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The Secret of NIMH

The Secret of NIMH

List Price: $14.95
Your Price: $11.96
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great movie, a bad DVD, except in Germany!
Review: This is a great piece of animation from the '80s, probably one of my favorites. I think I drove my family crazy, as I watched it every time it came on HBO, and I know I wore out at least one copy of the book.

There are two bad things about this movie. The movie seems grainy, somewhat more than I remember even with my parent's off-center satellite receiver system. Maybe I misremember, but it sure seems like the picture could have been cleaned up some, and a better transfer done. The really bad part is that the presentation is 4:3 instead of the movie's original widescreen. The DVD proudly lets you know this at the opening.

Don't let that deter you from getting this movie. It's still a great piece, perhaps Bluth's best. But maybe MGM will release it later as a widescreen version.....

Yay! The German version is in widescreeen for some odd reason. I've been told that is has to do with the distribution rights being owned by someone other than the American holder. It cost me a lot more (and I had to do some fancy footwork to get my DVD player to play a region 2 disc) but it was worth it. If you've got access to a player that can play PAL Region 2 discs, get "Mrs. Brisby und das Geheimnis von NIMH" from www.amazon.de instead. Yes, it does have the original english audio track.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Flawless
Review: Amazing. What you see in this movie is a clear example of how all movies should be, in storyline sense and animation sense. Most movies today have thick lines, block by block colour, and no detail. But this..today the kind of drawings in this masterpiece would cost the earth. The storyline is fantastic, and interesting to watch (though younger viewers should be guided through the movie). Its the kind of thing you will watch again and again and again. Don Bluth's masterpiece. Dont buy the sequel.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A classic traditional animation movie
Review: This is surly one of the great animated children's stories. It is based on a rather strange children's novel. The characters are voiced by a superb cast and the animation is beautiful.

One of my favorite movies and an easy purchase too.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Just another kids movie
Review: If you're an adult, it's probably best you like this movie before you buy it, but if you're buying for your kid, this is a pretty good movie to show them. It suffers the fate of so many American animations, it takes an approach, not as a serious story, but as a kids story. The book was great, the movie does not deserve such a rating.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A classic is back
Review: ...

This is not just your typical movie about animated talking animals. These are characters we really care about and feel for. The danger here is believable, when the movie is not afriad to kill off key characters.

The story focuses on a widowed mouse Mrs. Brisby (Mrs. Frisby in the book) who seeks to save her home from destruction. Her oddessy leads her into her husband's dark past. She learns of his involvment with the rats of NIMH. Lab rats subjected to Frankenstien experiemts which made them smarter than humans!

Here we have the classic conflict of good v evil and the powerful protecting the meek. The rats of NIMH are far above mere dumb animals but as a matter of honor they help Mrs. Brisby anyway.

It doesn't get much more powerful than this. I also recommend 'Watership Down.'

As far as parents being worried about protecting their kids, there is certainly not sex or profanity. Violence is mild. But this is a very emotional film possibly too troubling for young children.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great movie, disappointing DVD
Review: The Secret of NIMH has a great story, great voice actors, and fine animation. It bears rewatching, which is good, because kids will watch it over and over. It's not too scary for fairly young kids (though parents should guide them through it the first few times), but it's got enough action and character for older kids and adults.

The main drawback of this movie is that the transfer is grainy and it's a poor pan-and-scan. Hardly the transfer that this classic deserves. ...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Best Don Bluth Movie
Review: Quite possibly the best Don Bluth movie ever made. Mrs. Brisby has to move her home before the tractor wrecks it. The only problem is that Timmy--one of her son's--is very ill and cannot be moved. She goes to the rats of NIMH for help. Meanwhile, Jenner plots to kill the leader of the rats. This is way better than the sequel. No songs in this one.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Worth seeing....
Review: This a wonderful animated feature for children.
I have not read the book this film is based on so my review may change after I do. The contraptions are wonderful. I especially like the elevator. The story is about Mrs. Brisby, the widow of Jonathan Brisby, the mouse that lead the rats to freedom from NIMH, and her struggle to move her family's home before the farmer begins his plowing. She seeks the help of the Great Owl who sends her to the rats beneath the rosebush in the farmers yard. In doing so she learns about NIMH and the important role her husband played in their liberation.
I do not know why they changed the name from Mrs. Frisby to that of Mrs. Brisby. Most of the time it sounds like they are saying Frisby any how.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Completely Dazzling
Review: Although the movie strays far from the book, this movie's animation is utterly amazing and beautiful...enough to captivate a child for a lifetime. The rats' home entranceway is shockingly elaborate. The doctor's home is also....and what about the water in the birdcage? It can be a little scary for very young viewers, but I'll bet they won't let you turn it off. As beautiful as "Lion King" and way before it's time.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Fantastically animated production
Review: This is a beautiful movie with wonderful animation and engaging characters. But under no circumstances watch it with the intention of comparing it to the book by Robert O'Brien. Book and movie are a far cry from each other, and you will only end up disappointed if you are a fan of the book.
As a stand-alone movie, The Secret of NIMH is a wonderful production, one of the best products of Don Bluth's career (personally, I believe An American Tail comes in equal). There is just the right amount of action, adventure, romance and good old-fashioned courage. There is enough in this to entertain kids of all ages (I'm 26 and I still love it).
This movie is a joy to watch, but not in conjunction with the book. One may be loosely based on the other, but they are two separate entities, don't think that they are not.


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