Rich, Richard

The Fox and the Hound (25th Anniversary Edition)

Featuring lovable characters brilliant animation and heartwarming messages THE FOX AND THE HOUND is "Vintage Disney" raves The Washington Post. And now Disney's classic tale about an unlikely friendship is a new transfer for a special 25th Anniversary Edition. When a feisty little fox named Tod is adopted into a farm family he quickly becomes friends with a fun and adorable hound puppy named Copper. Life is full of hilarious adventures until Copper is expected to take on his role as a hunting dog -- and the object of his search is his best friend! With an all-new Forest Friendship Game a DVD Storybook a Sing-Along Song and more your family will want to share the fun and adventure in this special edition of THE FOX AND THE HOUND again and again!System Requirements:Running Time: 83 MinutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 786936694550 Manufacturer No: 04964200

The Fox and the Hound marked the last collaboration between Disney's older artists, including three of the "Nine Old Men" (Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, and Woolie Reitherman), and the young animators who would make the record-breaking films of the '90s. Based on a book by Daniel P. Mannix, the film tells the story of a bloodhound puppy and a fox kit who begin as friends but are forced to become enemies. Tod and Copper barely establish their friendship before Copper begins his training as hunting dog. Unfortunately, neither character develops much of a personality, which makes it difficult to care about them. The screen comes alive near end of the film, when Tod and Copper have to join forces to fight off an enormous bear. It had been years since Disney produced a sequence with this kind of feral power--and years would pass before they surpassed it. The Fox and the Hound ranks as one of the studio's lesser efforts, but it suggests that better films were soon to follow. (Ages 5 and older) --Charles Solomon

The Swan Princess (Special Edition)

This excellent theatrical feature is loosely based on the Swan Lake story. Princess Odette, having been turned into a swan by a sorcerer's spell, is held captive at the enchanted lake with friends Jean-Bob the frog, Speed the turtle, and Puffin the bird. Along comes Prince Derek, who becomes involved in liberating her by taking on the villain. The movie has been criticized for being too similar to Sleeping Beauty, but once you're watching it--with its strong characters, entertaining vocal performances (John Cleese and Steven Wright are particularly funny), fine artwork, and action--such complaints are negligible. --Tom Keogh

A heartwarming story of the beautiful princess Odette who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer's spell. Held captive at an enchanted lake she befriends Jean-Bob the frog Spped the turtle and Puffin the bird. Despite their struggle to keep the princess safe these good-natured creatures can do nothing about the sorcerer's spell which can only be broken by a vow of everlasting love. Universally cheered and revered by audiences around the world THE SWAN PRINCESS is bursting with color dazzling animation beautiful music and features the vocal talents of Jack Palance John Cleese Steven Wright and Sandy Duncan. It's a rousing adventure you'll want to relive again and again!System Requirements:Running Time: 89 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 043396094000 Manufacturer No: 09400

The Black Cauldron (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

The Fox and the Hound (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

The Fox and the Hound marked the last collaboration between Disney's older artists, including three of the "Nine Old Men" (Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, and Woolie Reitherman), and the young animators who would make the record-breaking films of the '90s. Based on a book by Daniel P. Mannix, the film tells the story of a bloodhound puppy and a fox kit who begin as friends but are forced to become enemies. Tod and Copper barely establish their friendship before Copper begins his training as hunting dog. Unfortunately, neither character develops much of a personality, which makes it difficult to care about them. The screen comes alive near end of the film, when Tod and Copper have to join forces to fight off an enormous bear. It had been years since Disney produced a sequence with this kind of feral power--and years would pass before they surpassed it. The Fox and the Hound ranks as one of the studio's lesser efforts, but it suggests that better films were soon to follow. (Ages 5 and older) --Charles Solomon

Disney proudly presents its 24th full-length animated film -- hailed as "vintage Disney" by The Washington Post. This highly acclaimed classic blends vibrant animation and breathtaking action to tell the story of two best friends who didn't know they were supposed to be enemies. The fun and adventure begin when a lonely widow adopts an orphaned fox cub named Tod. The mischievous fox soon meets up with Copper, an adorable hound puppy. As the innocent pair grow up together in the forest, they become inseparable friends. But the day soon arrives when their friendship is put to the ultimate test! "Echoing the dramatic moods and imagery of BAMBI and LADY AND THE TRAMP" (Seattle Times) -- and reflecting such timeless values as love, courage, and respect for life -- THE FOX AND THE HOUND has captured an honored place among Disney's most beloved and endearing animated classics.

Muhammad: The Last Prophet

From the creators of The King and I The Fox and the Hound and the Swan Princess comes the first animated feature length film about Islam's Prophet. This groundbreaking film is set around 1400 years ago during the early ages of Islam. The film relates the events that unfolded and led to the rise of a renewed religion in the Arabian Desert eventually spanning 7 continents and counting 1.6 billion adherents around the world.This movie aims to introduce the story of Islam and its Prophet to new generations in the appealing and accessible medium of animation. Though the Prophet is not personified sound and cinematography are employed in the telling of his story. The film is capped off with a stunning soundtrack by Emmy-award winning composer William Kidd.Perfect for the family and for encouraging interfaith dialogue this film is a definite must-see!Bonus Features:Choice of screen language (English or Arabic)English and Arabic subtitlesBios of historical characters from the filmStills GalleryTrailersBonus Audio CDCast/Crew listing:Produced by Richard Rich Terry L. Noss and Thomas J. Tobin. Screen Play by Brian Nissen Music Play by William KiddSongs by Yusuf Islam Aa shiq Al-Rasul Hamza Robertson Dawud Wharnsby Mesut Kurtis Native Deen Zain Bhikha QatrunadaFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 800961611006 Manufacturer No: DVD6110

The Trumpet of the Swan

Jason Alexander's vocal performance as the hambone father of Louie, a mute trumpet swan, is quite simply the most entertaining element of Trumpet of the Swan, an animated version of E.B. White's children's novel. Given to long-winded speeches and flamboyant displays (Alexander's extended "death scene" after his character is knicked on the wing is a hoot), the former George Costanza's hot-air waterfowl partially salvages this oddly unmoving family feature. The story concerns the silent Louie (his thoughts are spoken by actor Jeffrey Schoeny), who suffers the ridicule of other swans but communicates a depth of feeling by playing a brass horn. The restless script has difficulty developing a coherent emotional rise; director Richard Rich (The Swan Princess) would have done well to cut back on the number of discrete episodes that rush by with dizzying, graceless speed. Joe Mantegna signs on as the voice of a big-city scoundrel who signs Louie to an exploitative music contract, while Mary Steenburgen plays Louie's mother, and Reese Witherspoon speaks for the hero's true love. --Tom Keogh

A mute Trumpeter swan is given the gift of a trumpet and finds his voice with the help of a young boy.
Genre: Foreign Film - Spanish/misc SA
Rating: G
Release Date: 1-JUN-2004
Media Type: DVD

The King and I

For no apparent reason, 1999 became the year of The King and I. The 1956 version with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr received a glorious digital transfer on video, and Jodie Foster starred in a new, nonmusical version of this story of the King of Siam and the English schoolmistress hired to teach his children. The oddest rendition of the story is this animated version, complete with the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical numbers. Richard Rich's (The Swan Princess) animation is on par with most non-Disney features, but the film is chock full of dull villains, playful animals, and ridiculous action sequences. It's a good introduction into this culture for kids who will watch only animation, but the question remains, "Why was this made?" The 1956 version has aged very well, and is fabulous family entertainment. Still, the animated version is nearly an hour shorter, and for those who want hot-air balloon rescues, this would be the version to keep. --Doug Thomas

One of the most celebrated Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals of all time is now a magically animated musical adventure certain to have the entire family "Whistling a Happy Tune!" Traveling to the exotic kingdom of Siam to instruct the Royal Children, English Schoolteacher Anna Leonowens soon discovers that her most difficult challenge is the stubborn, imperious King himself. But even as a wondrous friendship grows between Anna and the arrogant monarch, an evil sorcerer is conjuring up a plot to steal the throne! Sparkling with playful new characters kids will love, it's an enchantingly animated tale of royal romance, courtly intrigue and timeless musical favorites, including the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," and "Shall We Dance?"

The Greatest Adventure Stories From the Bible: The Miracles of Jesus

Journey back to the Holy Land in the days of the New Testament and witness the wonder of a people blessed by miracles in their midst. Join Benjamin, the widow's son brought back to life by Jesus, as he walks the roads Christ Himself walked and recalls wondrous works. The wedding at Cana where water became wine; the healing of the centurion's servant; stilling the tempest; feeding the masses; walking upon the water: All unfold gloriously in a reverent, inspirational animated version to enthrall the entire family.

The Swan Princess III - The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (Special Edition)

An evil sorceress plans to wreak havoc on Swan Lake by stealing the forbidden arts--a treasure that gives its keeper unlimited power. Odette is kidnapped as part of her master plan, prompting a showdown with Derek. Ambitious in narrative only, this potboiler doesn't look like much in contrast to the first film in the series. It's also a shame the producers couldn't bring back some of the original vocal cast: John Cleese and Steven Wright. --Tom Keogh

When Odette the Swan Princess is captured by the vile sorceress Zelda Prince Derek vows to get her back at any cost. But the cost may be higher than even he is willing to pay for Zelda's demand for the Swan Princess' return is the Forbidden Arts--a treasure that would grant the witch unlimited powers and rule over the kingdom! Includes three sing-alongs.System Requirements:Running Time: 72 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 043396105683 Manufacturer No: 10568

The Swan Princess / The Swan Princess III - The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (Double Feature)

The Swan Princess is loosely based on the Swan Lake story. Princess Odette, having been turned into a swan by a sorcerer's spell, is held captive at the enchanted lake with friends Jean-Bob the frog, Speed the turtle, and Puffin the bird. Along comes Prince Derek, who becomes involved in liberating her by taking on the villain. This excellent theatrical feature has been criticized for being too similar to Sleeping Beauty, but once you're watching it--with its strong characters, entertaining vocal performances (John Cleese and Steven Wright are particularly funny), fine artwork, and action--such complaints are negligible.

In The Swan Princess III: The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure, an evil sorceress plans to wreak havoc on Swan Lake by stealing the forbidden arts--a treasure that gives its keeper unlimited power. Odette is kidnapped as part of her master plan, prompting a showdown with Derek. Ambitious in narrative only, this potboiler doesn't look like much in contrast to the first film in the series. It's also a shame the producers couldn't bring back some of the original vocal cast: John Cleese and Steven Wright. --Tom Keogh

THE SWAN PRINCESS: A heartwarming story of the beautiful princess Odette who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer's spell. Held captive at an enchanted lake she befriends Jean-Bob the frog Spped the turtle and Puffin the bird. Despite their struggle to keep the princess safe these good-natured creatures can do nothing about the sorcerer's spell which can only be broken by a vow of everlasting love.THE SWAN PRINCESS: MYSTERY OF THE ENCHANTED TREASURE: Zelda an evil sorceress plans to wreak havoc on the peaceful land of Swan Lake by stealing the Forbidden Arts - a magical treasure that gives its keeper unlimited power. As part of her evil plan Zelda kidnaps Odette the Swan Princess and demands that Prince Derek turn over the Forbidden Arts in exchange for her safety. The Prince then must face Zelda in an exciting showdown to rescue the Swan Princess!System Requirements:Running Time: 161 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 043396115866 Manufacturer No: 11586