The Tale of Despereaux |  | Directors: Robert Stevenhagen, Sam Fell
Actors: Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline
Studio: Universal
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.98
Buy Used: $1.97
as of 2/9/2010 13:47 EST details
You Save: $18.01 (90%)
New (59) Used (54) Collectible (2) from $1.97
Seller: goHastings
Rating:  90 reviews
Sales Rank: 2516
Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: G (General Audience)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 93 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.6
MPN: 61032294
UPC: 025193229427
EAN: 0025193229427
ASIN: B0018ATR2S
Theatrical Release Date: December 19, 2008
Release Date: April 7, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Genre: Family
Rating: G
Release Date: 7-APR-2009
Media Type: DVD
Amazon.com
The Tale of Despereaux looks a little like Shrek. The storytelling and animation draw on everything from Ratatouille and classic fairytales to Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, Indiana Jones, and, in its action sequences, even Bourne and Bond. But this movie stands on its own; too dark and violent for very young children, perhaps, but for the most part it’s exciting and funny, and it delivers a message about bravery and forgiveness that is relevant to us all. Voiced by Matthew Broderick, the title character is a little guy, even by mouse standards, with enormous ears and an imagination to match; much to the dismay of his elders, he "never cowers, won’t scurry, and refuses to be taught to be scared" (he’d much rather read a book than eat it, a pursuit that fills his head with visions of valiant knights, damsels in distress, and a life defined by "courage, honor, and decency"). That leads to his being banished from Mouseworld to the realm of the rats, where, it is presumed, he will be eaten. But no. Ratworld--a dark, chaotic, genuinely scary place--happens to be the current residence of one Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), a peaceful sort whose shenanigans in the human world have accidentally led to the death of the Queen, the imprisonment of the Princess (Emma Watson), and, worst of all, the banning of Soup Day (no small deal) and the end of soup itself! Roscuro and Despereaux join forces, inadvertently helped out by a homely but soft-hearted farm girl named Miggery Sow (Tracey Ullman), and, well, you can imagine how it all turns out. Directors Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen and scriptwriter Gary Ross (adapting Kate DiCamillo’s book) have concocted some vivid and interesting worlds for their film; the look is unusual, often washed out, muted, and bathed in hazy light; and the voice acting is excellent (others include William H. Macy, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, and Frank Langella). All in all, despite a conclusion that’s confusing even while it’s predictable, The Tale of Despereaux is a worthy addition to the crowded animation field. --Sam Graham
Printable Coloring Page, Map & Despereaux ears from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for full size) 
Coloring Page | 
Maze | 
Despereaux Ears
| Stills from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for larger image)
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 90
 Used-The Tale of Despereaux February 8, 2010
Danyelle Turbyfill (Texas)
I bought this DVD used & it's in great condition. It plays flawlessly. Great buy!!!
 Despereaux February 2, 2010
Mystery Madam (PA)
The story was a little slow and boring at times. The animation was good, but it is not one I would watch over and over again.
 this ghastly movie sets the rat population back a few hundred years February 1, 2010
C. Orell (Scottsdale, AZ USA)
As an animal lover, I must tell you that rats and mice are both beautiful animals, and both species are greatly misrepresented in this horrible story. What a shame that the author could not find a way to tell her tale in a way that could reflect the true nature of these animals. Mice are not so timid that they can't think straight and rats quite simply put are not evil at all, but one of the most compassionate animals in the animal kingdom. Anyone who has taken the time to aquaint themselves with rats would know this. The author obviously bases her plot on outdated and cruel prejudices born of ignorance. This would have been a very different movie if the animals' true natures had been honored. The abuse to the cat is equally unforgivable, and no one who understands animals and the wonderful part they play in our lives should waste their time with this story. The author owes all of us--rats, cats, mice and compassionate humans--an apology.
Very cute! January 30, 2010
N. Tinker
Our 3 yo daughter loves this movie! It looks good on our HD tv as well, even in standard definition.
Not for kids, not for adults, not for anybody December 30, 2009
Disney_Fanatic (Canton, GA)
I can't believe how painfully bad this movie was. I thought I would like it. I wanted to like it. My 2 kids and I had the misfortune of picking this movie at the Summer $1.00 movies. I am a huge lover of animated movies, but this one and space chimps are the 2 worst I've ever seen. We walked out of the movie theater 1/2 way through because it was so awfully boring. My kids were begging to leave! I would have insisted on staying if the movie even piqued my interest. The story line was so flat, lifeless and uninteresting that all 3 of us couldn't stand it together. My 7 year old put it ever so eloquently when he said, "I know we only spent $3.00 on this movie but I think we spent $3.00 too much!" I would have preferred to scrub floors, clean toilets or iron clothes than to have sat through 1/2 this movie again. BORING, BORING, BORING!!!!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 90
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