Set in the majestic, wooded mountains of northern Utah, this remarkable tale traces the adventures of Perri, a young squirrel who alone discovers the mysteries of survival. She falls in love with Porro, as handsome as Perri is beautiful, and together they struggle against natures perils a disastrous forest fire, persistent marten attackseven a prowling wildcat! Laced with tenderness, music and laughter, this true-to-life fantasy adventure offers a rare glimpse into natures wonderful world amid the treetops. A milestone for Walt Disney, this cinematic achievement marks the first time that animals in their natural surrounding followed a fictional, dramatic story line. "It is a crime that this film is not on home video. No elementary school in the nation should be without it and no home in America with children should either. This is Disney's finest (and one of his last) "true-life adventures." It is adapted from a book by Felix Salten (Bambi) and follows a year in the life of a Pine Squirrel (from birth, through escaping predators, to learning how to live in the forest, hibernation, escape from a forest fire, and mating). The sequence of events follows the same for Bambi. The camera work is incredible and the lovely dramatic/comic/song score by Paul J. Smith deservedly earned an Oscar nom (it also deserved a nom for its incredible achievement in Film Editing). Animals whose lives are looked at in detail include in addition to the squirrels, the fox, the beaver, the skunk, the raccoon, the rabbit and the marten families. There is an incredible combination of animation and live action in a hibernation dream sequence set in a snowy wonderland, populated by animals in their white coat phases against a great orange moon background (we know where Tim Burton got his logo for THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS). Songs include: Break of Day, Now To Rest and Together Time. This is one of the best nature documentaries you will ever see, endlessly fascinating and absorbing with shot after shot that makes you gasp with wonder. (The only faux pas is Winston Hibler referring to a chipmunk as a "ground squirrel.") Do not miss the opportunity of seeing and owning this film. A true gem. " - Arnie Anderson Directed by Paul Kenworthy Jr. Ralph Wright Writing credits (in alphabetical order) Winston Hibler Felix Salten - novel Ralph Wright Cast: Winston Hibler .... Narrator (voice) Runtime: 75 min Country: USA Language: English Color: Color (Technicolor) Sound Mix: Mono (RCA Sound System) Certification: Finland:S / Sweden:15
