Review of Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland (1989) by Orion W — 09 Jul 2008

I'm amazed that I had never seen this film before, but I do vaguely recall seeing the trailer on TV in 1992 when it was release nation-wide in the US. I still don't know to this day why I didn't demand to see it back then, because IMO its a fantastic film. And why not? look who have been involved with it over the long course of its production, Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston (2 of Walt Disney's 9 old men), Ray Bradbury, Hayao Miyazaki, Osamu Dezaki, Chris Columbus, and many more. Thats an impressive crew list. Sure they didn't all stick around to see it finished because of creative difference or something like that, but their collective input really makes this film a treat. Basic story is as follows:

A young, curious, and adventurous boy, Nemo wakes one night to an invitation to visit the wondrous world of Slumberland. There he is dubbed a prince, but soon finds that his new position involves the responsibility of protecting and saving Slumberland from evils like the Nightmare King.

Based off of the turn of the century comic strip by Winsor McCay, who was a long lost animation visionary who first animated his characters in 1911! This movie made me want to go out and get the collected version of his stories (and next time I'm in Bern, I'm picking it up).

Honestly, this has to be one of the most beautifully animated films not made by Studio Ghibli or Walt Disney himself. I hope another DVD release it made soon. But until then, there are torrents for it, so.....