Paddle to the Sea (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

OK, it's a classic and it brings back memories of my childhood spent in the Great Lakes region during the period when this was made. On the other hand, Criterion didn't release the hi-def version, which the Canadian National Film board has produced. Unfortunately, that's only available as a download. Which I have a copy. On the other hand, a disc is nice if you want to watch this and can't find the downloaded copy. That's why I bought this. I would have hoped for more info about the making of this, but it's just the movie in standard DVD quality. OK, that's pretty close to what the NFB high-def version is like. And the DVD is slightly less expensive than the download.

Having loved this short film as a youngster, I was delighted to find it available on DVD as an adult. And as it turned out, it's just as enjoyable decades later, perhaps even more so. Such a simple premise, it made the translation from beloved children's book to beloved children's film beautifully. Viewers of every age will be carried along on the long & perilous journey undertaken by the hand-carved canoe & its stoic passenger. It gives a vivid sense of vast distances, encounters with dangers & wonders along the way, and leaves the viewer with a new perspective — at least it did for this viewer! I thought it was wonderful that Criterion release this children's film, as we;; as THE RED BALLOON & WHITE MANE, a few years ago. I'm still hoping they'll release more classic short films for children, either individually or in a boxed set. Until & if that happens, though, PADDLE TO THE SEA will remain a journey that never gets old or two familiar — most highly recommended!

I remember seeing this a few times in school. It would be a hot late spring in the valley, and the teacher would check out a projector and show us a couple of films, this being one of them. It's a film about a boy's creation and message sent out to explore the world. You might call it a native American version of a Pioneer or Voyager spacecraft, but without any means to tell its creator what it had seen nor what it had experienced. A really delightful film for all ages. Whether you're young or old this is really a kind of heart warming tale. Check it out.

My wife would reminisce about the wonderful book PADDLE TO THE SEA that she remembers reading as a young girl growing up in Michigan. She thought the story of adventure and perseverance was one she wanted to share with our grandchildren. While this video is rather basic by today's cg standards, the essence of the book and story remain. While the 14 year old was kind of fidgety, the 12 and 10 year old were engrossed and appreciated seeing the book come to life. No movie can ever replicate the details in books and letting your imagination fill in the blanks. This video is the same in that there are many blanks. However, the heart of the story is there and if you first read the book, you should have an enjoyable experience.

Condensed from book. DVD Gives six/seven year olds motivation.

I don't think you found this page by accident. Bill Mason made several beautiful films about canoes and no collection is complete without this film. The story is simple it follows a toy canoe as it journeys from the Canadian wilderness down through the Great Lakes and finally out to sea. If you have never read the book that this movie is based off of that comes highly recommended as well.

It had been 45+ years since I last saw this film and I remembered loving it in grade school. My brother told me he had purchased a copy so I did the same. WELL WORTH IT! It's a great story done so well. Amazing filming considering special effects didn't apply. My wife saw it for the first time and Loved it too. A simpler time, a great story. We don't have children but if you do, this is a MUST HAVE!

A true classic from my childhood memories. Growing up around the Great Lakes in southern Ontario, Canada and spending much time vacationing in Northern Ontario around Lake Huron and later Lake Superior, this movie and the book absolutely fascinated me and piqued my interest in physical geography and the interrelationships of land and water where I lived. I now live in the dry US west in Utah but have a romantic and spiritual connection to the waters of the Great Lakes. I bought this movie and the book so that my young sons in 2nd and 5th grades can be exposed to something I valued as a child.

One of the best NFB productions, used the VHS copy many times in my classroom, a Classic. I even have the book. A carver one winter's day starts carving and painting Paddle to the Sea and underneath the canoe puts "Put Me Back" it travels over a year downstream to the sea, the scenery is spectacular. After many adventures including a trip over the Niagara Falls and through the lock system it eventually gets to it's destination. Very recommended! A pleasure to see.

I remember watching this film in the mid 1970's in Little Current Public School in Manitoulin Island (Lake Huron, Georgian Bay). As a child I dreamed of making a similar journey although some of "Paddle's" detours seemed a little frightening. I now dream of commissioning a carving of the little traveller for my office. Highly short recommended film - an excellent film depiction of a classic Canadian story. I also purchased the beautifully illustrated novel.

I would love to write a glowing review about this DVD - but it has not yet arrived. When it does; I shall. Mort Smith

Bought it for my granddaughter, along with the wonderful Bill Mason movie. My wife, an American had not read or seen it --loved it.

A childhood reminder.