Pete's Dragon (DVD, 2001, Gold Collection)

This story of a winsome orphan and his guardian dragon features an Academy Award-nominated score and song, Helen Reddy's "Candle on the Water." The combination of a live-action story with an animated figure was innovative in 1977, and the green dragon with pink wings will still charm youngsters today. However, its plot has the boy running from a nasty family to whom he's been sold into slavery, as well as an evil magician who tries to steal the dragon for his parts. These dark story lines may scare or bore younger children, who only want to see Elliot the dragon belch fire and give Pete rides on his back. And older children who might appreciate the plot may scoff at the relatively crude animation. This leaves a rather narrow audience window of about ages 3 to 7. A cast of veterans includes Shelley Winters, Mickey Rooney, and Red Buttons, who all turn in the hammiest of performances. Acting newcomer Reddy demonstrates both why her acting career never took off and why her singing career did. (Lines like "You're a bunch of superstitious ding-dongs" don't give her much help.) However, her sometimes awkward performance as the lonely lighthouse keeper who gives the boy a home provides the film with its heart. Bottom line: it's a keeper for diehard Disney fans, dragon lovers, and those who remember this movie fondly from their childhood.

This is one of the best movies Disney ever put out. When we were kids they played it on ABC every year... I think at Christmas but I'm not sure. I know The Wizard of Oz was their Thanksgiving movie. Anyway, it's one of those live action movies with an animated dragon named Elliot who you will just fall in love with. There's a group of bad people trying to get to the little boy, Pete, so one of the local women has to keep him safe. It's a good 20 years since I've seen it so I don't remember if she's a school teacher or not. It's got Mickey Rooney in it so you know right off the bat it's gonna be great. There's a love story in there too I think. And a dude toting wonder elixir that has a Dick Dastardly kinda vibe. He wants Elliott. It's all set in a fishing town called Passamaquati, not sure if that's spelled right but hooked on phonics works for me :)

Just see this movie if you can... your kids will love it too! I give it 2 thumbs way up... 5 stars isn't enough... it's beyond a 10! Really!

A few weeks ago I took a trip down memory lane, trying to remember the movies I saw as a kid. Titles such as 'Rambo', 'Beverly Hills Cop' popped into my head and so too did a little classic named "PETE'S DRAGON".

It must have been about 25 years since I saw it last, but I somehow I remembered the joy it brought me, the fun I had watching it, and pieces of the heart-warming storyline and the enriching music. The urge to re-experience that joy and fun grew daily for a few weeks, as I tracked the prices on Ebay until I saw a deal to snap it up.

It arrived today! Took the package into my den, away from everyone and it was like I was that 6 or 7 year old kid again, about to watch my favourite film once again. I opened the case and although it was now in DVD format, it still felt like I was holding that old VHS tape from a few decades ago. Popped it into the player and then just let the joyous memories flood through my mind.

Although the animation and the storyline are not as complex as today's blockbusters, there was just so much beauty and elegance in its simplicity. It took me back to simpler, more innocent times when I was free to frolick and sing a merry tune without a care in the world.

When Pete came on screen, then his evil guardians, then Eliot, it was like I was meeting old friends and foes. I remembered them sitting under the apple tree munching away, I remembered the falling white fence, the wet cement, the school teacher, the family and their lighthouse and yes, even the 'medical' quacks.

Oh and the music and the wonderfully choreographed dances... the goosebumps I got as it played.

Pete & Eliot... well, well... it was good seeing old friends again after 25 years. I think we had more fun now that Im all grown up... I understood and appreciated things much more now. I'm glad we reunited and this DVD is going nowhere but into my library, but right after I introduce my own family to you guys.

What an amazing experience it was for me today, seeing some good old friends again. We had a wonderful time, didn't we!

While general consensus is that Disney lost its way for a time after Uncle Walt died, "Pete's Dragon" is a winner in the old style. It is full of pleasant imagination, uplifting values, and great entertainment in the form of song, dance, and especially humor. Mickey Rooney and Red Buttons together are the ultimate clown act!

Who wouldn't love this red-headed little boy who has Elliot, the Dragon, as his side kick who cares for him when needed. And who would recognize Shelley Winters as the mean old woman, along with her man and sons, who persue Pete once he runs away, only to find the caring Helen Reddy and loving Micky Rooney! If you like musicals, this has plenty variations to go along with a plot of hoplessness that finds hope. A wonderful portral of unconditional love.