Bridge To Terabithia [DVD]

My 11 year old son and I went to see this movie on the strength of the Disney TV trailers that really gave a totally false impression of what the film was about (it seemed perhaps it would be a great fantasy adventure similar to 'The time bandits', 'Narnia' or the recent 'Stardust'). In fact the film is more like a standard US teen movie, with typical school yard, home-life and school bus scenes. However the quality of the movie is simply in another league to most teen flicks, and it's got some visually stunning moments (not unlike quality films such as 'Alice doesn't live here anymore' and 'Fried green tomatoes'). It's got an intelligent script aimed squarely at an older kid audience, a fine young/adult cast, and is simply a good movie. It's not for most, if any, under 9s though as it deals with late preteen/teenager childhood friendship and school problems. It has also got quite a few pretty children's fantasy sequences which my son happily took to be real, Narnia style - and it's not that scary, although it is emotionally intense. I don't want to give away any more of the plot though, just try it for the family as it's ideal to rent or perhaps buy. I can't see many kids watching it often though, as its power works best on first viewing - unless someone ruins it by giving away the storyline. That said, it's likely this will be a childhood movie they will remember. The book, and film, was based on the author's son's real childhood friendship with a girl schoolfriend (although they were both eight at the time and not twelve as with the character's in the movie). I don't think the themes are unsuitable for older preteens - I enjoyed weepies Old Yeller and Bambi at 5 or 6 and in some respects the movies final scenes are quite uplifting. Besides the storyline is dictated by real events, not a Disney scriptwriter. It might be a good idea to watch the movie with youngsters though, not only because it's a good film, but also so that you can talk about it afterwards. My son and I really enjoyed 'Bridge to Terabithia', even though it was almost the exact opposite of what we expected given the Disney promotional trailers [and it's not really fair to blame the film or it's creators for that]. This DVD movie's run time is 1 h 32 min, in 16:9 widescreen, it's rated PG (age 7+), with Dolby Stereo & 5.1 audio, and the it has English HoH subtitles. The PAL UK Region 2 locked DVD has quite a few extras: Map of the forest, The 'Bringing Terabithia to life' documentary, 'Behind the book' featurette, four audio commentaries (Director, Producer, Writer, Cast), and the 'Cast and Crew Interviews'. Rotten Tomatoes rate the film highly at 85%.

This is an excellent film to watch and I highly recommend it - if you're in the mood for a heart-warming, emotion-pulling family movie. Contrary to what some other reviewers have said, this film DOES have a happy ending, but in order to get to that point you do have to navigate a poignant moment - but this is crucial to the story's ultimate triumph. The visual effects (done by WETA, who worked on Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Narnia and many more) are very delicately done, like exquisite decoration on a grand tapestry - they are introduced subtly and grow only to enhance the imaginative sequences of the movie and never become the movie (unlike some films which get lost in their own cgi cleverness). The film itself is expertly played by all the central characters but especially by the two child ones and so it becomes easy to be drawn into both their 'make-believe' and harsher 'real life' worlds. The storyline develops through alienation, awkwardness, transformation, maturation, sadness, friendship, love and triumph as seen through the eyes and lives of these two children; a down-at-heel boy and a newcomer girl, who are both 'outsiders' in their separate ways but become the best of friends. I loved this film, it doesn't require too much thinking, yet it conveys the simple beauty of real friendship, and the simple truth that friendships change and in this way it was slightly reminiscent of "Pay It Forward". The author wrote this story many years ago around events in her own son's life who, now as a grown adult, co-produced and co-wrote the screenplay for this movie, therefore, imparting intimate understandings of the characters that other writers and/or producers would not have been able to convey. The Special Features are a bit hit and miss; the "Behind the Book" and "Digital Imagination" sections are both informative and worth watching but unfortunately the "Map Quest" is just a waste of time. Finally, if you've seen the trailer above (as I have just now whist writing this review) please ignore it - the scenes ARE from the movie but it presents a COMPLETELY misleading impression of the film. But don't let that put you off, this is definitely a movie to watch more than once.

I'm a grown woman but not ashamed to admit that it is actually one of my favourite films to watch. Snuggled up in bed with chocolate & a glass of wine is perfect movie viewing when the day has been too much & don't want to view anything heavy & one isn't in the mood for overzealous humour. I love the chemistry between the superb acting of the youngsters in this. Although the story does take an emotional turn, it is handled beautifully & not over dramatic,also no annoying background music to ruin the moment. This never fails to make me smile when I've had a crappy day. There are several issues addressed in the film, beautifully weaved together & yet doesn't make you feel exhausted afterwards. The acting is beautifully executed & actually puts some of our 'experienced' adult actors to shame. If there is a film that you are wanting to watch with your child or youngsters (I watch with my nieces & nephew ages - 11,6 & 2) & they were hooked, I highly recommend this . It doesn't contain foul language or violence etc.. In-fact, just watch it also when you're alone & don't apologise for it :) Enjoy.

've just watched this with my 5 and 8 year old Grandchildren, this is the second time of them watching it as they had already watched with my adult niece, they absolutely loved it and so did I, so I have to disagree that it should be aimed at older children, they loved it that much they asked me if I could buy the film for them my oldest granddaughter asked if I could get two copies so she could save one for when she is older, I know there's a few parts that need explaining to children but my daughter like me has always told the children the truth in away that they understand for their age of course,and have found that this helps them understand certain aspects of life,and I think that's why they loved the film so much, do not mean no disrespect by not agreeing with some people but it would be a very boring world if we all thought the same,have to go now as we are preparing for Santas arrival (as adults we still have to have some secrets lol). Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

This 2007 adventure fantasy introduces us to Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson), a 10 year old whose parents are struggling financially. The artistic boy doesn't fit in and is picked on in school. Enter new neighbour Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) and the pair soon become firm friends, spending much of their time together. Under the guidance of the more worldly Leslie they head into the woods where they occupy a dilapidated tree house and let their imaginations run riot, creating the phantasmagorical world of Terabithia which they rule as king and queen, embarking on magical adventures, fighting evil, and learning how to triumph over bullies. The film switches from one reality to another as it alternates between the reality of school/home and the `reality' of Terabithia, But if you're expecting another Narnia, you'll be mistaken. This is an emotional roller-coaster of ups and downs and whilst its graded as PG [Parental Guidance] in the UK, don't think it's easy sailing to just show it to youngsters. Some scenes can be a bit unnerving and there is dark tragedy in there, so you may want to view it first, before showing it to younger children. The acting quality of the two children and Jesse' little sister May Belle (Bailee Madison) is outstanding, The film has something for everyone and the imaginative scenes are great escapism. A great little family movie, but careful with the younger ones. A deserving ***** rating. You might need a hanky!

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA is not your average fantasy! WARNING: CONTAINS HUGE SPOILERS! This film has a beautiful setting. A boy is dislike by his family, bullied at school and never has any luck. Until new girls Leslie Burke arrives. They soon become friends and after one swing across a supposedly enchanted rope they reach a magical world of pretty flowers and trees, evil birds and vicious giant squirrels. I loved the way these creatures were based on the school bullies. The two take refuge in a hut. And yes the ending is very depressing when one of the main characters is killed off unexpected and it is true that this film is more like a 12 than PG because of talk of abuse and things, but really i cant see why people say that they weren't warned! It says clearly on the back that this film has scary scenes and emotionasl distress. If those reviewers looked a bit closer at the case they would see that. BRILLIANT FILM!

This is one of the best films for kids that incorporates issues about growing up, personal loss and family that I've seen in a long time. The friendship that erupts between our two main characters is that of sole mates and they find solace and their friendship blossoming in 'Terabithia' through overcrowding at their own homes - one through too many family members and the other through their parent's work commitments. You may think it's a story that we've heard before but an excellent script, even better characters and acting that is second to none from all the cast makes this a world apart from the others. The special effects are nothing short of breathtaking and you find yourself falling into this world where you could actually go on a swing rope and enter another world! This is a film for all the family but younger children may find some scenes upsetting but definitely one for the family friendly shelf. If you are a fan of the likes Zathura & Jumanji... prepare to love this film.

This is a fab family film (although may scare some/younger ones) my boy is 6 nearly 7 and isn't fazed by much, but you know your own child best! Its nothing too bad, just oversized squirrels and a big troll tree etc. but still.... anyway, the movie is a great fantasy about 2 kids who become firm best friends and make up an imaginery world in the woods where they go after school. Addresses school bullying to a degree, and to me, its what kids should be doing at their age, running free and playing on tree swings and in the woods making dens! Highly recommended by me and my 6yr old never moved the whole way thro, which must make it a fab film cos he usually never sits down !

All good

😡Not satisfied!! A big fat flop!! Not good at all!! Wuld not evn play in my dvd player!! Vry disappointed!!😡