The Indian in the Cupboard

Writing in the January, 1996 issue of Video Librarian, I said that: "Lynne Reid Banks' beloved modern children's classic about a 9-year-old boy named Omri (Hal Scardino) who brings a toy Indian to life misses more than a little in the translation to the big screen. Scripter Melissa Mathison (E.T.) has added a few mean-spirited bits that weren't in the book, and the whole production--despite some impressive special effects--feels as lifeless as the toy figures that Omri transforms." Sporting a decent-looking transfer, the DVD features both full screen and widescreen versions and an in-depth commentary track by director Frank Oz. Given the perennial popularity of the book, however, consider this a strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—Sept. 22, 2015—Sony, 96 min., PG, $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1995's The Indian in the Cupboard sports a fine transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by director Frank Oz, the featurette “Little Bear: A Return to The Indian in the Cupboard” (13 min.), reflections on the film (5 min.), an archival “making-of” featurette (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for the Blu-ray debut of this popular children's film.]