Rating: 
Summary: For anyone who dreams...
Review: I just barely bought this movie on DVD and watched it last night - what a great flick! This one really ranks up there with my personal favorites. I wish I would have seen it in the movie theater when it first came out. I would have been eight at the time, but I guess I missed this one. I don't remember the first time I saw this flick, but all my favorites that I do see on the big screen, always stand out vividly.Still, for the first time, I got to see it widescreen, as it is supposed to be seen, and it was absolutely amazing, not to mention ten times better than seeing it simply fullscreen. If you get to see it on DVD, I would *highly* recommend it. You can see the scenery much, much better, and its dazzling. The picture and sound quality are great, too. If there were ever a kid I could relate to, or a character in film, Bastian would be it. He even has a cool name! The movie is based on a story written in German (as far as I understand). I've never read the book, but I'm certain it would be just as good, if not better. Anyway, the main kid, Bastian, is (like me) a little obssessed with fantasy, and loves to daydream. Of course, I can still get away with it, too, since I've got ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivty Disorder - I can't sit still and can't pay attention for too long). Obviously, reading a good book is a lot better than taking a stupid math class, and I'm sure I'd do the same thing he did. As he reads the story, it comes to life to us, and we get to see what is happening in the story. Near the end, the two intermix quite a bit, and Bastian comes to save Fantasia, where imagination is without boundaries. The movie is truly imagination-inspiring. That's why, after so many years from my early childhood, I can still remember it very well - especially the very end, where he is able to wish as many wishes as he wants. That idea sure took off in my head! Fortunately, and unlike *most* fantasy flicks we run into, this one is very well done. I've found that there's generally a large division on good fantasy movies - either they are very good, like this one, or they really, really stink (for example, The NeverEnding Story II). The whole idea really works, though the dialouge is there only so adults can follow the plot. The kids couldn't care how it fits together, since there's so much going on that just sparks the mind. This is a great flick for kids, and for anyone who dreams, or daydreams (like I do), and enjoys genuinely good fantasy flicks. Also another great feature is it's absolutely clean. There's two semi-scary parts: when the dead knight's mask flies open (for a young kid like me, that *was* a bit tramautizing), and when Atreyu kills the black beast - that is kinda bloody for a kid's movie, but oh well - it didn't scare me as much. The only minor miff I have with this movie is the Childlike Empress. Ugh! Here's a classic case of a child actress trying to act beyond her age (and skills). With most kid movies though, they generally have a young male and female, to appeal to both sexes, so if the girls are turned off with this movie, I can completely understand why. The guys have lots of cool figures to relate to (Bastian and Atreyu). The poor girl certainly tries, but it's pretty obvious at the same time. If it weren't for that cheesy grin, than I'd probably leave her alone. It's not that bad though, but it does seem a bit melodramatic. Overall, a great flick. I tell you what. I'm glad I have it on DVD, so I can really enjoy it. The trailer on it is a treat. It's the theatrical trailer, so it's widescreen, and it is in fine condition. On some DVDs I've seen, it seems like they pulled the film right from the trash can and didn't bother cleaning it up much (the trailer on Tron, for example). But, like I said, this is a great one to see on DVD, and watch it widescreen, to get the whole picture. It's always fun to go back to Fantasia. The really sucky part is that we can't always stay there. *sigh*
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous movie, Great adaptation
Review: This is one of my favorite movies of all time! It is a beautiful story that is enjoyable for all ages, kids and adults alike. I am extremely impressed with its breathtaking landscapes and its brilliant acting. This movie far surpasses its two successors in both quality and content. Despite the obviously fantastic nature of the story, the viewer can easily become engaged in the story, and find that they believe every moment. Viewers will find that they, too, are part of The NeverEnding Story. I have read the original German book, and I find the movie to be a very good adaptation of the parts of the book the movie covers. Although the book has MUCH more than the movie, the parts that the movie uses have been recreated on screen very well. There are only one or two major differences between the movie and the book, along with a few minor differences. Of course, such things can't be avoided when adapting a book into a screenplay. I highly recommend this movie to everyone! I also recommend that anyone who likes the movie read the book. I have never read the translated edition, but the original German is fabulous!
Rating:
Summary: Childhood favorite
Review: This was one of my 3 favorite childhood movies (the other 2 being Return to Oz and the Dark Crystal.) Even today, 17 years after the movie's release, it is still timeless and beautiful.
A boy reading a fantasy novel gets involved in the story and finds out that it is only the imagination of a human child that can save the fantasy world from the "Nothing." - a theme that is so wonderfully beautiful and true.
The scenery is beautiful, and in my opinion so much more captivating than the cheesy computer animation that is taking over the film industry now.
Even as a child, and now as an adult, I sat through the whole movie, just to see the Child-like Empress, who is incredibly beautiful. (What ever happened to that actress?)
I invite everyone to take a journey back to childhood.
"Say my name, Bastien, SAY MY NAME!"
Rating: 
Summary: WB screws up a very good movie
Review: While I truly enjoy this movie, this DVD rendition is very poorly considered and executed. First, WB chose to take the widescreen movie and only offer it in 4:3 TV aspect ratio, rather than offer an alternative to see the movie in the original widescreen 16:9. So, the vistas are narrowed and pan and scan is the order of the day. Second, at one point in the DVD there was a very visible fiber on screen for quite some time. So, they were cheap, and did not have good quality control. Hopefully, WB will release a better rendition of this fine movie onto DVD.
Rating:
Summary: STEAMING PILE OF HALF-BAKED POO
Review: I just saw this movie for the first time last night. What a shoddy piece of garbage. Is that kid hanging out in the attic of his school playing with matches? I don't get it. A big ol' crybaby, screaming at his book. (Was he caught drawing unicorns in his math book? My god.) They never even show the printed pages he's reading. And isn't he supposed to shout out his mother's name or something? Major loose ends and a plot that is slapdash and cliche and insulting, even to a child. Even the creatures are bargain basement third-rate Henson knockoffs. If creepy crappy children's movies are your cup of tea, I'd still recommend Willy Wonka or Return Of The Jedi over this pablum.
Rating:
Summary: Probably the best fantasy movie of all time!
Review: "The Neverending Story" is a great fantasy movie from the 80s about a boy named Bastian (Barret Oliver) picturing a story unfold as he reads it from a book called "The Neverending Story." In this fantasy-filled story, a great land called Fantasia is being destroyed by a terrible enemy called the Nothing. It's up to a boy named Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) to find The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) and help her before Fantasia and all its habitants get wiped away completely. Atreyu is the only one that has a chance of rescuing Fantasia because he's a warrior and he doesn't know it yet, but he will make many new friends along the way, including one very special friend named Falkor that happens to be a dragon that looks kind of like a dog. I'll leave it up to you to watch "The Neverending Story" and find out what happens, but I don't recommend watching it. I recommend buying it instead. A lot of people probably think that "The Neverending Story" is a movie that is only suit for kids, but they're wrong. I used to watch this movie with my mom all the time when I was a kid, and now I'm 21, and I still enjoy the movie just as much now, if not more than I did when I was a kid. When you or your kids first watch "The Neverending Story," neither of you will probably remember everything about the movie, but what you will remember are the spectacular special effects and the entertaining characters such as Falkor the dragon, a HUGE rock creature, the mean wolf, a giant turtle that has a face that resembles that of E.T., and many other interesting creatures. But trust me, whoever you are, you will want to watch this movie over and over again for years to come and you will learn new things about it every time you watch it. "The Neverending Story" not only has its special effects and plot working full force for it, it also has great acting and an unforgettable and catchy soundtrack. "The Neverending Story" is in my opinion one of the best movies that a kid can watch for many reasons, but it's a great movie for ANYBODY of any age to watch, especially if you're a kid at heart. When I say that a movie is probably the best ever made in its genre, I don't exaggerate any, I compare it to all the others that I've seen of its type. Therefore, you know that I really do like "The Neverending Story" a lot! Purchase "The Neverending Story" for yourself or for someone you care about as soon as you can. You won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Noah's turtle...
Review: Having already reviewed The Never Ending Story on VHS, here is a sum up of the effect the dvd had! If you dwell in the realm of fantasy, or love The Lord of the Rings, then this is the next stop for you! This dvd verson of my childhood favorite is beautiful. When I visited my family the other day, we watched it. My sister said, "Thank's so much for getting The Never Ending Story on dvd, it was like re-living it the first time all over again. It took me back!"
The extra's are next to nothing (no pun intended if you have seen the movie). All you get is some text and the digitally remastered trailer. This was the first American Movie from Wolfgang Peterson (Air Force One, Das Boot). Thank's so much (you know who you are) for letting me and the rest of the world know that the name Bastion screams out the window is "Moonchild!" Life long mystery discussion, set at many of suppers, now laid to rest.
Rating:
Summary: Teriffic message for all ages!
Review: Okay, does this movie compare to the book? No, but few movies actually do. However, this film is enchanting, captivating, and the underlying message of never giving up on your dreams is one that many adults need to embrace. I had my first grade class view this 80's film, and they were enthralled from beginning to end. It is a timeless movie with a timeless message. And for those who want to know: the name that Bastian yells out the window is "Moonchild."
Rating:
Summary: False advertising
Review: Neverending story my azz. It's over in an hour and a half.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome movie
Review: this is an awesome movie to watch... for kids who are fantasy story lovers (even adults) the neverending story is an awesome tale of the endless limits of human fantasy...
|
