John Cusack Movie:

Editorial Review:
Stomping out their usual cuteness and carbon copying Disney's grand animation style to a T, directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman (An American Tail) create a successful musical comedy from the story of the lost Russian princess. Adapting the story of imperialism and revolution is tricky, and subsequently the film's opening is weak. Once Anya (voiced by Meg Ryan, sung by Liz Callaway) is a teenager and on her own (suffering from some degree of amnesia), the film is quite pleasing though never refreshingly new.

Twentieth Century Fox's big-money gamble to horn in on Disney's realm is worthy. The songs, especially the recurrent "Once Upon a December," by Broadway team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are better than Disney's recent efforts. It's worth picking up the soundtrack. The mix of cell animation and computer work is vivid. The collection of vocal talent is also strong, from John Cusack (as Dimitri, who wants to earn the reward by bringing Anya to Paris) to Hank Azaria as an amusing albino bat. Kelsey Grammer helps turn a roly-poly sidekick into a warm and strong supporting character.

The biggest drawback is Bluth/Goldman's insistence on having a typical villain. Surprisingly, the story would be strong enough without one, and the undead corpse of Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd) is unneeded and unoriginal. --Doug Thomas

Anastasia [Region 2] Reviews:
The movie is fine.
2008-12-01 - I love this movie, so that is why I decided to buy it. The only problem I had with the movie was when it was shipped to me, the entire case was destoryed. The movie itself was perfectly fine but the case was not. I am upset that the company shipped the movie in that condition since I bought the movie brand new.

Ridiculous...
2008-09-18 - Ok. For starters this is an adorable little movie about one "orphans" struggle to belong and find happiness. Its not supposed to be historicaly accurate it never CLAIMED to be historically accurate. Your supposed to take it for what it is instead of throwing and excpecting all these hidden meanings in it. Yes, Rasputen is a very graphic character but any reviews of him "scarring your children for life" should be COMPLETELY disregarded as having a very wimpy child and nothing more. For christs sake people, its a cartoon. Now I don't reccomend anyone under the age of 4 watching this movie alone. A childs greatest comfort is its parents/guardians so take a break and watch it together. Almost eliminates the chance for being scared. I give it 5 stars and btw, my 1 yr old little girl watched this with me and laughed at the parts where rasputen was falling apart. Im serious, NOT a scary movie at all.

Anastasia
2008-08-31 - I bought this for my daughter who is married and used to watch it as a child. She has a daughter now and know they will have many fun times watching it together.

Anastasia
2008-08-26 - The DVD I received was damaged. This two disc set was not complete because the second disk did not play. I sent it back, and they sent me another one. I sent it back because the movie did not play. The second one they sent me was damaged, and it did not play. I think they just resent the same disk.

Anastasia
2008-08-01 - Movie is appropriate for all ages. Good story with good animation.
Enjoy!