The Snow Queen (WizArt Animation)

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Bekmambetov-produced 3D Movie ‘Snow Queen’ Set for US Release
RIA Novosti wrote:WASHINGTON, October 7 (RIA Novosti) – Better known for movies featuring vampires and ultra-violence, Russian-Kazakh director Timur Bekmambetov has turned family friendly with his latest project “The Snow Queen” scheduled for release in the US Oct. 11, the entertainment website Deadline.com has reported.

Bekmambetov served as producer for the 3D animated version of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, according to Deadline. It is the first feature length project by Russian computer animation studio Wizart Animation, according to the Moscow-based company’s website.

Bekmambetov also distributed the film in Russia through his own company, Bazelevs, although in the United States it will be distributed by Vertical Entertainment.

“The Snow Queen” tells the story of a young girl who must rescue her brother from an evil queen who has covered the world in ice. A sequel is already planned for next year, following the film’s successful December 2012 release in CIS and Baltic countries, Brazil and South Korea according to the Wizart Animation website.

Bekmambetov, who shot to fame after directing the Russian blockbuster “Night Watch,” has been busy of late. In September it was confirmed that he would be directing a remake of “Ben Hur,” while he is also reportedly working on a project about flesh-eating squirrels according to US media reports.
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A Tale of Two Snow Queens
Timb C wrote:Image

It was the best of ani­ma­tion, it was the worst of ani­ma­tion. Over the next cou­ple months, you will be able to choose for your­self which is the true Queen, and which will be the also ran. One is from Dis­ney, and one is pro­duced in the frozen land of Rus­sia; both are based on the clas­sic tale The Snow Queen by Hans Chris­t­ian Ander­sen… and both, inter­est­ingly enough, have just released new trail­ers in antic­i­pa­tion of their pend­ing releases.

First let’s look at the Inlay Film Com­pany and Wiz­art Ani­ma­tion pro­duc­tion of Snezh­naya Korol­eva (The Snow Queen). This released the end of last year in it’s native Rus­sia, and will finally see US release on Octo­ber 11. Clos­est to the orig­i­nal in story, it is also the least known of the two. Small bud­get (7 mil­lion US) and an unknown cast, this David is tak­ing on the mighty Goliath of Disney’s Frozen.

It prob­a­bly will not make much, but it does not need to. After watch­ing the trailer, the act­ing seems to be lack­ing, and the ani­ma­tion is not always top rate.… but it sur­prised me how much bet­ter it is than I would have thought (espe­cially after view­ing Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adven­ture).

It’s hard to say exactly what’s wrong with the newest trailer for Disney’s “Frozen” — but some­thing seems a bit “off” about the whole thing. The ani­ma­tion and design look fine (if unin­spired), and the voice act­ing seems to fit the char­ac­ters. Per­haps it’s just that the trailer doesn’t really give us much of an idea of what the film is about — as it is, it strikes one as a series of mostly unfunny comedic moments that never really fully cohere or make you want to watch the movie.

The dull nar­ra­tion that begins the trailer, along with the com­pletely inex­plic­a­ble title cards that explain the char­ac­ters’ rela­tion­ships and ask incom­pre­hen­si­ble rhetor­i­cal (?) ques­tions, don’t help matters.

There’s an art to mak­ing trail­ers — in the best cases, a trailer is like a great short film in and of itself. It tells a coher­ent and excit­ing story, with­out giv­ing the movie’s best moments away. This trailer, on the other hand, sort of falls apart on the “remain­ing coher­ent” front.

But Dis­ney afi­ciona­dos shouldn’t give up hope — those who recall the pro­mo­tional cam­paign for "Tan­gled" may remem­ber how many of the trail­ers for the film failed to accu­rately rep­re­sent the final prod­uct. It may well be that Dis­ney sim­ply isn’t sure how to sell “Frozen,” and this is sim­ply another “Tan­gled” sit­u­a­tion where the final prod­uct ends up a lot bet­ter than the under­whelm­ing trailers.

So there you go, two ani­mated Frozen Snow Queens for your view­ing plea­sure this fall. What, that’s not enough? OK, you are right, there is a third Snow Queen, due out in Novem­ber. It is live-action, though…
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The Snow Queen Rotten Tomatoes Page

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The Snow Queen on VUDU
It will be released on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 online.

De Sneeuwkoningin 3D (NL) (The Snow Queen 3D (NL))
The Dutch site for "The Snow Queen."
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Review: 'Snow Queen' delights Hans Christian Andersen admirers with story and soundtrack
brooklynmak wrote:The latest animated adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale, Snow Queen is rich with quirky characters and scenic backgrounds that draws you to another world. The classic story, if you're not familiar, revolves around two siblings, Gerda and Kai who are up against a wicked Snow Queen that has frozen the land. The Snow Queen kidnaps the brother Kai while his sister Gerda must rescue him. Many of the classic characters from Andersen's fable make appearances in this version. The film by studio Wizart Animation, was originally released in Russia late last year and will be out in the U.S. in a week.

The film starts off with the Snow Queen defeating all that might oppose her including that of Kai and Gerda's parents, the father being a wizard who can create mirrors that reveals one true nature. The children are spared when the Snow Queen's menacing winds are repelled by one of the father's mirror in Gerda's possession. Fast forward many years, the two siblings are separated and both living in orphanages that doubles as sweatshops. They are reunited briefly when the Snow Queen's henchman, the troll Orm is sent to find the Wizard's offspring. While the brother Kai is spirited to the Snow Queen, the troll and Gerda are stranded together miles from the Snow Queen. From here, Gerda begins her journey with Orm and her pet ferret, Luta.

The film while full of interesting characters that will have you amused suffers from average character animation, and ambiguous subplots. With most children films there is that one cute character which is filled by Gerda's ferret Luta. His interaction with the troll Orm are some of the most memorable and delightful parts of the film. Aside from Luta though, the character designs from the lead to supporting characters are quite simplistic despite each having distinctive impressionable personalities. This is of course as a result of great voice actors and actresses including Jessica Straus as Gerda and Cindy Robinson as the Snow Queen. The character design is a stark contrast to the stunning world that they live in. From the snowy town to detailed pirate ship stranded, the backgrounds are a sight to behold. There are exceptions though such as the old lady that Gerda visits and finds out about the Snow Queen's origins. The details from the fur in her hood to the wrinkles in her mouth is just astounding.

The story while interesting seems to plod along at an uneven pace. The movie while rich with characters spends no time explaining their backgrounds or motives which is unfortunate. For example the Flower Lady, the King, and the Pirate lady are all characters that could have been delved into more. The Snow Queen did not seem bent on conquest which is the usual motivator for characters such as her in these fairy tales. There's no explanation as to how the two children were separated after their parents met their demise.

Overall, I would recommend this film to admirers of Hans Christian Andersen's tales. While the film is based on a classic tale it would be difficult to considered it as a classic animation along the lines of The Little Mermaid. There is enough to like and entertain most audiences including the soundtrack. However for younger children the story may not keep their attention captured long enough to enjoy. It's regrettable though because if you stick to the end you're well rewarded as the filmmakers takes it up a notch when Gerda and friends faces off against the Snow Queen. Action wise which the film is not abundant in, is at its best in the final.

Rating: 2.5 Stars out of 5.0 Stars
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De Sneeuwkoningin - OfficiĂŤle Trailer (Nederlands) | Vanaf 9 oktober in de bioscoop! (The Snow Queen - Official Trailer (Dutch) | From October 9 at the movies!)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGUP7W_iLc4[/youtube]
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The Snow Queen (Russia 2012) 3D - Blu-ray - Ascot Elite Home Entertainment (2013) 3D

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German DVD release of "The Snow Queen" will be available on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. There's even an English version that goes with it. If you can't wait till November 26 to own the English DVD, you can always buy the German DVD that has the English version before the U.S. release.
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The release of children's books and coloring books based on the new cartoon Voronezh studio Wizart Animation will partner Disney
Tatiana Omelchenko wrote:Image

Animation studio has entered into a letter of intent with the publishing house "Egmont Russia."

The company will become a strategic partner of Wizart Animation for the production and sale of printed materials based on cartoon "(The) Snow King" and "Wolves and Sheep (Sheep 'n' Wolves)." In the animation studio noted that the treaty applies to most areas rent movies where there is representation "Egmont International Holding," i.e. more than 30 countries worldwide.

Prospective partner Voronezh studio is one of the biggest players of printed materials for children, which controls about 70 percent of the market. Publisher works with well-known foreign film companies The Walt Disney Company, Mattel, Warner Bros., Hasbro and Ludorum.

Note that Wizart Animation previously collaborated with the publishing company - "Egmont" developed printed materials (books, coloring books and puzzles), based on the first animated film studio, "The Snow Queen."
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The Snow Queen 2013 HD

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qroq0TdcOb4[/youtube]
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Partner of the Disney studio release in 30 countries of the book with cartoon characters Voronezh
Daria Shipovskih wrote:One of the biggest publishing houses in Russia will promote Animation Film Studio Wizart Animation.

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frame from the animated film "Lions for Lambs (Sheep 'n' Wolves)"

Soon, cartoon characters, created by the studio Voronezh Wizart Animation, will receive worldwide recognition. And it's not just the fact that animated movies will be released in the world rolled. Additionally promoting the works of Voronezh animators will take one of the biggest publishing houses in our country, "Egmont Russia."

Company specializing in the production of children's literature and is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company, Mattel, Warner Bros., Hasbro, will produce magazines, books, stickers, puzzles, coloring books and other printed materials with cartoon characters "Snow King" (continuation of "The Snow Queen," published in the rental in December of last year) and "Wolves and Sheep (Sheep 'n' Wolves)." These publications will be available in 30 countries around the world. While the exact list of the countries where the book will go to the Voronezh cartoon characters is unknown.

Note that this is not the first collaboration studio Wizart Animation with the publishing house. Residents of several dozen countries have already had the opportunity to follow the ups and downs of the fate of the heroes of "The Snow Queen" in the pages of books and magazines, which are involved in the release of this company.

Recall cartoon "(The) Snow King" viewers will see in December 2014, and the cartoon "Wolves and Sheep" - January 1, 2015. It is known that the creation of these two animated films Voronezh Fund will finance the movie.
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Voronezh cartoon "The Snow Queen" is involved in the next festival
Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA wrote:Image

Our animators will present the film at the forum "Reflection."

Vor multipliers in late October, sent in Zelenograd. Will carry on the fifth outdoor youth film festival "Reflection," which will be held from October 31 to November 3, "The Snow Queen."

Film Festival this year has gained international status - in addition to the competitive show Russian films claimed the picture from Germany, France, the U.S., Kazakhstan and Ukraine. The forum will be shown about 40 films of various genres, youth, children, cartoons, movies graduates Film Institute, the Higher Courses for Scriptwriters and directors, as well as documentaries.

Among the announced work "Treasures of DC," "Ticket to Vegas," "Habit leave," "Bitter," "Homeward Bound," "A Man with a Guarantee," "housekeeper," "Private Pioneer," "Pretend My Man," "Timeless. Ruby Book," "Summer, Classmates, Love," "The Return of Pinocchio," "Family," "The Book of Legends. Mysterious Forest," and many others.
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Spanish premiere of "The Snow Queen"
Wizart Animation wrote:Spanish premiere of the animated film "The Snow Queen" from the studio Wizart Animation will be held on 51 International Film Festival of GijĂłn.

The film is part of one of the most prestigious nominations Festival - Enfants Terribles. The Festival's origins date back to 1963. In the beginning it was an initiative of the CityCouncil of Gijón in co-operation with Caja de Ahorros de Asturias (nowadays Cajastur). The first year it was held it was called Certamen Internacional de Cine y TV Infantil (International Children's cinema and TV contest). Between 1964 and 1968 it still kept the same name, only the last part, “children's,” was substituted by “for children.” Between 1969-1976 this last part stopped appearing in the Festival's name. From 1977 till 1978 it received the name Certamen Internacional de Cine para la Infancia y la Juventud (International Cinema Contest for Children and Teens). Although in 1986 the Festival began to put the text Gijón International Film Festival in front of its name, it was not until 1988 that it officially adopted this name. Every year the Festival appoints a Young Jury made up of young adults aged 17 to 25 years-old.

During the Festival many other events take place, such as courses, round tables, meetings with the directors as well as concerts and music live parties.


"The Snow Queen" will participate in the Youth Film Festival "Otragenie"
Wizart Animation wrote:From October 31 to November 3 CKD "Zelenograd" will be the fifth outdoor youth film festival "Otragenie" It will be held for the fifth time in status of International in addition to Russian films, films from Germany, France, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The festival will be shown about 40 films of various genres : youth films, children's films, cartoons, movies graduates Film Institute, the Higher Courses for Scriptwriters and directors, as well as documentaries.

It should be noted that admission to all screenings and creative meetings are free.
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The Snow Queen Review - Gerda's Journey of Kindness
Jacob Sahms wrote:In 2012, the Russian animation company Wizart Animation turned Hans Christian Anderson's story into a thrilling adventure about an orphan's quest to rescue her brother and end the icy queen's stranglehold on her country. Snezhnaya koroleva (The Snow Queen) has been dubbed in English and released on October 11, 2013, in U.S. theaters. The story will appear on screen again in November, with Disney's Frozen, but this likable indie version has heart and some nice animated sequences to keep audiences intrigued.

Here, the Snow Queen wants everything to be ice and cold, like the White Witch in C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. Her chief threat is a mirror-maker named Vegard, whose mirrors show not only a person's outward appearance but also what their soul really looks like. (I'm reminded of the exchange between God and the prophet Samuel about what God is looking for in a king, when David is chosen, in I Samuel 16:7.) So the Queen wipes out Vegard and his wife, but his children end up orphans, until they're older, when the Queen sends her troll, Orm, to hunt them down. After her brother Kai is captured, Gerda sets off on her journey to rescue him, and ends up changing much more than just her brother's life.

Gerda's purity, and her genuine kindness, have a dramatic impact on the places and people that she encounters on her journey. Her innocence and goodness are like a spark that ignites the best of others, and melts away some of the frozenness of their souls. In John 1:5, it says that "the light (Jesus) shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Gerda's light impacts Orm, impacts Kai's imprisonment, impacts the reign of the queen, and sets an example for the others who have since given up hope. Sure, it's an old story, and aimed at children, but it's a reminder that every little good thing we do has an impact, even if it doesn't seem like much.
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Mobile Uploads by Wizart Animation on Facebook
Wizart Animation on Facebook wrote:Image

The Snow Queen won in the category of "Best Animated Film" Festival "Reflection," RU.
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Voronezh cartoon "The Snow Queen" won the award for "Best Animated Film" at the International Festival
Alena Smith wrote:The other day in Zelenograd completed International Youth Film Festival "Reflection," which resulted in Voronezh film "The Snow Queen" won the award for "Best Animation Film."

Recall that the 80-story timinutnaya based on Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen," was released on the eve of the last new year. Animation studio Wizart Animation two years working on its development. The script for the animated film written and Vadim Sveshnikov Vladlen Barbe, producers tapes were Timur Bekmambetov, Yuriy Moskvin, Vladimir Nikolayev, Olga Sinelshchikova, and to voice roles invited Ivan Ohlobystin, Yuri Stoyanov, Dmitry Naghiyev, Niusha and other Russian stars.

- The festival was held for the fifth time, in addition to Russian films were shown pictures of Germany, France, the U.S., Kazakhstan and Ukraine - according to the creators of the cartoon. - The festival showcased 40 films of various genres: youth films, children's films, cartoons, movies graduates Film Institute, the highest rate writers and directors, as well as documentaries.

Recall that the budget was a cartoon - $7 million in Russia to collect such amount was not easy. Basically, cartoon created by money from sponsors, a little help fund the movie. A part of the funds scraped together the producers of their own pockets.

Our Information

Wizart Animation - one of the fastest growing animation studios in Russia, which has been producing high-quality family animated films and animated series. By creating a touching and funny stories for children and adults, the studio uses the latest technologies and innovative solutions. The first picture Wizart Animation appeared on cinema screens in January of this year. Already, the animators are working on a continuing favorite of all stories about Kai and Gerda (more >>>).




After the victory at the International Festival "Reflection" Voronezh cartoon "The Snow Queen" will go to America
Tatiana PODYABLONSKAYA wrote:Image

The picture of our artists won "Best Animated Film" in Zelengrade.

Vor animators returned victorious from the International Youth Film Festival "Reflection", which recently culminated in Zelenograd. It showed about 40 films from Germany, France, the U.S., Kazakhstan and Ukraine. Cartoon "The Snow Queen" won first place in the "Best Animated Film."

Now the studio Wizart Animation their projects, full-length 3D-animated movie "The Snow Queen" and "Wolves and Sheep (Sheep and Wolves)," is going to present a different continent - as part of the American Film Market (AFM).
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The Snow Queen at the Gijon International Festival in Spain

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Wizart Animation on Facebook wrote:Wizart Animation at AFM

This November we are glad to announce our new stereo 3D animated family features:
"Sheep and Wolves" and "The Snow King."

"The Snow King" - The sequel to "The Snow Queen," which raised over 13M USD box-office worldwide (released in Russia, Ukraine and CIS, USA and Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, France (Universal), Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Middle East, Baltic States, Poland, ex-Yugoslavia, Thailand, Israel, and Turkey, with the list still growing for this winter.)

"Sheep and Wolves" - Interested only in merry-making and chasing sheep, the young wolf Grey is afraid of responsibility and has no desire to become the leader of his pack. Grey is convinced that all a wolf really needs is a spot in the sun and a sheep or two in the belly. That is, until Grey wakes up one morning in the skin of a ram and finds himself surrounded by a flock of sheep…

To set up a meeting please contact:
Head of Distribution - Diana Yurinova
[email protected]
Visit us at the Market
Loews, Office 304
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VOR MULTIPLES OF WIZART ANIMATION RAPIDLY CONQUERING THE CINEMA
Aristarchus Shepard wrote:Image

They recently won the international competition and at the upcoming festival in the United States focused only on winning.

Animation studio Wizart Animation has released only one project, however, he is called, shot with a bang - in addition to the Audience Award, the cartoon "The Snow Queen" won not one ode of praise from film critics. And more recently also won the International Youth Forum "Reflection" in Zelenograd, managing to circumvent artists from all over the world from the U.S. to Vladivostok.

Total for the contest about 40 paintings of different styles and genres, but in its category in Voronezh was the best. Its creators have never doubted the success and already being aimed at the conquest of the United States, with its film market.

In addition, the "magicians" work on the second part of the adventures of Kai and Gerda, and create a separate story, "Lions for Lambs (Sheep and Wolves)," which, like the previous picture, will not only sounded voices stars of show business, but also engages in music writing real professionals. More we wrote earlier.




Voronezh animation film "The Snow Queen" won the Youth Film Festival
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Vor animators who created the film "The Snow Queen," are back with a victory in the Open Youth Festival "Reflection." A cartoon created in the capital of Black Soil triumphed international forum, which was held in Zelenograd.

Recall Festival "Reflection" was held for the fifth time. Apart from Russian films were shown pictures of Germany, France, the U.S., Kazakhstan and Ukraine. The festival showcased 40 films of various genres: youth films, children's films, cartoons, movies graduates Film Institute, the Higher Courses for Scriptwriters and directors, as well as documentaries. Among the announced work "Treasures of DC," "Ticket to Vegas," "Habit leave," "bitter," "Homeward Bound," "A man with a guarantee," "housekeeper," "Private pioneer," "Pretend my Man," "Timeless. Ruby book," "Summer, classmates, Love," "The Return of Pinocchio," "Family," "The book of legends. Mysterious Forest," and many others.

As a result, the film Voronezh multipliers won in the category "Best Animated Film."

But the animators do not stop there. Now the studio Wizart Animation will conquer the United States. The company will present their projects - full-length 3D animated movie "The Snow Queen" and "Wolves and Sheep (Sheep and Wolves)" as part of the American Film Market (AFM).

Recall cartoon "The Snow Queen" at the box office scored an impressive amount - $7,580,435. And if after 10 days it was viewed by 6,000 Voronezh and 700,000 Russians, the rental for the time in our country at the painting went to the movies 1.1 million people.

Above the 3D-animated film employs about a hundred Voronezh animators, and I can safely say that the quality is not inferior to the American hits. Screenwriter and director of the project was Maxim Sveshnikov, author of scripts for "heroic" cartoons about Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich and Nikitich. Ivan Ohlobystin voiced a cartoon troll named Orm. In addition to the voices of Ivan the heroes of "The Snow Queen" singer gave Niusha Dmitry Naghiyev, Yuri Stoyanov, Lyudmila Artemyev and others.

And soon Voronezh animation studio Wizart Animation and company Bazelevs Production famous producer and director Timur Bekmambetov begin work on the sequel to the animated film "(The) Snow Queen." Now there is a lot of development scenarios' "The Snow Queen 2." It is planned that the continuation of the movie audience will see in December 2014.
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The winners (of the "Reflection" Festival)
"Best Animated Film"
"The Snow Queen"
(Directed by Maxim Sveshnikov, Vladlen Barbe)
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"Snow Queen" DVD Review on Yahoo!
Staci Layne Wilson wrote:I've been a fan of Timur Bekmambetov ever since seeing the Russian-Kazakh director's blockbuster "Night Watch" in 2004. Since then he's made bank in the States with movies like "Wanted" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter." In September it was confirmed that he would be directing a remake of "Ben Hur," while he is also reportedly working on a project about flesh-eating squirrels. "Squirrels" is still in pre-production and doesn't even have a director attached, but that's not stopping him as a producer from releasing teaser posters, giving interviews on the project, etc.

So, it was a surprise to me to learn the filmmaker best known for vampires and ultra-violence decided to go family friendly with his latest project "Snow Queen." Bekmambetov served as producer for the 3D animated version of this Hans Christian Andersen tale, and distributed the film in Russia through his own company, Bazelevs. The first feature-length project by Russian computer animation studio Wizart Animation, written and directed by Vlad Barbe and Vadim Sveshnikov, was a success.

But how will it fare Stateside, especially with Disney's "Frozen" (also loosely based on the same classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale) as it competition? Probably not too well, but since it's on DVD and VOD, it might make for a good companion piece.

I'm usually not into kid flicks (I have no children, and my tastes run more along the lines of arthouse than playhouse), but I have to say: I found "Snow Queen" to be quite charming. The storyline follows gentle young animal-lover Gerda, and kindly, artistic Kai - a pair of magical children who've been banished by the titular evil character so that she might turn the world into a frozen wasteland. The offspring of a glassmaker wizard who created a mirror that reflects the true nature of anyone who gazes into it, these children pose the only threat to her diabolical plan and as such must be done away with.

The Snow Queen takes Kai prisoner, but Gerda is not so easily caught. The wicked royal sends her troll minion Orm after Gerda, but they form an unlikely bond, and along with Gerda's adorable pet ferret, go through a series of adventures involving pirates, witches, flower-mongers and other colorful characters as they try to rescue Kai from the Snow Queen's icy embrace.

While I admit the characters are rather bland, they're cute and likeable enough. Younger kids will especially enjoy the simplicity of the story, and the lack of silly songs throughout is a welcome relief for adults from the usual tuneful tropes.
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