Join the reindeer games with this charming animated retelling of true holiday classic. Star-studded vocal cast includes bob newhart debbie reynolds whoopie goldberg and monty pythons eric idle. Studio: Gaiam Americas Rel... more »ease Date: 10/12/2004 Starring: Voice Of John Goodman Rating: Nr« less
"I expected this video to be a very enjoyable, light, happy story about Rudolph whom my children love. Instead we found a movie which has Rudolph lost at times, confronted by very scary wolves and other forest animals. One reindeer friend Zoe is imprisoned by the ice witch, Stormella, and various other things happen which are actually very scary for young (under 5) children. At one point Stormella sings a song with the refrain "I hate Santa Claus" and lights a fire in the chimney so Santa is set on fire! The movie ends with a happy ending but I think some parents will be surprised and dismayed at the overall negative storyline which is very unexpected. I would not recommend this video for under 5 year old children."
First don't compare, then see it for what it is
John T Wolfe | gateway to the west | 12/01/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I and my children really enjoyed this version of rudolph. Interestingly enough, this was the first version my children saw before the original Rudolph of so many years ago. What's wrong with a different twist almost 40 years later. Is the world suppose to stop back in 1964. Don't get me wrong I love the original Rudolph. I'm not particular to the follow up movies to it, but the original was a classic.
But this isn't the movie nor would I want it to be. This is a fresh take a new look, a new feel, and most of all just fun.
It has good messages to it and while sure I prefer my girls to see stuff like everafter and ella, there is also a place for the damsel to need saving, why because she is still strong willed, but admit it most women want to be a damsel in distress from time to time, whether its a mouse, a spider, or something more substantial. Come on its how rudolph shows he cares and is willing to go through anything for love.
now with all that said. This film is in its own right a classic, but it never got a chance to really shine because to many people compare it to something 40 years ago. Its the same fate that the new superman movie will befall, especially after reeve's death, and that is it will be forever compared to the original, no matter how good it is. All the actors who played bond after Connery have always been compared to Connery.
I just feel its sort of sad to see such an excellent film such as this be pushed to the wayside because it doesn't measure up to something it was never intended to be."
A wonderful update on a timeless classic!
01/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a long time fan of the original "Rudolph" series that airs every Christmas, this video caught my eye with its all-star cast. I believe this movie is a great triumph for Goodtimes Entertainment! I found the animation to be superb and the songs endearing. This film pulled me in from beginning to end...I kept expecting to see the original story line, but this fresh new twist I found to be very contemporary by today's standards. John Goodman and Whoppi Goldberg portrayed their characters with humor and heart felt goodness. Though I must admit there is a certain level of violence invloved, but nothing shy of what one might find in a Disney movie today. I was however upset to find that the video was not recorded in Hi-Fi Stereo. The CD sound track is wonderfully mastered in Dolby stereo. I have since bought the DVD release of this film and though the special features are not on par with other DVD manufacturers, it brought the Dolby 2.0 sound I wanted to hear. It's not 5.1 DD sound, but I'm still delighted. I spoke with Goodtimes Entertainment on numerous occasions about the production of this film and they somewhat admitted they were pushed for time on its release date. The voice synch did not get polished as others have mentioned in their reviews. I still really like the movie and stand behind my comments!"
Very good movie to see.
John T Wolfe | 07/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is great. Very good details of the characters. I really like the movie. The sound track is hard to find, but the music is great."
A treat for the whole family!
John T Wolfe | 12/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's great! The actor's are great,the animation is good and the color's are pretty. I like the part when Young Zoe and Rudolf are under mistletoe. (To bad they didn't kiss!) I recamend this for kids and adult's of all age's!"