Search - Bfg:Big Friendly Giant on DVD

Fine Family Entertainment

05/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My four year-old loves this well-done animated version of Roald Dahl's BFG book. She enjoys the animation (with a great, pleasingly spooky beginning, though not too scary) as well as the story itself.The Big Friendly Giant visits children's windows each night and sends them pleasant dreams; his other job is to catch the bad dreams out there and bottle them up so they don't frighten children, as well as prevent the evil giants from eating children! A lonely girl, Sophie, is one day whisked away from here dreary orphange by the BFG to help him with his task. Thereafter the plot thickens and in the end the two must enlist the help of the Queen of England to make all well again.This is a wonderful show. Made in the UK, the only difference I can see from the usual Disney fodder is that Big Friendly Giant is not nearly as loud, yet it captivated my child throughout, the songs sent her into peals of laughter. As far as I can tell this tape has not been dubbed or the voices altered in any way for the American market (a la Bob the Builder, Brambly Hedge, etc.)I also recommend (based on my child's response): William's Wish Wellingtons, Noddy, Old Bear Stories, Rupert and the Runaway Dragon, Postman Pat, Brum and the Baby Carriage, The Secret of Roan Inish, The Borrowers, Thomas the Tank Engine, the Princess and the Goblin."

Fabulously Inventive

John Peter O'connor | 06/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an animated version of the children's story "The Big Friendly Giant" by Roald Dahl. While ostensibly a childrens story, it contains much that will keep mothers and fathers watching as well.As befits a children's story, the plot is simple and direct. A small girl, Sophie, is kidnapped by a friendly giant when she catches him at his work delivering dreams. She discovers many things about giants and their world including the fact that there are also some very bad giants who want to eat people.Eventually, Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant enlist the help of the Queen of England and they set out to catch the bad giants.Children as young as four years old will enjoy this film. They may be little afraid but it's not so bad as to give them nightmares. The film will also appeal to older children too as the story, while simple in it's barest form, contains enough detail and wit to maintain interest.Also, children will find a lot to talk about in the film and, if parents buy the original novel, they have something to read to, or with their child.Sometimes, children watch a film over and over until it is worn out. In this case, be warned, they may watch this one so much that they wear out the player!"

The BFG

John Peter O'connor | 07/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A truly enchanting video i watched as a child and occasionally dig out of the cupboard on rainy days now (i'm 17!)
The story is classic Dahl and thus complex enough to keep even adults interested (especially if they look for analogies of daily life in children's entertainment) and yet perfect for children of all ages who want some excitement that isn't quite nightmarishly frightening and all ends well, with some bravery and boldness from a down-trodden orphan and the Queen of England being rather forceful with her pompous Armed Forces Cheifs.
worth the price asked for here, and more"

The BFG, a review .

John Peter O'connor | 04/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The BFG is imaginative, scary, happy, heartwarming, joyous, and has terrific actors: David Jason is so superb as the giant that no-one can ever do better, and Amanda Root is charming and touching as Sophie. My five-year old son and I have watched it several days' running, anticipating numerous glorious moments. It is a joy and a treat."