Product Details

• Actors: Hans Christian Andersen
• Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: New Video Group
• DVD Release Date: February 22, 2005
• Run Time: 65 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000742G2E
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #100,218 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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  Movies & TV > Kids & Family > 3-6 Years > Scholastic Storybook Treasures

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This collection of animated shorts (based on four of Hans Christian Andersen's much-loved fairy tales) offers a variety of visual styles. The Emperor's New Clothes is cartoonish, colorful, and accompanied by a jaunty soundtrack, all of which well serves the classic story: Two swindlers persuade a foolish king that their magical cloth can't be seen by the foolish and incompetent--so of course everyone pretends to be able to see it. The Ugly Duckling, about a duckling spurned by his family for being too different, isn't so much animated as illustrated; the mostly still pictures are lovely, but some children may find this approach a little dull. The Swineherd, a lesser-known story about a prince who disguises himself as a peasant to woo a vain princess, has a look that mixes Marc Chagall and medieval tapestries. The final story, Nightingale, uses gorgeous Japanese watercolors and simple but elegant line drawings to tell the story of an arrogant emperor who learns to value the sweet song a nightingale. All in all, a satisfying selection, sure to please young children and older Andersen fans. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description

THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES (By Nadine Bernard Westcott) Two swindlers create a royal robe from magical cloth for a vain emperor. But what's so special about this magical cloth? THE UGLY DUCKLING (By Hans Christian Andersen, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney) Only a mother could love this ugliest of ducklings who is teased for his awkward appearance. But seasons change - and so does he - into a gloriously graceful swan. Narrated by Lynn Whitfield with music by Ernest V. Troost. (Caldecott Honor Book) THE SWINEHERD (By Hans Christian Andersen, Illustrated by Bjorn Winblad) A spoiled princess scorns the love of an honorable prince - until the prince comes up with a clever way to steal some kisses from the princess. BONUS STORIES: NIGHTINGALE (By Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Michael Sporn)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars DON'T BUY THIS DVD, May 1, 2005

By	bianca "discerning viewer" (illinois) - See all my reviews

Most of the Scholastic Video Collection DVDs that I have are really good, though some of them are truly excellent. The main stories tend to be better than the bonus stories, but a few of the bonus stories are on par with the features. This DVD has a collection of stories that are even BELOW the standard of the most mediocre bonus stories. Don't waste your money on this one. Opt for Pete's a Pizza, Chyrsanthemeum, Harry the Dirty Dog, and Is Your Mama A Llama?

4.0 out of 5 stars Lighten up - stories are meant to ENTERTAIN!, November 16, 2008

By	loveswildflowers - See all my reviews

Unless you are totally opposed to a little cartoonish bare bottom nudity, I don't understand the negative review. The Emperor's New Clothes is a totally hilarious rendition of the folktale.

Although the Swineherd story is dated, it is a fascinating story - maybe not for the very young, but the 3-5th graders who viewed this in my media center were completely into watching both of these folk stories.

The version of the Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney is beautiful and I would highly recommend it. It may not be "edge of your seat" storytelling, but it artistically beautiful and poignantly tells the story.

I just don't get the one-star rating posted by another viewer. I've alerted you to what I feel may have "gotten their dander up". But if you aren't offended by a bare behind in cartoon form you'll find stories to entertain and enlighten you and your kids on this DVD.