Product Details

• Actors: Joseph Ashton, Dave Matthews, Renee Faia, Mac Davis, Kris Kristofferson
• Directors: Lyman Dayton, Sam Pillsbury
• Writers: Lyman Dayton, Sam Pillsbury, Douglas C. Stewart, Eleanor Lamb, Wilson Rawls
• Producers: Bob Yari
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Surround Sound, Widescreen, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• DVD Release Date: December 21, 2004
• Run Time: 86 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0002S64VO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,968 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Where the Red Fern Grows" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

"The Roots of a Classic" – Explore the story’s journey from book to film through interviews with the author’s wife and filmmakers. "Lights, Camera, Animals" – See how the film’s animal stars were "discovered" and trained for their roles.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing remake of the original, December 23, 2004

By 

Darren Winkley "Be a Ref. Make the Call!---Be... (Pasadena, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Where the Red Fern Grows (DVD)

Where the Red Fern Grows has been my favorite book since my second grade teacher read it to us. Now I read it to my 5th grade class. The original movie was very disappointing, as it did not follow the book. I have always hoped that the movie would be remade and remain true to the book. Such was my anticipation when I bought the 2004 release. Unfortunately, this version has the same bastardizations as the original movie and other facets that make it difficult to enjoy. For example, most of the hunting is done in the daytime, even though the narration says it is night. Like the original movie, Billy does not win the coon hunt outright, but rather the real winner declares Billy the winner and gives the trophy and money to him. Many of the highlights of the book are left out, which I can understand due to time constraints, but why can't we get a movie of Where the Red Fern Grows that makes some attempt to remain true to the book?

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The book deserves better than this..., January 23, 2005

By 

Sober Muchacho "sobermuchacho" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where the Red Fern Grows (DVD)

This wonderful book deserves much more than this movie. I was hoping for so much more, especially from Disney. It seemd to me that it was made hastily and on a tight budget...Coleman and Ned Beatty (sp?) did their part, but Dave Matthews? This story did not deserve to have an actor if his inability playing the role of the young man's father. As a young man who read this book over and over, and for a Father who was excited about having his 6 year old son watch this movie with him, I am very, very dissapointed.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Updated Movie... But Nothing Beats The Book!!!!!, December 22, 2004

By 

Georgia Teacher "Jeanette" (Hazlehurst, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where the Red Fern Grows (DVD)

My teacher read the story to me and I'll always remember it as THE book that hooked me into reading. Now, 20 years later, I read this story to my 5th graders every year and find that it hooks them as well. It is one of my students' fondest memories of 5th grade and our year together. Every one can relate to loving a special pet. I always follow up the book with the movie. Needless to say, they always say that the book is way better. I was so glad to see the new version of the movie come out on DVD. The older version always had a dark picture that was a little hard to view at times (technology issue). I watched the new version last night and must say that the book is still so much better. I guess for the sake of time, they have to leave out certain parts, but the book really spoils you. I am glad that the movie still included the spiritual aspects from the book. It reminds one to have faith and to try to meet GOD half way when asking HIM for help. So many people/movies/books fail to share this message to keep from offending people. "Hats-off" to the producers for taking a stand and including the spiritual aspects as a vital part of the story. This is a wonderful message that we should never forget. I'll continue to read and show the DVD year after year. I am really happy that I have a more updated video to show my students. If you have never read this book, I hope this review will inspire you to do so. Even if you have already seen the movie, before reading the book, you'll still be surprised throughout the story. It is truly an emotional, life-changing story. Upon reading it, you'll never forget the way it made you feel.