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The Red Balloon (Released by Janus Films, in association with the Criterion Collection)
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Manufacturer: Janus Films
Find all by Janus Films
Directed By: Albert Lamorisse
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Theatrical Release: December 31, 1969
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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Starring: Red Balloon
Newly restored and available for the first time on DVD Albert Lamorisse's exquisite The Red Balloon remains one of the most beloved children's films of all time. In this deceptively simple nearly wordless tale a young boy discovers a stray balloon which seems to have a mind of its own on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable yet the world's harsh realities finally interfere. With its glorious palette and allegorical purity the Academy Award-winning The Red Balloon has enchanted movie lovers young and old for generations.System Requirements:LENGTH: 34 minutes Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 715515028820 Manufacturer No: CC1746DDVD
User Submitted The Red Balloon (Released by Janus Films, in association with the Criterion Collection) Reviews
October 2, 2008
AT LAST ON DVD !
The wonderful folks at Criterion have at last released Albert Lamorisse's beautiful, perfect film THE RED BALLOON on DVD! For years, this family classic has only been available in inferior VHS and less than legal DVD versions. None look as gorgeous or have been treated with such care as this Criterion release. The print has been scrubbed and polished until the Paris of 1956 is nothing short of magical. The Director's son Pascal and his best friend, a simple yet elegant red balloon, come to life as never before. At 34 minutes, it's exactly the length needed to tell the story, and, as always, perfect for children as a fable of love and devotion and triumph (don't we all just want to fly away?).
As to the transfer to DVD: full frame, digital, fabulous. Subtitles are included for the spare dialogue, and a trailer. No commentary track, although it would have been nice to hear on separate audio some history on the film and its production (how difficult was it to film hundreds, perhaps thousands of balloons, moving through Paris to help Pascal? My hat is off to editor Pierre Gillette!)
Thank you to Criterion and Janus Films for at last giving THE RED BALLOON the DVD release it deserves. As far as I'm concerned, this is the DVD of the year!
September 11, 2008
The Red Balloon
One of the all time great films. Although it was made over fifty years ago, it stands up just as well today. Equally enjoyable for children and adults. Excellent cinematography. Charming.
September 10, 2008
DVD better than VHS
I watched this movie as a child and found it on video for our first daughter. We purchased the DVD for our second daughter. The DVD is far superior in quality to the VHS and even has English subtitles when French is spoken (which is rarely as this is a very visual film). My second daughter who is 3 cries at the sad parts and wants to go balloon shopping when the film is over.
It is a very sweet film. However I still get distressed when all the balloons that children are holding, zap out of their little hands and fly away to rescue the star character. It bothers my "joe six pack" husband too. Hee Hee... oh well.
September 10, 2008
Marvellous film
The Red Balloon is a fabulous short film (35 mins) which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. It is a French film, but this is irrevelent as the dialogue in the film is minimal and everything spoken is implied anyway. For a film made in the 1950's the simple balloon effects are very clever, and the camerawork in places leaves the image from the screen imprinted on your brain, its so good!
I wish I had seen this as a kid because I am sure it would have made a lasting impact on me. However even watching it 40 cynical years later I found it quite moving in places.
August 3, 2008
classically simple and beautiful
Simple premise, beautiful camerawork. The kind of story that contains a universe within itself. This film shares space on my mental shelf with "Le Petit Prince" for the purity of vision and innocence it embodies.
July 30, 2008
This is a must have DVD
The Red Balloon (Released by Janus Films, in association with the Criterion Collection)
The Red Balloon is a delightful movie for adults as well as kids. We were pleased to see it released on DVD, since prior to that release, we had to borrow the movie on 16MM film from the local library and show it at home on our 16MM sound motion picture projector. This is a must have DVD for families.
July 27, 2008
Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was amazed with the Quality and Care that went into this Movie and its restoration.
July 26, 2008
Perfection
I think this move is just perfection. I love the story line, the music and especially the scenery of 1950s Paris.
July 24, 2008
Charming
"The Red Balloon" is probably the most charming short film ever made. That's not easy to say, of course. But the simple storyline, understated acting, and pathos of "Red Balloon" make it a delight to watch in a way that few films are.
The story concerns a young boy who gets a large red balloon, which has a mind of its own. The balloon follows its new owner around Paris, and will stay when asked to. It even pursues a love interest at one point. Unfortunately, some ruffians want to destroy the balloon, possibly out of jealousy. The balloon is good at evasion, however, and the viewer is kept in suspense. The action culminates in a bittersweet conclusion which I won't reveal here. In just 34 minutes, the viewer actually develops feelings for the balloon and the boy.
Criterion's brand new transfer restores the film to its pristine state; previous releases were very grainy. So buy a copy- you'll be delighted no matter your age!
July 20, 2008
Red Balloon DVD
Its a cute movie yes.. there's no talking... its done all thru vision... I was hoping it'd catch my grandson's attention more than it did... but he's pretty young.. It is cute...
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