The Land Before Time Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
The adventure that started it all!
From the creators of An American Tail
A new adventure is born.
It is the dawn of time, the land of the dinosaur. Lost and alone, Littlefoot and his friends are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
An orphaned brontosaurus named Littlefoot sets off in search of the legendary Great Valley. A land of lush vegetation where the dinosaurs can thrive and live in peace. Along the way he meets four other young dinosaurs, each onea different species, and they encounter several obstacles as they learn to worktogether in order to survive.
| Judith Barsi | Ducky |
| Burke Byrnes | Daddy Topps |
| Gabriel Damon | Littlefoot |
| Bill Erwin | Grandfather |
| Pat Hingle | Narrator, Rooter |
| Candace Hutson | Cera |
| Will Ryan | Petrie |
| Helen Shaver | Littlefoot's Mother |
| Don Bluth |
6.80 out of 10 (10251 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Uplifting children's classic
posted on 22 Jun 2009Anybody who calls this movie juvenile is watching this through the rose tinted glasses of an adult. This is a heartwarming, uplifting, exceptionally animated, and well executed children's classic. The colors, background, and animation are alive and vibrant. Heck, the whole entire cinematography is better than that of The Secret of Nimh! The characters are lovable and innocent, and Littlefoot's mother is one of the stronger parental figures I've ever seen. The story is one of friendship and determination. It's also warm and very emotional. There's laughter. There's sorrow. There's danger. The treestar is also a symbol of Littlefoot's mother's love to him. This is the second of only two really fantastic movies Don Bluth ever did, the first being The Secret of Nimh. All of his other movies are too saccharine, poorly executed, and have downplayed drama and emotion. This movie also doesn't have the hokey formula Disney started developing around this time. Case in point, this movie, at the time, was competing with Disney's own Oliver and Company. This, in my opinion, is many times better than that. It has a better story, a lot more heart, and no need for fancy songs. If there's anything wrong with this movie, it's the fact that the sequels turned these lovable friends into something rather annoying. Just pretend they don't exist, and you'll find a fantastic animated classic.
Great children's movie
posted on 05 Apr 2009I still remember seeing this film for the first time in the theater. It is just an awesome movie for anyone to watch. I still watch it today and I'm 19 years old. The fact that they made so many more of these movies is sad. It was a story that should have been left alone and not continiued like it was. I have seen some of the new ones, but not all of them. The way the first one ended was perfect and would make anyone of any age smile. I just watched it the other day and it was like reliving my childhood days, which sometimes is something everyone needs. It is also a great story of hope and persurverence, and the song at the end by Diana Ross reminds me of seeing the movie as a child and it moves something inside of me. All in all, for this children's movie, it might not get any better than The Land Before Time
Moving and enchanting but not for younger children
posted on 10 Feb 2009With all of the Land Before Time sequels out now (I think we'll be up to The Land Before Time 85: The Quest for a Decent Story by the time I'm dead), it's hard to remember that there ever was an original. And although I have never seen any of the many lame-looking sequels to this movie, I have seen enough trailers to know that the original is completely different from any of its sequels. And perhaps not in the way you, as a parent, might hope.The adventure begins as Littlefoot, a young "longneck" dinosaur (as he is so called in the film), goes on a journey to find the magical Great Valley after his all-wise mother is killed by Sharktooth, an evil T-rex. Along the way, he enlists the help of a variety of different kinds of dinosaurs, some of which he was taught not to associate with. Along the way, the fellowship encounter myriad perils, strive, and come close to losing hope, all the while learning the value of friendship, endurance, and tolerance. But a brisk 65 minutes later ... well, I won't spoil it.It's a relatively wholesome movie, with great values for children. It also has some surprisingly stunning animation; the landscape of this land before time comes to life before our very eyes. But a major weakness of this movie is the tragedy and grimness that belies it. One of the major plot points is the aforementioned death of Littlefoot's mother, which causes him indescribable grief, both in the aftermath and along his journey. Furthermore, the entire movie has an overall depressing feel; the landscapes are all drawn in dark, warm hues, and the score has a sombre air to it.The MPAA originally gave this movie a PG rating, but relented to a G after several scenes were edited. Nevertheless, I believe that this movie is not suitable for young children (up until early lower school), and therefore should be considered a PG movie despite its rating. For older children, however, this is a decent Spielberg film that I would mildly recommend.
I don't care if they made eight sequels, this is still the best of all
posted on 05 Jan 2009You heard me! Not even through the eight sequels, could they surpass the enjoyment of this one! The story is just classic. It's Don Bluth's finest work, I must say. It's ironically the only movie in the LBT series that was made for theaters! Pretty cool, huh?I couldn't believe when I read how this movie was only like 70 minutes long. It seems like a long time, since it's so good. You've got cool dinosaur characters, going alone on a journey to the Great Valley. I think it's entertaining the way they have different names for the dinosaur species. Like "Sharp-tooth" for a T. Rex, or "Three-Horns" for a Stegosauraus or "Long-Neck" for Brontosauraus. My favorite character is Peetree, who is pretty cute. Too bad about Judith Barsi dying. That actually makes it interesting because now I know all the times in the sequels she was voiced by a different person than this time. I hope I'll see this movie more often. It seems like forever since I've seen it.But then came the sequels. Part 4 was very nice(the best sequel yet), and Parts 2 and 3 were good, but after 4, let's face it. The movies are repetive and dull, just doing the same things its proceeders did. Why haven't they just made a TV show instead of all these sequels? Now, THAT would be something I'd like to see. This classic gets a 9/10
Excellent children's movie...
posted on 31 Oct 2008"The Land Before Time" is a wonderful children's film. I am 16 years old, and it was my favorite cartoon when I was young. Parents should definitely consider buying this movie for their young ones. I haven't seen the other 4 or 5 sequels, but I am sure they are just as great as the original. And as for older kids, teens, and adults, I encourage you also to go out and rent the video if you've never seen it.
The beginning of a great series
posted on 10 Oct 2008Don Bluth directs a fine movie about four young baby dinosaurs named Littlefoot (Gabriel Damon) an Apatosaurus, Cera (Candace Hutson) a Triceratops, Ducky (Judith Barsi), Petrie (Will Ryan) a Pterasaur, and Spike a Stegosaurus. The plot makes you feel that you are actually Littlefoot, who has to go in search of a land that is said to be better than the one that he now lives in after a Sharptooth, a Tyrannosaur, killed his mother (Helen Shaver). Along the way he makes friends with Ducky, Petrie, Spike and then Cera. Witnessing the birth of Spike, then seeing him eating the grass that hid his egg is so cool. The fight scene with Littlefoot's mother and the Sharptooth is so tragic that you want to cry. Littlefoot and his friends battling and then killing the sharp tooth before they enter the land that they are searching for is just a perfect ending to a great movie.Pat Hingle, did a terrific job of the narrator, it really makes it seem that you are right smack into the film. The graphics are nicely done and the voice work is fantastic. This film was followed by eleven sequels which are just as good as the original. I recommend this to every family that have children.
Fun.
posted on 07 Oct 2008It seems as though Steven Spielberg has had bad luck with the 80's and 90's cartoons that he executive produced, but this was his most successful financially. This was a good adventure movie about Little Foot, a long necked dinosaurs whose mom and dad died in an accident and he was split from the herd and goes on an adventure to the Great Valley with other kid dinosaurs he meets. It's a cute and well animated movie that is quite touching. This is also a rare film where ex-Disney people make a good movie away from Disney. It might be a little scary for kids though.My rating: *** out of ****. 70 mins. Rated G.
Lives up to fantastic childhood memories (slight spoilers)
posted on 15 Jul 2008I watched this movie for the first time in well over a decade yesterday, and unlike some films from my childhood - which don't survive my more judgemental older brain - the Land Before Time stands as strong as it did back in 1988. The only difference is I probably won't watch it twice a week for the next two years.The Land Before Time tells a simple story of a dinosaur named Littlefoot, who loses his mother to the deliciously one-dimensional, gravity-defying, vicious tyrannosaur known as "Sharptooth". Together with four other lost dinosaurs he searches for the Great Valley, but is slowed by the group's lack of cooperation or trust for one another. The must overcome their personal differences - and the ever-prowling Sharptooth - to reach their goal, and choose to do things the "right way", even if that means choosing the hard way.For a movie that suffered so much during its production phase, and one which left the producers and directors dissatisfied, its a wonder LBT underwent the success it did at the box office. Don Bluth delights in making cartoons that are both dark and heartwarming, and LBT is no different. The characters will scream and shiver in fear as Sharptooth prowls around their hiding spot, but in other scenes they laugh and interact as would 'normal' children. Due to Spielberg's influence a lot of these darker scenes were cut from the film (probably good due to the film's young audience) but many still remain, enough to make the movie reasonably suspenseful, and with more "bite" than a typical Disney film (quite literally).The orchestral score is as beautiful as the artwork depicted in the movie, arguably better than the film, though it is often obscured by the sound effects employed. The two elements come together to shroud the world in an air of mystery, adding to the quest-like atmosphere in typical Bluth fashion.The film does stoop to a few predictable elements, such as the character that appears to die dramatically only to return less than a minute later. Littlefoot's mother also dies (no real surprise there) but watching Littlefoot's misery afterward - and little touches, of his wandering footsteps shown from the air following a much larger pair of footsteps in a search for companionship - has the potential to pull your heartstrings, as it did mine.The film tackles the issue of racism that was (aparrently) prominent in America at the time. In the beginning of the film, Littlefoot is prevented from playing with Cera because "threehorns never play with longnecks". Cera heeds her father's (poor) advice, but only by working with Littlefoot are the group able to reach their goals. It's nice to see a film with underlying messages like this. Modern films, like The Lion King, though good, are rather hollow in that aspect (though I hear many children now fear their uncles). The Land Before Time will teach younger children that they'll do far better if they put pride and discrimination behind them. Doing so in a humanistic fashion is more than tolerable considering the film's audience.All the characters in LBT are colourful but Littlefoot is the most likable (in this writer's opinion). While re-viewing this film after so many years, it was interesting to see the obvious emergence of his ability to lead. Though he is a child, when hiding from Sharptooth, he directs Cera's movement to prevent their discovery. He soon becomes the deferred leader of the group, mostly because he's the only one who knows how to reach the great valley, but also because he's a genuinely motivating and kind character, without being repulsive in an over-sweet manner.There is SOMETHING missing from the film however, possibly exactly what Don Bluth has commented on when he mentions his own dissatisfaction. The film ends after a measly 69 minutes (due to all the cuts), and as a child I was always wanted more. I am no different as an adult, the only difference is I now turn to the internet rather than rewinding the film and starting again. Something just isn't satisfying in the Land Before Time. That might be why so many sequels were spawned, and though they're entertaining for younger children, with singing and adventures and reasonably-tolerable dialogue, they don't have the darkness, that makes the light at the end of the tunnel that much brighter.
Simply adorable. One of the best animations ever.
posted on 06 Jul 2008Five adorable baby dinosaurs set out on a heartwarming adventure to find their lost families. I fell in love with this at the cinema & I feel it deserves its success in the video market. I own every one but this is by far the best. Each character, determined Littlefoot, obstinate Cera, cheerful Ducky, timid Petrie & ever hungry Spike, is a delight. The story contains laughter, tears, hope & excitement. It is beautifully scored. The end title song, If We Hold On Together, is delightful too. The artwork is cute & full of detail. Don Bluth is a master. The voice casting is perfect. An absolute treasure. 10/10 *****
Bambi before time
posted on 03 Jul 2008If you find it hard to explain to your child what happens to Bambi's mom in the movie "Bambi", then this one won't be any better. Littlefoot gets orphaned early on in this movie and goes from one tragic near-miss to another. The idea that all of the young dinosaurs stick together and work towards a mutual goal is OK, but, man, I thought they'd never get there!It's too emotionally harrowing for a kid to enjoy... my kids became disinterested early on. Not a recommended movie.
everlasting
posted on 28 Feb 2008... Wow. Wow because the film is absolutely amazing and wow because i am not an alone obsessed fan.Ever since a young age i have enjoyed The Land Before Time, including the sequels unlike some people. They still have their own themes and morals but i do agree to some extent.The characters are clear so children easily identify who is who. The extremity of the characters personalities helps you understand the differences in upbringings of children in different societies.The music is so beautiful and every time used it is appropriate to the scene and events. I'm still looking for the soundtrack so i can sit in my room and cry.This is a very moving story that children love. i can say this with absolute confidence because i remember when i was younger borrowing it from the video store so many times they let us keep it. not worth watching now because it is so grainy from frequent use.My summary was 'everlasting' because even though it came out in '88 it is still a big hit with me. And it seems to still have a place in everyones heart today
Before Jurassic Park, there was a Land Before Time!
posted on 20 Aug 2007Steven Spielberg, the director of such great films like E.T. and Jurassic Park and George Lucas of Star Wars and American Grafiti both produce this dramatic animated film about a young brachiosaurus named Littlefoot (Gabriel Damon). His mother (Helen Shaver) is killed in a fight with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, so Littlefoot must now fend for himself, and must find the legendary Great Valley, a land where dinosaurs can live in peace. But now, Littlefoot is in a treacherous desert land. He befriends four young dinosaurs, Ducky (the late Judith Barsi), Petrie, Cera, and Spike. Together, they forage for food and evade the villainous Sharptooth. The sequels that followed are OK, but the absence of Spielberg, Lucas, Don Bluth (the director), and Judith Barsi, who was tragically killed by her abusive father, makes the sequels bad. The film does have a few sequences of peril and has a melancholy atmosphere to it, but otherwise, choice entertainment for the kids. Adults can also enjoy it, too! ***.5 out of **** stars.
One of the best animated films.
posted on 10 May 2007A group of young dinosaurs in a world which is nearing the end of the reign of the mighty reptiles set out to find a legendary valley which is still lush and green.This is one of the best animation films ever made, as it is moving and entertaining. Not only is it a story of friendship, courage and love, but it also demonstrates childhood friendships which are 'not allowed' due to classism or racism - "Three-horns never play with Longnecks". 'Land Before Time', with its tribe of various dinosaurs plus a pterodactyl, is a story about putting aside so-called 'differences' and striving together in 'united we stand, divided we fall' fashion in order to leave the unlovely wilderness and find a land of freedom and equality (in this case the Great Valley).An excellent and unmissable adventure which will appeal to anybody of any age.The sequels sadly did away with the grittyness of this first film and instead turned to TV cartoonishness and pointless songs, but most of them (the boring Part 4 aside) are still very enjoyable. But in the tradition of most series of films, the original is the best.
An underrated gem.
posted on 25 Apr 2007My Take: An underrated animated adventure. Trim, but a minor classic all its own. THE LAND BEFORE TIME, by acclaimed animator Don Bluth (AN American TAIL), is a kids movie that can be as equally enjoyable to the adults, once they know it's film that's not entirely for them. The film has a terrific story, and some adorable characters and fine visuals to go with it. The adults might think that this might be a good babysitter to younger audiences, but, if it is, it could be the very best one there will ever be. You can watch it with the kids, and you won't have to worry about being bored. Because, unlike Bluth's ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN, it isn't to childish to limit itself as a total kids flick.The story is about survival, setting place during the dawn of the dinosaurs. The plot is probably inspired by the FANTASIA segment "The Rite of Spring", which shows the life during the age of dinosaurs, and the torrid confrontation with survival after wards when a heavy drought wipes out their resources and they're forced to migrate.Now, variate that plot and have younger dinosaurs do all the work, and you get the idea of THE LAND BEFORE TIME. But, really, it was more than that. Bluth provides his talent charms in directing animated films, this time widening the target audience, and results in a story worth telling.Even if you know what might happen, it has charm, it has peril and also has drama, you don't really care and just let the scene take you away. There are lots of these dramatic and charming scenes. There are also a few scenes of peril and suspense, which may scare the kids.But overall, THE LAND BEFORE TIME is a good time watching movies. It's one of the best fables to come out of it's time. High recommendations all the way.Rating: ***** out of 5.
if you were born in the 80s, before The Lion King there was The Land Before Time
posted on 26 Mar 2007Like other 80s babies, so to speak, if you were born in that era before the Disney movies of the 90s- which did almost reach a mini-renaissance before plummeting towards the end of the decade- you first saw the animated films of Don Bluth more than Disney. This was one of them, and it is a film that, for a certain sort of kid (such as myself) can be watched countless times. It's short, maybe too short as one of its flaws (Bluth didn't retain final cut with Spielberg and Lucas in the background), as it only develops this epic tale of kiddie dinosaurs going through a harsh, dangerous journey to reach the oasis, the Great Valley. There aren't any time for songs, which is a plus, as Bluth gets in more time for some very realistic- for what is available at the time- animation of the environment. The kiddie dinosaurs themselves, Littlefoot the main protagonist (who also loses his mother, in the Bambi and Lion King vein though here even more of a shock to kids as its from nature and not from some other being to grasp), Cera, Petrie, Ducky and Spike, each have their own personalities ranging from heroic to goofy to scared and even stuck-up. This gives something that kids can hang on to, very simple characterizations that change only through the often used but not too tiresome ideal of friendship and group-work, etc etc.Some of these scenes, the sillier ones, do end up making it more of a movie that holds more for the kids than the adults. That years later it doesn't lose much of its power visually, however, is a real credit to Bluth and his team, who along with An American Tail here make children's movies that know what they are, but make them in brilliant uses of the medium. The Tyrannasorus Rex- Sharptooth- is an immensely imposing presence with it saying never a word, as if it was pulled right out of the sequence from Fantasia. The design of the film is also extremely well laid, in a kind of dying world that like all fairy tales becomes all the more compelling in relation to what is the final paradise-type goal. It could almost be said that it might be much for wee little ones (younger than 5) could take, but it really wasn't as I remember it from first seeing it. It balances its look with its characters, making it a near-classic film of its time. Alternately cute and violent, poetic and kitschy.
Don's Best - Endearing Cast,Exquisite Animation
posted on 27 Oct 2006I've adored this film ever since I first saw it at the cinema in '88. Sweet Littlefoot, Bold Cera, Chatty Ducky, Timid Petrie & Greedy Spike are the cutest dinosaurs ever. Anyone unmoved by their adventures must have a heart of stone. The animation is superb and so is the soundtrack. Each dinosaur has a distinctive personality and you laugh and cry with them throughout. I only wish the film had been longer. The sequels are cute but it is the original that has the most heart. 10/10
Ignore the sequels. The original is the very greatest!
posted on 12 Oct 2006This film is one of the greatest family movies I've ever seen. Absolutely none of the sequels, with the possible exception of the second one, ever come close to matching this one in grandeur and majesty.It teaches children self-reliance, confidence, the value of friendship, the hope for a better future, no matter how far away it may seem.This is one of the few movies I saw as a child that has stood the test of time. Now twenty-three years old, I still enjoy it. It's one of Don Bluth's greatest works ever, and I hope they come out with a director's cut sometime that puts back in all the material the studio cut, much to Bluth's protest, from his film.
The Land Before Time
posted on 04 Aug 2006When I was young I used to love this prehistoric cartoon from the makers of An American Tail, and director Don Bluth. A brontosaurus (or Long Neck) named Littlefoot is orphaned after Sharp Tooth the Tyranosaurus Rex kills his mother. He travels with a bunch of friends also separated from their parents (by an earthquake) to a place called The Great Valley. He travels with Three Horn (Tricerotops), Cera, Big Mouth (?), Ducky, Flyer (Terodactal), Petrie and Spike Tail (?), Spike. As they travel they are both trying to escape from Sharp Tooth, and trying to get tree stars (leaves) to eat from trees. The kids will love both the good animation, and the fact that the main characters are dinosaurs. I would also recommend this to parents with very young kids who were frightened by Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Narrated by Batman's Pat Hingle. Good!
Made me cry. See it.
posted on 02 Jul 2006This was the most amazing animated film I've ever seen. BAR NONE. Strangely, although it was meant to be a kid's movie, it didn't feel like it. For example, Littlefoot's mother says that none of the dinosaurs talk to each other because they're different. For some reason, that makes me think of racism, and how this may have been the first kid's movie to really deal with that sort of thing up-front and personal. The dinosaur society is really and truly racist, until a group of five kids become friends and bring their families together.In addition to the underlying themes, it didn't seem like much of a kid's movie because even now, as a teenage girl, I was and still am terrified by the fight scenes with Sharptooth and the other dinosaurs. And there was some really delicious humour put in there that still makes me laugh. I first saw this eleven years ago, when I was three, and I still laugh, cry, and gasp with fear in all the same places. It's really a shame that they created all those sequels, though. The first one had such a sense of closure, and then they had to ruin it with ten sequels, each one getting progressively more horrible. Still, though: I sincerely recommend this to anyone who loves a good story.
Perilous Adventures From a Land Before Time!
posted on 21 Aug 2009[CONTAINS SPOILERS] Our story begins a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Whoops, sorry, wrong movie. When you've done as many reviews as I have, you tend to mix up your movies. But this story does begin very long ago. Long before man ever walked the earth. Before the antelope, sheep, lion, tiger, any animal at the zoo! The dinosaurs roamed the earth. There were two kinds: flat-teethed ones who thrived on roughage while the sharp-teethed ones thrived on meat, which meant they usually ate the leaf eaters. The leaf-eaters were heading for a legendary utopia known as The Great Valley, a land of everlasting green plants. The journey would be rough! They only stopped to hatch their young. A Brontosaurus family just had a hatchling. The mother named him Littlefoot because his feet were little. That's logical, isn't it?Littlefoot developed a taste for treestars. His mother told him of The Great Valley and he got excited. The traveling Brontosauruses or Long Necks were Littlefoot, his mother and his grandparents. Littlefoot met a Triceratops, or Three Horn, named Cera. Cera was bossy and highly territorial. Littlefoot was told that three-horns never play with long- necks. Each herd must stay with their own kind simply because they're different. That night, Littlefoot met up with Cera again and they splashed in the water. Suddenly, a Tyrannosaurus Rex or "Sharptooth", tried to attack them. Littlefoot's mom to the rescue but unfortunately she was attached by the T-Rex! Suddenly, there was an enormous earthquake that separated the kids from the adults. Littlefoot's mom died, leaving him all alone and sad. Then one day he met a fast-talking swimmer named Ducky then they met a nervous flyer named Petrie. Actually, Petrie couldn't fly. They met up with Cera who caused Ducky to meet Spike, a baby Stegasaurus who didn't talk, just ate. Constantly. Together, Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Ducky and Petrie headed for the Great Valley. Sharptooth kept them on the run. Cera kept trying to be the leader. Littlefoot and Cera fought. Ducky, Spike and Petrie went with Cera after that and she lead them to the volcanoes! Luckily, the friends survived and before long reach the Great Valley and are reunited with their families! They live happily ever after. A pretty good film. It's from Don Bluth who also did An American Tale. George Lucas (Star Wars) worked on this film too! The story kind of relates to Bambi, except here, Littlefoot defeats the guy who whacked his mother. A tragety about this film is that Judith Barsi, who voiced Ducky, was killed before the film's release. She was only 11. How sad. The narrator is Pat Hingle. You may remember him from such films as "Batman", "Maximum Overdrive", and a few others. The Land Before Time was followed by a seemingly endless line of sequels! There's a total of 8 films in the saga. Can we expect Part IX? Yes. But until then, we can enjoy the original!