Making War Horse

Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's children's novel War Horse—about an English lad who joins the army to be reunited with the beloved horse that's been drafted to serve on the front lines in World War I—was one of the most anticipated films of 2011. But Making War Horse isn't about the movie, but rather offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mounting of the play—by Britain's National Theatre—which went on to win great critical acclaim (and audience popularity) both in London and later on Broadway, where it won a 2011 Tony award. Filmmakers David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky follow the evolution of the project from its initial conception through its realization on stage, concentrating on the use of full-sized puppets to serve as the horses (and some human figures, too). The heroes here aren't writer Nick Stafford, artistic director Nicholas Hytner, or even the actors, but rather the Handspring Puppet Company, a South African firm whose employees worked wonders in crafting the magnificent puppets, operated by three or four puppeteers each, that became the heart of the production and the main reason behind its enormous success on both sides of the Atlantic. DVD extras include a lengthy interview with Morpurgo, “making-of” featurettes, backstage footage, a segment on Handspring, a visit to the King's Troop of royal horsemen, and a stills gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)