Criterion Collection: Red Balloon

( 14 )

Overview

Most of French director Albert Lamorisse's films celebrate the miracle of flight, but few were as landmark as his 1956 short subject The Red Balloon. The story, told with a minimum of dialogue, concerns a little boy played by the director's son Pascal who comes across a helium-filled balloon. As he plays with his new acquisition, the boy discovers that the balloon seemingly has a mind of its own. The little red orb follows its new "master" all through the streets of Paris, then dogs the boy's trail into the ...
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More About This Product

Overview

Most of French director Albert Lamorisse's films celebrate the miracle of flight, but few were as landmark as his 1956 short subject The Red Balloon. The story, told with a minimum of dialogue, concerns a little boy played by the director's son Pascal who comes across a helium-filled balloon. As he plays with his new acquisition, the boy discovers that the balloon seemingly has a mind of its own. The little red orb follows its new "master" all through the streets of Paris, then dogs the boy's trail into the schoolroom, which drives the teacher to comic distraction. Towards the end, it seems as though boy and balloon will be parted forever....but director Lamorisse has a delightful surprise in store for us. In an unusual move, The Red Balloon in its American TV premiere was introduced by Ronald Reagan as an episode of the CBS anthology G.E. Theater on April 2, 1961.
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Lucia Bozzola
A classic short film and a beloved children's story, Albert Lamorisse's Le Ballon Rouge (1956) radiantly celebrates the ability of a child's imagination to take flight. Starring Lamorisse's winsome son, Pascal Lamorisse, and the most expressive crimson helium and rubber object ever, Le Ballon Rouge's tale about a boy and his eponymous object is a touching fable of friendship and loss, as the balloon takes it upon itself to join the boy in his daily activities. Floating along with the boy, the balloon wreaks comic havoc on the boy's daily routine, and moves lyrically through his Paris neighborhood; their seemingly doomed adventures reach a magical conclusion that caps the film's visual beauty. A prize winner at Cannes and the New York Film Critics Circle's Best Foreign Film, Le Ballon Rouge even enchanted the Academy enough to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, a rare honor for a short (not to mention foreign and dialogue-free) film, and a testament to its durable, fanciful charm.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 4/29/2008
  • UPC: 715515028820
  • Original Release: 1956

    • Rating:

  • Source: Criterion
  • Region Code: 1
  • Presentation: Full Frame
  • Language: Français
  • Time: 34:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 2,776

Scene Index

Disc #1 -- The Red Balloon
1. Logos/Opening Credits [1:58]
2. Pascal in Paris [4:05]
3. A Walk in the Rain [3:46]
4. "Obey Me, And Be Good" [3:56]
5. School [4:29]
6. Flea Market [5:04]
7. Pascal Buys a Pastry [2:42]
8. The Chase [4:27]
9. All the Balloons in Paris [3:55]
10. Color Bars [:00]
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Menu

Disc #1 -- The Red Balloon
   Play the Movie
   Chapters
   Trailer
   Subtitles
      On/Off
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 14 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(7)

4 Star

(3)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(2)

1 Star

(1)

Your Rating:

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Sort by: Showing all of 14 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Wonderful Short Film!

    I first saw this film on TV when I was eleven. This little boy found a big red balloon and carried along with him everywhere, regardless how others looked at him. I was a lonely kid when I was little, and I saw myself in this boy, when he carried his red balloon, it was like he was holding on to his dream and happiness. His stubborness comforted me, inspired me. I had been looking everywhere to buy this DVD, finally I found it at Netflix.com, but could only watch online. Until now, I'm able to own one. I am very very happy!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    A must for Film School studies

    This is a simple little movie with a minimum amount of dialog, yet it tells a story that can be interpreted in many ways. There are really two stars of this film, the boy and the balloon which is given a character through cunning use of editing and photography.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Memories

    I saw this movie in Elementary school. I am now an adult. Somehow this movie always comes to my mind. Unforgettable. Enjoyable. A classic.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    a childhood favorite

    My favorite film as a child. This masterpiece of cinematic art is a must have, a wonderful inspiration. I highly recommend this movie, a wonderful children's classic.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    I was introduced to this as a third grader in book form.I thoroughly enjoyed it during story time. I encouraged my mother to buy the book for our home library. My family agreed it was exceptional.As an adult and a mom , I purchased it in VHS form for my family library. I am thrilled to see it now will be available in DVD! This is Wonderful! It is a must-see for any one who loves photography, film , Paris and the magic of childhood . It is fun to view over and over and over again!!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great Piece, short and packed

    A great movie for kids and grown ups. It will require patience, but store is worth it. Its a tale of what friendship really is and the loyalty it can produce without a single word of utterance.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Teachable Moments

    I showed this film to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders back when we didn't have DVD's. The 5th graders, at that time, gave excellent feedback. Third and fourth graders also got meaning from this movie. My VCR tape got destroyed a several years ago. I am so glad to see that it is available.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A Powerful Metaphor

    I have loved this movie since I saw it in school. Since then, I have shown it myself in many classes. If taken just at face value, I can see where it could be disturbing. However, it is a metaphor for Christ's life, death and resurrection, and as such is a powerful tool for discussion with young people (or adults).

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Sad and Depressing

    I thought this thing was so awful when I saw it as a child. The kids appears to be isolated and then he finds comfort in a balloon? I was incredibly disturbed by it as a child, if you have sensitive kids I would not recommend it.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 22, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 11, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 21, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 9, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 11, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 14 Customer Reviews