The Last Unicorn
Posted on May 11, 2009 at 8:00 am
B+| Lowest Recommended Age: | Kindergarten - 3rd Grade |
| MPAA Rating: | G |
| Profanity: | None |
| Alcohol/ Drugs: | None |
| Violence/ Scariness: | Fairy tale peril |
| Diversity Issues: | None |
| Date Released to Theaters: | 1982 |
| Date Released to DVD: | 2009 |
| Amazon.com ASIN: | B000KJU128 |
I am delighted to report that the animated version of Peter S. Beagle’s classic fairy tale has been re-mastered and re-issued — and that you can get a personalized autographed copy from the author himself. The beloved family classic, with music by Jimmy Webb (of “Up, Up, and Away in My Beautiful Balloon” fame) is the story of a unicorn (voice of Mia Farrow) who believes she is the last of her kind. On a journey with a wizard named Schmendrick (voice of Alan Arkin), she is captured and then enchanted and turned into a human. She becomes more and more human on the inside, experiencing the emotions of love and regret, before she is reunited with her herd.
The 40th anniversary edition of the book is also available and can be inscribed.
I have known Mr beagle’s work for a very long time. His are some of the books I treasure and pass along to my kids and anyone interested in well writen fantasy. It is sad when the business of writing impedes the art of writing for any format or genre. I hope Mr. Beagle gets the money owed him, and then some. He is one of those lesser known but quite exceptional literary treasures that will be honored by many generations. Bakshi was also undone by the financial orcs of filmdom, to everyone’s loss. I hope Lionsgate does not become so focused on profit that they also lose their vision and sense of purpose.
As to the animated film, I am glad to know it has been restored. I wish there had been more of an “edge” to it – the doe-eyed unicorn look is too “Lisa Frank – sparkle stickers” for my taste. The “My Little Pony” description is apt. But the book is not that simple or saccharine. It is another of Beagle’s excellent adventure stories.
Very insightful on all counts, jestrfyl, thanks. Rankin-Bass are not my favorite animation studio. I’d love to see this book filmed by Pixar or Disney!