113 reviews
Sales Rank: 615

Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Ntsc, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: French (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: G (General Audience)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 34
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6

MPN: CC1746DDVD
UPC: 715515028820
EAN: 0715515028820
ASIN: B0012Z361M

Theatrical Release Date: March 11, 1957
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: NEW - FACTORY SEALED - SHIPPED FIRST CLASS

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Newly restored and available for the first time on DVD Albert Lamorisse's exquisite The Red Balloon remains one of the most beloved children's films of all time. In this deceptively simple nearly wordless tale a young boy discovers a stray balloon which seems to have a mind of its own on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable yet the world's harsh realities finally interfere. With its glorious palette and allegorical purity the Academy Award-winning The Red Balloon has enchanted movie lovers young and old for generations.System Requirements:LENGTH: 34 minutes Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 715515028820 Manufacturer No: CC1746DDVD

Amazon.com
The late French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse made this classic, 1956 short work about a lonely little Parisian boy (Pascal Lamorisse) befriended by a large red balloon, which seems to have a will of its own. As with his preceding short, 1952's White Mane, Lamorisse took home a grand prize from the Cannes Film Festival for The Red Balloon, and the latter film also won an Academy Award. There have been some stimulating pieces of film criticism (some pro, some con) written about the aesthetics of this little movie over the years, but there's no question it makes for a touching, allegorical piece always certain to prompt conversations among viewers of any age. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews: Read 108 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Charming July 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

"The Red Balloon" is probably the most charming short film ever made. That's not easy to say, of course. But the simple storyline, understated acting, and pathos of "Red Balloon" make it a delight to watch in a way that few films are.

The story concerns a young boy who gets a large red balloon, which has a mind of its own. The balloon follows its new owner around Paris, and will stay when asked to. It even pursues a love interest at one point. Unfortunately, some ruffians want to destroy the balloon, possibly out of jealousy. The balloon is good at evasion, however, and the viewer is kept in suspense. The action culminates in a bittersweet conclusion which I won't reveal here. In just 34 minutes, the viewer actually develops feelings for the balloon and the boy.

Criterion's brand new transfer restores the film to its pristine state; previous releases were very grainy. So buy a copy- you'll be delighted no matter your age!

4 out of 5 stars

Red Balloon DVD July 20, 2008
Its a cute movie yes.. there's no talking... its done all thru vision... I was hoping it'd catch my grandson's attention more than it did... but he's pretty young.. It is cute...

5 out of 5 stars

BEAUTIFUL FILM July 15, 2008
I saw this film when I was 8, and I liked it so much, now I am so happy because I could feel the same when I was a kid..it is a great classical film..

5 out of 5 stars

All children must see this film July 1, 2008
I remember that I saw this film with my father but I couldn't remember my age.But this film deeply influenced me.So 50 years later I ordered it and watched it like the same excitement when I am a little boy.To all big children I advise this film.

5 out of 5 stars

An Automatic Purchase! June 29, 2008
As with many other reviewers here, I saw this movie on a klunky, noisy film projector several times in elementary school in the 60s.

When I became a teacher, naturally I haunted book stores and movie sections. When I saw "The Red Balloon" on VHS, it was an Automatic. No pocketbook scrutiny was involved! I went with my heart.

I have used it in classes from kindergarten through 6th grade, encouraging retelling through Beginning-Middle-End format or having Limited English Proficient students generate a word bank. Both ends of the age spectrum have to generate the vocabulary, since the main intelligible words are, "Balloon!" and "Pizza!" (in French). I ask high-level "Why?" questions to encourage high-level writing. The story is straight-forward enough for the students to identify the answers, so they can concentrate on expressing themselves. Not many students have been able to resist the charm and magic of the story. These days, that is high praise, indeed!

I am looking forward to purchasing this DVD. I am very relieved to read that the color and sound qualities are better than some have reported.