The Land Before Time Reviews

I am 17, and I absolutely love animation, when it's done right. I love all the Disneys and almost all of the Don Bluth films(though I had mixed feelings about Troll in Central Park and Rock a Doodle Doo), and I will say that this is right up there as one of the best, along with Secret of Nimh, Anastasia and American Tail. This happens to be the first movie that introduced me to dinosaurs. The animation and visuals are stunning, a similar style to American Tail and in some way the Rescuers. In terms of colour, it is quite dark, but it does need to be, as it is quite a dark and very poignant film. I realised as I watched it, that the beginning reminded me a bit of the dinosaur segment in Fantasia. The music by James Horner is gorgeous, haunting in some parts, and then so heart-rendingly sad in others. This is the composer who brought us the music for American Tail and Once Upon a Forest(both of which made me cry). Land Before Time made me cry too, because Littlefoot's mother's death is one of the saddest deaths ever portrayed in an animated film. I also thought the narration was very thoughtful and factual, I actually learnt things from the narration alone. The voice talents were exceptional, Judith Barsi a standout as Ducky(sweet and funny at the same time), voicing engaging and memorable characters. I was appalled when I read that Judith Barsi was murdered not long after she voiced Anne Marie in All Dogs Go To Heaven, because she was a very talented actress, the characters she created were both likable and sweet, and it is such a shame that something that dreadful would happen to her at an early age. Littlefoot is also very sweet, nothing like how they portray him in the countless sequels. People have argued that there isn't much of a story, but this is an example of a character-driven animation, and there was plenty of character here. I personally think that this is the most poignant of the Don Bluth movies, and if I had a minor criticism, it is just that children may find the sharp tooth too frightening, but that was the intention, as the characters are afraid of it. Also it is a tad too short. Anyone who hated this, do bear in mind that it is vastly superior to all of the sequels, which range from good to unwatchable. In conclusion, a beautiful and poignant film, that is definitely one of the better Don Bluth movies. 9/10 Bethany Cox.

I remember it very well, I saw this movie as a kid in the movie theater when it came out ane, at the time, I was really impressed. At the time, Disney was going through one of their weakest periods and Don Bluth was ruling, for a little while, the animation world. With a lot of nostalgia, I saw it again recently and even though it didn’t really blow me away this time, I thought it was still pretty good. Don bluth always managed to create some epic animated features (see also 'An American Tail') and the whole thing looked really good. Concerning the plot, it was entertaining enough but, to be honest, I think it is more enjoyable for the youngsters. Eventually, they would make about a dozen of sequels (I think my step-son collected everyone of them) , I haven't seen any of these sequels but, if I'm not mistaken, Don Bluth was not involved in any of them and they looked even more made for the very young childen so I don't think I have missed much. Anyway, to conclude, it is still a pretty good animated feature and a must see for any animation fans, especially if you're interested in Don Bluth's work.

Words can't express how integral this film was to my life growing up. It cannot, will not and won't be replace as one of those films I'll always remember.

Sometime in the Cretacious Period, the world has gone through many changes which has affected the land in terrible ways. Drought killing all the vegitation and seismic activity destroying the landscape. Its tough but the Dinosaurs still manage to survive.

Before the migration to an Eden-like valley most of the herbivores hatch their offspring. Cue the Heroes of the story. The young dinosaurs have been born into a harsh world and to make things worse they get seperated from their parents. The only thing keeping them going is their belief in the Great Valley.

The racial tension between Littlefoot and Cera was a great obstacle for the protagonists to thwart! The younger and naive followers: Petry, Ducky and Spike provide that childhood innocence which we can all relate too.

The most significant addition to the cast has to be the Sharp-tooth. Never has there been a more menacing and relentless foe, driven only by the need to feed. He might aswell be a child abuser with the pursuits he goes too! He even had his way with Littlefoot's Mother! You know what I mean!

The friendship grows between the quintet and by the end you share their happiness because they manage to overcome so much and no longer have to live in fear.

Everyone should watch this film.