Search - The Black Stallion Returns on DVD

Lisa Z. (lisa3) from FOND DU LAC, WI
Reviewed on 1/14/2008...

A pretty good sequel to the fabulous "Black Stallion," this movie takes place mostly in the desert. The cinematography is lovely, though the plot tends toward the predictable side. Incidentally, this movie is based on a book in the "Black Stallion" series but many of the details, characters, and scenes have been changed. For instance, in the book, Henry Dailey (the trainer from the first movie/book) appears. In the movie? Not even a cameo. However, since I thought the "Black Stallion Returns" book was not very good, take it as a positive that this film has many differences. Most of them are decidedly for the better. One change in particular lends especial poignancy to Alec's pivotal decision right at the end.

I recommend this movie, particularly for horse-loving youngsters.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Not up to the original, but not bad for younger viewers

Concerned Citizen | Anywheresville, USA | 10/04/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Certainly this is a far cry from the magnificent, magical dream-poem that is the original Black Stallion movie. More of a standard animal/adventure film for younger viewers and if you think about it that way, it's not too bad. Most of the original cast (except Mr. Rooney) return and it was made in a timely enough way that Kelly Reno is still relatively young and charming -- a really non-actorish child actor and part of the whole appeal. I read both books as a little tyke, but didn't remember the second book too well. It seems to me that many of the details were changed but the general idea of the Black being kidnapped back to his original home in an Arabic country is retained.Alec's adventures chasing his horse are appealing and interesting, and so is the climactic race at the end. But the story just peters out, and we never see Alec return home or what he does without his beloved horse now. (You do have to wonder in a kid's film why there is no resolution with his poor mom (Terri Garr), who had to be frantic when her young son mysteriously disappears for about three months.)I applied the "11 year old girl who is horse crazy" test to this film, and decided it would definitely pass. That is who it is really made for, despite the male protagonist (and there is a girl rider in the plot, although she gets the heave-ho in favor of the hero). And that girl (me, about a million years ago) would have enjoyed this, although not as much as the original. It would have held my attention and I would have wanted to view it several times. If your children loved the first film, this much more prosaic sequel would probably be of interest. Just don't expect great art."

The Beauty

Dannielle Gleim | United States | 08/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a child, I sat up and dreamt about this beautiful horse and watched the movie over and over again. Both The Black Stallion and The Black Stallion returns are awesome. I recently bought both movies to share with my children. This movie is a wonderful family film and a film for those who love those beautiful Arabian Horses as I do. Enjoy! :-)"

Beautiful and Moving

Beth Brownell | 08/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Black Stallion Returns is charming and delightful. I had seen the movie as a child and recently purchased it. I still got chills and tears came into my eyes when the race was coming to a conclusion. I will always consider this to be the best movie anyone can watch."