zyrcona
I remember watching this film as a child, and I was captivated by the gorgeous Eastern artistic style of the dragons and the explanations of how their physiology worked. I also remember crying when Smrgll fought to protect his friends and died from his injuries. Rewatching it as an adult, it still mostly works, and the style is still beautiful and imaginative.The start of the film is pretty strong, and introduces the 'Four Magic Brothers' each of whom rides his own dragon. The brothers seek a solution to their survival and that of their art in a world where Man is becoming increasingly reliant upon science. Three of the brothers reach an agreement, but the other, Ommadon, turns renegade and swears to twist Man's science and use it to destroy him, before storming out.Carolinus the Green Wizard represents nature and the earth. He travels forward in time to find someone who can defeat Ommadon. He finds Peter of Beacon street, a nerd who designs board games. He brings Peter back to his own time, where we are introduced to Carolinus's dragons Smrgll and Gorbash. Smrgll is an elderly and somewhat cantankerous brown and orange dragon who wishes he could still serve Carolinus rather than enjoying his retirement; Gorbash is a younger green dragon, cocky and overconfident, training as Smrgll's replacement. Rather less well developed are Melissande, token naff woman character, referred to both as Carolinus's adopted daughter and a princess (?), and a boorish knight who is to accompany Peter and Gorbash on the quest.That night Ommadon's dragon attacks and a magic spell goes wrong, leaving Peter in Gorbash's body. Peter spends most of the quest learning how to be a dragon from Smrgll as the group fights various beasts and baddies. They are also joined by a sort of Robin Hood woman, an elf, and a talking wolf. I was rather less keen on these characters as they didn't really add anything to the story. It does manage to come to a satisfying conclusion despite their interruption, with Peter defeating the villain using logic and scientific facts.In summary, this is film is unusual and attractive in its artistic style. Most of the characters are reasonably well developed. Although the main premise of good vs. evil is nothing new, the addition of scientific ideas and a boffin protagonist was handled well and made a refreshing change from fantasy simply involving unexplained magic and beasts defying the laws of nature. More logical-minded kids will love it, and adults will enjoy the animation style.
psychokittie
I've seen a few people comment and ask why they haven't released this title on DVD. I want to let you know that they have, it's just hard to find. Here's an easy link to the cheapest place I've found it: http://www.dvdlook.com and look for this movie title. They have it for $16.95 plus shipping and handling. They also have other timeless classics like "The Wuzzles" (who could forget lovable Bumble-lion? haha) and the Hugga Bunch. This movie is a timeless classic and should be a must-see mandatory viewing for everyone who hasn't already seen it. Personally, I don't own it on DVD...yet! I plan on buying it for my seven year old son as a Christmas present. I'm sure he will love it just like I did when I was his age! This is an awesome move with great animation! Why can't they animate movies like this anymore? Example: Check out the original My Little Pony movies and shows then watch the newer ones. The animation is crap if you ask me. I'm sure kids today like it because that's all they've seen. But you let them watch one 80's movie with the 80's style animation and they'll never want anything else. HAHA
murderofcrowes
it has been at least 15 years since i saw this film on BETA (yes, beta!) . . . i was about 4 years old the first time i saw it and it has absolutely influenced who i have become in so many unmentionable ways . . . i still believe magic and science CAN coexist, at least they do in my mind as a practitioner of science but a firm believer of all things magical (and musical). the paradigms expressed in this film and the struggle to keep them all alive still bring a sting to my soul to this very day. i had a sudden longing to see this film again tonight - it is new years eve and i'm reflecting on who i am and what i believe in. funny that i should hear a song tonight that reminded me too much of the theme "flight of dragons"-i almost cried. i need to return to the innocence of where my optimism for this world was formed, and it lies here. i typed in the film title, and here i find myself! i'm glad to find a forum dedicated to this, as no one i have ever met has ever even heard of this animation!
