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Stomping out their usual cuteness and carbon copying Disney's grand animation style to a T, directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman (An American Tail) create a successful musical comedy from the story of the lost Russian princess. Adapting the story of imperialism and revolution is tricky, and subsequently the film's opening is weak. Once Anya (voiced by Meg Ryan, sung by Liz Callaway) is a teenager and on her own (suffering from some degree of amnesia), the film is quite pleasing though never refreshingly new.
Twentieth Century Fox's big-money gamble to horn in on Disney's realm is worthy. The songs, especially the recurrent "Once Upon a December," by Broadway team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are better than Disney's recent efforts. It's worth picking up the soundtrack. The mix of cell animation and computer work is vivid. The collection of vocal talent is also strong, from John Cusack (as Dimitri, who wants to earn the reward by bringing Anya to Paris) to Hank Azaria as an amusing albino bat. Kelsey Grammer helps turn a roly-poly sidekick into a warm and strong supporting character.
The biggest drawback is Bluth/Goldman's insistence on having a typical villain. Surprisingly, the story would be strong enough without one, and the undead corpse of Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd) is unneeded and unoriginal. --Doug Thomas
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By K. Stevens
Format:DVD
This is a fun Princess story, ranking among even the Disney Princesses in my own oppinion. But like other historically based 'Disney Princess' movies (though this is a movie by Don Bluth, not Disney) it has a lot of inaccuracies for those who know a thing or two about Russian history. This is not a history movie though, it is a story about a Princess, not the pinnacle of historical accuracy. So please, please, please, don't learn your Russian history from this movie!
The story is loosely based on a stage play, based on the rumours that one of the Romanov daughters, (thought to be Anastasia since it was most poetic, her name does mean 'to rise again') somehow escaped when her family was excecuted. This was due to onne of the bodies being missing at the time. While most would like to believe she did, DNA evidence has confirmed that Anastasia did die with her family. So this movie is indeed just a fantasy based on rumours and wishful thinking.
Still, this is a fun movie, with charming characters, suspensful action scenes, memorable songs such as 'Once Upon a December', and a wacky villain. It's also a very family friendly movie, though I have my doubts that young boys will be very interested in it. The animation is slightly off at times, but many of the hand drawn sequences are absolutely breath taking. It's definitly worth a watch for any fan of Princesses, but history buffs might lose their minds.
The story is loosely based on a stage play, based on the rumours that one of the Romanov daughters, (thought to be Anastasia since it was most poetic, her name does mean 'to rise again') somehow escaped when her family was excecuted. This was due to onne of the bodies being missing at the time. While most would like to believe she did, DNA evidence has confirmed that Anastasia did die with her family. So this movie is indeed just a fantasy based on rumours and wishful thinking.
Still, this is a fun movie, with charming characters, suspensful action scenes, memorable songs such as 'Once Upon a December', and a wacky villain. It's also a very family friendly movie, though I have my doubts that young boys will be very interested in it. The animation is slightly off at times, but many of the hand drawn sequences are absolutely breath taking. It's definitly worth a watch for any fan of Princesses, but history buffs might lose their minds.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By NoSurface
Format:DVD
I recieved my stuff in perfect condition, exacly as it was in the description. My child's side came back by watching this movie, it was amazing!
By Lysanne
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really loved this movie when I was young. However, maybe young children (under 7-8 years old) would be a bit afraid of some scenes. I would recommand it!
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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
movie purchase
i received the purchase in very good order and I will definitly use this company again in my future purchases
Published 4 months ago by Lorna Lohner
4.0 out of 5 stars
Aanastasia
Anastasia the movie, We are replacing the movie in VHS with the movie in DVD for a Christmas present .
Published 5 months ago by Tim Sheehan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Anastasia
Enjoyed both movies,a must have movie.A movie for children and grown-ups alike.Your children will enjoy the ordinary girl to real princess story. Read more
Published 6 months ago by raven
4.0 out of 5 stars
Anastasia
This is another animated movie that had some notable actors. Even though there was a lot of singing in this movie, we still enjoyed the story. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Duchess
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic!
I've watched this movie over a dozen times and it never gets old! One of my favourite movies growing up. The songs are great and voice acting is brilliant with an amazing plot. Read more
Published on Jan 26 2011 by Mizvixen
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Favorite Non-Disney movie.
Contrary to popular belief, this is NOT a Disney movie. It is created by Don Bluth, who also brough us: The Secret of Nimh, American Tail, and Thumbelina, among others. Read more
Published on Jun 19 2010 by Book and Movie Lover
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really good.
This didn't get the credit it deserves. The story was so interesting and not so lah dee dah like other Disney movies.
Published on April 13 2010 by Cheryl Davenport
3.0 out of 5 stars
They didn't know it at the time
Does it really matter that it's historically accurate or not? This movie was made in 1997. They only found out in 2007 that Anastasia was murdered. Read more
Published on Mar 14 2010 by Anonymous
1.0 out of 5 stars
anastasi dvd not recieved with in quoted time frame.
very disappointed as this video was to arrive by dec 19, 2009 and it came Jan. 8 2010. It has remained un opened now as was a christmas gift and can not be given now until my... Read more
Published on Jan 12 2010 by Ms. Bonnie Conly
3.0 out of 5 stars
mostly entertaining and fun but should have a "PG"rating instead of...
this animated movie is pretty good,all things considered.i thought it
was funny at times,but i thought there were too many musical numbers
for my taste. Read more
was funny at times,but i thought there were too many musical numbers
for my taste. Read more
Published on Sep 1 2007 by falcon
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