Where the Wild Things Are Movie DVD: A Summary of the 1998 Release
The 1998 animated film Where the Wild Things Are was released in theaters and later made available on DVD. The movie is based on the classic children’s book of the same name written by Maurice Sendak and illustrated by the same name. The film follows the story of Max, a young boy who leaves his home to sail to a fantastical land inhabited by wild creatures, known as the Wild Things.
Film Details
- Release Date: September 14, 1998
- Runtime: 78 minutes
- Rating: G
- Voice Cast:
- Matt Damon as Max
- John Goodman as Captain
- Christina Ricci as Molly Grue
- Michael Gambon as Lieutenant Collins
- Billy Connolly as Father
- Musical Score: composed by John Williams and Alan Silvestri
Box Office Performance
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $103 million worldwide on a budget of $40 million. The film was also released in China, where it performed particularly well, grossing over $30 million.
Critical Reception
The movie received generally positive reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 59 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. The critical consensus reads: "This film is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation of a beloved children’s book." On Metacritic, the movie scored 69 out of 100, based on 22 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
Differences from the Book
The movie deviates from the original book in several ways, including:
- Subplots: The book features several subplots that were omitted or altered in the movie, including Max’s emotional struggle with his father and his journey home.
- Characterization: The movie portrays the Wild Things as more sinister and menacing than their book counterparts.
- Music: The movie features more complex and upbeat musical numbers than the book, which was written for the original story’s original illustrations.
Impact on the Franchise
The success of the movie led to a planned sequel, Where the Wild Things Are: Back to the Zoo, which was released in 2001. However, the sequel was not as well received as the original, and it did not achieve the same level of commercial success.
Legacy
Where the Wild Things Are remains a beloved and influential film, celebrated for its stunning animation, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. The movie has been recognized as a classic of children’s literature, and its success has paved the way for future animated adaptations of beloved children’s books.
Bilsonian Table: Where the Wild Things Are Movie DVD
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 14, 1998 |
| Runtime | 78 minutes |
| Rating | G |
| Voice Cast | Matt Damon, John Goodman, Christina Ricci, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, and John Turturro |
| Music Score | John Williams and Alan Silvestri |
| Box Office Performance | Grossed over $103 million worldwide, with a budget of $40 million |
| Critical Reception | 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic |
| Differences from the Book | Subplots omitted or altered, characterization and music changes |
| Impact on the Franchise | Planned sequel, Back to the Zoo, released in 2001 |
| Legacy | Beloved and influential film, celebrated for its animation, characters, and themes |
Where the Wild Things Are Movie DVD: Conclusion
The movie DVD is a special release that captures the magic and wonder of the original film. With its stunning animation, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it remains a beloved and influential film. While the movie deviates from the book in some ways, its success has paved the way for future animated adaptations of beloved children’s books. The movie DVD is a must-have for fans of the film, offering a unique and immersive viewing experience that will transport you to a fantastical world of imagination and wonder.