The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

Excellent family movie

Great movie that isn't sappy or simplistic. You'll be at the edge of your seat several times, especially at the end. June 6, 2008

the journey of nattie gann

I saw this movie when it first came out- i loved it... i recently purchased it for my grandsons.... November 14, 2007

The Journey of Natty Gann

A very good movie about a journey of a little girl who would not give up. September 1, 2007

A journey of hope and persistence against great odds!

Set in 1935, the Depression is the main villain in this emotional, coming-of-age adventure tale of a young girl's journey from Chicago to Washington in search of her father. When Natty Gann's father is offered a job as a logger in Washington, he must leave his tomboyish daughter with a friend until he can afford to send for her. Natty's habit of getting into trouble immediately lands her on the road, however, forced to become a rail-rider and having to avoid the law and adults in general, most of whom want to lock her up or worse. Along the way, she teams up with an intelligent and protective wolf that she helps escape from a dogfighting den and a more experienced young drifter seeking work wherever he can find it. Together, the three give each other the support they need to stay the course. Meanwhile, when Natty's father is informed of her wallet being found at the scene of a train wreck, he sinks into despair believing she has been killed and takes on the most dangerous jobs at the logging camp. If Natty doesn't find him in time, he's sure to be the next accidental death.

"The Journey of Natty Gann" is a gem of a film coming from the Disney Studios at a time when their live-action features were thoughtful and low on glitter and plastic. Released in 1985, this was the era of Disney films like "One Magic Christmas," "Never Cry Wolf," and "Flight of the Navigator." Introducing 80's cutie Meredith Salenger in the title role and John Cusack as the fellow drifter she befriends, "The Journey of Natty Gann" does a marvelous job of recreating the world of the Great Depression and truly makes its presence felt throughout the film. The story is touching, beautifully shot, and frequently unpredictable, and the performances are wonderful. You may not like Natty much at the very beginning, but by the end you'll adore her.

The DVD release is another matter. Unfortunately, there's nothing really positive I can say about the release, and forget what I said about this film being beautifully shot when you sit down to watch it. It's got bad picture quality, horrible pan and scan, bad audio, zero extras... For something like that to happen to a movie like this is nothing short of a crime! All I can say is, this is a film everyone should have in their video library, but don't pay too much for this edition of it. It really is just like watching a VHS tape. Let's hope a better edition comes along someday, but I picked this one up just in case. Poor quality is better than not having this charming Disney classic at all.

Oh, and if you like this Disney film, please seek out other Disney live-action classics. Try the ones I mentioned in this review, and also checkout "White Fang," "Iron Will," and "Napoleon and Samantha" among others.

August 29, 2007

Five stars for the film, but none for this lousy DVD.

A magnificent film, I love it. Very well done in acting, cinematography, story, etc. This DVD is crappy. It is fullscreen and it is not remastered. A total slap in the face of this classic. Please Disney give this film anamorphic widescreen with 5.1 surround sound and couple extras. If they would do that I would buy it. Until then, avoid this disk. March 29, 2007

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