusoe, and later, when he rides on Crusoe's back both above and under the surface of the loch, Angus is suddenly not afraid of the water. There could have been a terrific scene where Angus makes a bold decision to overcome his fear of water so he can interact with his amphibious friend. And the movie could have benefitted from another scene or two supporting the theme of Angus' loneliness and heartache over his missing father (lost in the war), which is a major reason he becomes so close to Crusoe. But the issue is just kind of mentioned and dropped, instead of fueling some potentially good character scenes between Angus and his mother and/or other characters close to Angus. Oh, well. These missed opportunities aren't dealbreakers.

The special effects are very good, I'll say that. The problem with CGI is that- well done or not- people immediately recognize it as CGI so there's never any more of that giddy "I wonder how they did THAT?..." excitement when we see special effects anymore. However, really good CGI at leasts generates a feeling of "wow, that really looks amazing", and "The Water Horse" has at least half a dozen scenes that accomplish this. The water glistening off the baby Crusoe as he swims around in a trash can filled with water early in the movie, similar scenes later when a seal-sized Crusoe is hiding in a bathtub, and finally all the scenes in the loch when the dinosaur-sized Crusoe is giving Angus rides, attacking military craft, and just jumping around, they're all wonderfully done.

The two-disc DVD features the film on disc one, which looks and sounds great, with disc two housing a full array of extras features, including a 70-plus minute "making of" documentary. Together, the film and extras will deliver decent entertainment for at least a couple of days.

If you have all but the youngest children at home, this is a good family viewing experience. There's nothing objectionable or too intense for the kids, and there's some decent acting and depth and craftsmanship for adults to appreciate. Give "The Water Horse" a whirl and see if you agree. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS is the movie to get for your 8 to 12-year-old.... May 20, 2008

By Tom

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Of course, I'd be willing to bet it will become a favorite of everyone in your family, as it is in ours. The only, and I mean ONLY, caveat here is that the Scottish accents may take a wee bit getting used to, but that's hardly a reason to miss out on this, the best family movie I've seen in a long time, one of the best movies I've seen in a long time, period. I won't repeat the basic plot info, as that already appears here on the Amazon page. I would respond, however, to those reviewers who liken this film to "Free Willy" and "E.T.," only to say that this movie is finer than either of those by my estimation. It's far more sophisticated than "Free Willy" and has dimensions of meaning about love, loss and war that "E.T." could never hope to aspire to. The acting is fantastic. Emily Watson will break your heart with her quiet dignity. Alex Etel, who plays the child Angus, gives a more subtle, layered performance than any child actor I can think of in any film. You'll be surprised by the adult male roles here, played by Ben Chaplin and David Morissey; who's the good guy and who's the bad guy? The answer here is not so readily apparent. Most of all, three cheers for the studio artists who brought Crusoe the Water Horse to life, from infancy through adulthood. You won't believe your eyes; he appears as real as any living creature you've ever seen. Finally, there's the script, which is intelligent, funny and deeply moving. No cheap manipulative tactics here, no condescending to young viewers. This film treats its audience with respect. It's a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.