An American Tail [DVD] [1986]

Told from a Russian Jewish mouse immigrant perspective, we follow the adventures and misadventures of Feivel and his family, as he is exposed to the glories and seemier underside of American culture and the American immigrant perspective as they seek a promised land with no cats. The story kind of meanders here and there, and isn't too cohesive, but it's still a good watch as we see Don Bluth bring a Spielberg production to life. And the main character, young Feivel, really is an adorable mouse, rivaling Mickey of Disney fame and Jerry of MGM notoriety. I love animation, but I typically don't like child oriented or so-called "family" fare where the story is meant strictly for young kids, but this film is kind of endearing on all levels, and because it isn't the ultra clean fare so accustomed to being given to children and their parents for entertainment. It gives the spirit of what it must have been like to be an immigrant in late 18th century or early 20th century America, and does so by showing us the grittiness of the environment and surroundings without being explicit in nature to keep the film family and child friendly. And that's the real magic of this film. It can get down to brass tax of the hardships and still tell a rather endearing story with Don Bluth's usual high caliber film making techniques. And the message at the end of the film is heart warming. Don Bluth really is a magician when it comes to animation. The man is an absolute sorcerer when it comes to conjuring animated magic on screen. Check out "An American Tail". Good value for money.

Former Disney associate Don Bluth's second full length animated feature, released in 1986, involves a Jewish mouse named Fievel who along with his family board a ship to immigrate from Russia to America seeking freedom from the Cossacks and their cats in 1885, because they think that there are no cats there. However, in route Fievel gets washed overboard and is separated from his family, but makes it to New York in a floating bottle where he sets out on a quest to find his family. Finding friends, such as Henri (a pigeon who oversees the construction of the Statue of Liberty) and various mice friends and foes who help as well as hinder him. After many perils, especially when the reality hits that there are cats in the U.S., although not all of them are bad, he finds out. Cutting to the chase, he finally achieves his goal.

An American Tail is a great kids movie. It also is a fun movie to watch with your kids. I recommend it.

Love this movie as a kid. Bought it as a present for my sister. Perfect addition to the collection.

I remember this movie Very fondly from my own childhood and wanted to share it with my little ankle-biters as well. I was not disappointed with their reaction at all, they loved it too. They especially appreciated the sing-along that was part of the bonus features on this DVD.

To tell the truth, I secretly bought this for myself, since I love the song "Somewhere out there". But now that I have grandchildren, it really is for them. A little bit scary, a little bit sad for the young ones but they still liked it. And it ends well.

Now I have to say I love the sequel more..but I of course love this Movie just a much and soon as I saw it on Blu-ray I had to get it well worth a watch specially if you have kids or you’re still a kid at heart

Love the movie, but I didn't give it 5 stars because I bought it 'cuz it came with a digital copy. Didn't have an expiration date for the digital copy on the package. I had to look it up online. Expired in 12/17. I bought it May 2018. Its great if you just want the physical disc and don't care for digital movies.