The Velveteen Rabbit DVD

I first encountered The Velveteen Rabbit as an adult and even then it brought a tear to my eye with what has become the the iconic quote from the Skin Horse:

"Real isn't how you are made... It's a thing that happens to you. When a child Loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

This film from Signature Entertainment creates a whole story around the rabbit's adventures with a lonely little boy called Toby sent by his distant father to spend the festive season with his grumpy grandmother. Predictably, Grandmother softens to become Nana after Toby learns from the toys in the magical attic that his relative also played there as did his father.

For the scenes in which the toys come alive the film transforms into animation and there are some enchanting adventures. There are also scenes which many will relate to: Toby unable to throw a ball properly, losing a favourite toy, decorating a Christmas tree and thinking a visit to Santa will make everything right again. Staid Grandmother practices her driving skills and takes a new approach to life – summoning her son home. Then illness strikes when Toby is in the magical world – will he ever be able to return?

This is a very gentle film that explores relationships and growing up and the wonder of childhood.

Perfect family viewing.

The Velveteen Rabbit is directed by Michael Landon Jr; Toby is played by Matthew Harbour with Una Kay as his Grandmother and Kevin Jubinville his father. Ellen Burstyn, Tom Skerrit and Chandler Wakefield provide the voices for Swan, Horse and Rabbit while Jane Seymour is the voice of Mom.

PWT rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Velveteen Rabbit [DVD] [2007] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] is available from Amazon.