Stellaluna
by William R. Kowalchuk Jr.
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DVD Cover Information
Director: William R. Kowalchuk Jr.Brand: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
Writer: Rachel Koretsky
Writer: Steven Whitestone
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; Spanish (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 41 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-07-20
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Movie Reviews of Stellaluna
Movie Review: Enjoy it for what it is: a fine story with embellishments
Summary: 5 Stars
I am surprised by all the complaints I see from other reviewers. We bought this in a two-pack with the Miss Spider DVD, because our 4-year-old had enjoyed the Miss Spider TV shows. After watching both of these "movies," he did not want to watch Miss Spider -- but he requested the Stellaluna DVD over and over.
We then got the book from the library, and renewed it for a while because it became a favorite. We also deduced that he might have gotten a look at the book at preschool before we ever heard of it. In any case, our son was perfectly happy with both the book and the DVD versions, and did not have problems with the fact that there were differences between them.
The overall story is the same, but the telling is different -- as it HAS to be, to make a video more than 10 minutes long. That point was proven by the PBS show "Reading Rainbow" which featured the book one day. A professional narrator read the book out loud, and they used its illustrations for the visuals. And it runs about 10 minutes at MOST. The rest of the 25-minute show is filled with related material about bats and so on.
Well, in this DVD version, they've added a rather silly "super-hero" jumping spider character, who provides a couple of pivotal plot points. They also added a couple of birds who attempt a makeover on Stellaluna, which fails but teaches everybody a lesson about getting in touch with the person you are inside. That is, of course, the idea of the book but this simply accentuates it with some singing and some fun. These scenes seem to depart greatly from the tone of the original book -- but they do NOT depart from its message. Our child enjoys them, but more importantly, I feel they help the Stellaluna character develop a clearer sense of her own value.
The rest of the DVD completes the storyline with an ending that one would expect from a "movie" even if it's not exactly the same as the book. It's a happy ending, it leaves the birds and the bats with greater mutual understanding and respect, and -- again -- emphasizes the importance of looking beneath the surface to get to know somebody.
The DVD has extra features, including a detailed examination of bat physiology and living habits, an explanation of the differences between American bats and the African fruitbats featured in the story (something that really DOES need emphasis for an American audience, in my opinion), and the chance for kids to see what real bats look like, compared to the cartoon versions in the book or the DVD.
In summary: this version is great and should be viewed and enjoyed without fretting over its relation to the book. Guaranteed: KIDS will not care nearly as much about the differences as parents do. I mean, let's face it -- your child is going to see/read/hear 5 or 10 versions of Mother Goose Rhymes by the time they go to school, as just one example. Our child has read them in several books, then seen video versions done by the Barney TV show, "Busytown" by Richard Scarry, and more. And it is a great growing experience, a learning experience, when a child sees the same story interpreted more than one way.
I think it's a huge mistake for parents to get hung up on the impossible goal of trying to dictate the "right" version of every story for their kids. Let them see different ones, and decide FOR THEMSELVES which ones appeal to them more. Our child continued to request the book long after seeing two different TV versions, including this one. They can coexist just fine, so give your kids some credit and some leeway, and don't judge things for diverging from your expectations. Being that judgmental of superficial issues runs contrary to the lesson of the book, after all!
It tells the same story as the book, just in a different style, that's all. On its own, or in conjunction with the book, it's a fine DVD, and a perfectly acceptable addition to your home video library. We found it to be a pleasant surprise, and a good deal.
Summary of Stellaluna
Based on the beloved children s book this fun-filled animated feature follows a spirited young fruit bat who finds friendship love and acceptance in the most unexpected places! Brimming with music laughter warmth and excitement Stellaluna is sure to capture your heart! When the adorable fruit bat Stellaluna is separated from her mother she is adopted by a family of birds but soon finds that she just can t fit in. Her playmates like to sleep at night; she wants to fly. They whistle and sing; she doesn t even have a beak! But just when it seems like she ll always be an outsider Stellaluna makes an amazing discovery. Now she ll learn to cherish the things that make her different from everyone else. And she ll see that an open mind and an open heart can lead to the greatest gifts of all.System Requirements: Running Time 41 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 027616901842 Manufacturer No: 1005954Similar DVD Movies
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