Where Wild Things Are DVD: A Must-See Family Classic
The 1982 film "Where the Wild Things Are" is a timeless tale of imagination, friendship, and growing up. Based on the beloved children’s book by Maurice Sendak, this stop-motion animated masterpiece has captivated audiences of all ages for decades. The original film, released in 1969, was a critical and commercial success, but it was the 1982 TV special and the 2009 CGI animated adaptation that truly cemented its place as a family classic.
A Beloved Story
The film tells the story of Max, a young boy who is taken on a fantastical journey to the land of the Wild Things. Max’s mother, Carol (played by Bobbi Dana), packs a small bag with his favorite things, including his teddy bear, Winnie, and a carrot, and sets out for a trip to the island. However, Max is left behind, and the Wild Things, led by Max’s imaginary friend Caul, become his confidants and companions on his journey.
The Original 1969 TV Special
The original TV special, directed by Don Bluth, was produced by Rankin/Bass Productions and aired on CBS. The special was a massive hit, with its innovative animation, memorable characters, and iconic songs like "The Wild Things Are Here" and "Max and the Wild Things." The special’s success led to a sequel, "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day," in 1972, and several spin-offs, including a stage play and a comic book series.
The 1982 Disney Special
The 1982 Disney special, "Where the Wild Things Are," was produced by Steven Spielberg and Don Bluth, and was based on the original book by Sendak. The special was a groundbreaking achievement in animation, with its use of stop-motion techniques and innovative special effects. The special’s storyline was also expanded, with the introduction of new characters and plot twists.
Significant Content
Here are some key points about the 1982 Disney special:
- Innovative Animation: The special was a major innovation in animation, with its use of stop-motion techniques and creative special effects.
- Memorable Characters: The Wild Things, led by Max, are iconic characters that have become synonymous with the film.
- Iconic Songs: The special features some of the most iconic songs in the film, including "The Wild Things Are Here" and "Max and the Wild Things."
- Influence on Animation: The special has had a significant influence on animation, with its use of stop-motion techniques and innovative special effects paving the way for future animated films.
- Disney’s Iconic Branding: The special was a major factor in establishing Disney as a major player in the film industry, with its iconic branding and memorable characters setting the tone for future Disney films.
CGI Animated Adaptation
In 2009, a CGI animated adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are" was released, directed by Spike Brandt and Michael Dante DiMartino. This adaptation was a more faithful adaptation of the original book, with its story, characters, and music staying largely intact.
Comparison of Versions
Here is a comparison of the 1982 Disney special and the CGI animated adaptation:
- Story: The two versions of the film are largely the same, with the main difference being the amount of animation used.
- Character Design: The CGI animated adaptation retained the iconic character designs from the 1982 special, with the Wild Things and Max being largely the same.
- Music: The two versions of the film feature the same iconic songs, with the exception of "The Wild Things Are Here," which was revised for the CGI animated adaptation.
- VFX: The CGI animated adaptation featured more advanced visual effects, with the use of digital compositing and color grading.
Conclusion
"Where the Wild Things Are" DVD is a must-see for families and animation fans of all ages. The original film, released in 1969, is a timeless tale of imagination and growing up, with its innovative animation, memorable characters, and iconic songs. The 1982 Disney special and the CGI animated adaptation are both excellent versions of the film, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a child or an adult, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a film that will capture your imagination and leave a lasting impression.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A Beloved Story
- The Original 1969 TV Special
- The 1982 Disney Special
- Significant Content
- CGI Animated Adaptation
- Comparison of Versions
- Conclusion