Shiloh

How refreshing, a story about a boy and his dog that Hollywood didn't try to milk to death. Based on the Newberry Award-winning children's novel by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, this simple film tells the tale of Marty (Blake Heron), a young boy who tries to save a beagle puppy from a mean old poacher and habitual dog-mistreater named Judd (Scott Wilson). Marty works hard to earn enough money to buy Shiloh from Mr. Meany, then discovers that a man's word isn't always the gospel. With scruples to die for, Marty learns (and teaches) important lessons about love, courage and fighting for what you believe in. Well paced, and nicely acted, this is good (and rare) old-fashioned family entertainment, affordably priced. Highly recommended. (N. Plympton)[DVD Review—Sept. 5, 2006—Warner, 93 min., PG, $12.98—Making its first appearance on DVD, 1996's Shiloh sports a nice transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. DVD extras include an intro by film critic Roger Ebert; interviews with the cast, filmmakers, and author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (14 min.); a brief PSA on reading; and trailers. Bottom line: a small but solid extras package for a fine family film.]