Harvie Krumpet

UPC: 634991205429

Studio: Studio Works

MPAA Rating: NR   Contains:null

Summary: We all have a stroke of bad luck from time to time, but Harvie Krumpet seems to be a special case. From the moment he was born, Harvie's life has been an unending series of unfortunate mishaps. From being born with Tourette's syndrome to succumbing to the ravaging effects of Alzheimer's disease in later years, the dark clouds gathered over Harvie's head have never ceased or parted, yet somehow this hapless soul seems to enjoy all of life's riches regardless. After all, what's life without a bit of struggle now and then to make you better appreciate the good things (like love, freedom, and nudity)? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Category: Comedy Drama

Awards: Best Animated Short – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Honorable Mention in Short Filmmaking – Sundance Film Festival

Features: Uncle (6 min.) - 1996
Cousin (4 min.) - 1998
Brother (8 min.) - 1999
Human Behavioural Case Studies (1 min.) - 1996
Director's commentary
Storyboard featurette (5 min.)
Character model shots

Harvie Krumpet

Format: Digital Video Disc (DVD)

Release Date: 11/09/2004

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Alternate Wide Screen

Audio: DD5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1, DD2 Dolby Digital Stereo

Runtime: 72 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Subtitles: English,French

Region: USA & territories, Canada

Chapters: Side #1 --
1. Harvie's Childhood [4:48]
2. New Life in Australia [4:37]
3. Seize the Day Harvie [6:33]
4. Life at Pleasant Paddocks [6:00]

Craig Butler

Winner of an Academy Award for animated short, Harvie Krumpet is a poignant and charming fable for grown-ups that doesn't quite satisfy. Mind you, Harvie is definitely engaging and, at 22 minutes, well worth the time it takes to view the piece. But, while one doesn't expect original profundity from a short animated film, it must be noted that Harvie's ultimate message -- that life is short and should be lived to its fullest, despite the obstacles in one's way -- comes across as a trifle pat. It would be a different story if one felt that the message was meant to be somewhat ironic, that the troubles that attend the title character might undermine the optimistic message, but that doesn't really seem to be the case. However, despite the too-obvious message, Harvie does indeed entertain. The story is both appealing and quirky, and the characters have enough of an edge to be interesting but not so much of one as to be off-putting. Writer-director-animator Adam Elliot imbues the film with a lovely modern fairy tale feeling, and the claymation style animation is expertly handled; indeed, there are several moments in which the design of the piece is simply lovely. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Julie Forsyth  Actor 
Kamahl  Actor 
Melanie Coombs  Producer 
Adam Elliot  Director 
Adam Elliot  Screenwriter 
Geoffrey Rush  Actor 
John Flaus  Actor 

Country: Australia