Like my Star Wars (Original) and (Prequel) Trilogy posts (though not as long I hope this time), I'm looking back on The Land Before Time II, III & IV films and how they are more positive and family friendly than the first story.
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But when the children notice 2 "egg thieves" running into the Mysterious Beyond with one of Ducky's future siblings, they follow in pursuit. And so begins their first adventure in the Great Valley.
It's weird to think that 6 years after the theatrical release of The Land Before Time, a surprising sequel was released straight to VHS (if you still remember those). And it's a light-hearted and less upsetting sequel and story. Roy Allen Smith directs and produces the next 3 superb sequels in the Land Before Time collection and he did a fantastic job!
I admit that the 2nd film is good but to me, numbers 3 and 4 surpass it in story, songs and music which I'll explain further on. As much as I watched it as a kid up till a couple years ago, I think it was fuller honestly. The plot was much more gentle and child friendly but I don't think it was really amazing as the others. Still it's a decent film and still worth showing to children.
It was like seeing a conversation between family or in this case, grandparents to their little one. It reminds me of how lucky I am to have my Grandparents in my life to this day who are still full of love, knowledge and humour.
I also have a soft spot for the emotional farewell at the end of the film when Littlefoot must say goodbye to his young friend. But thanks to the V's film, they will meet again someday.
However, I wasn't so much a fan of the moment when Ozzy and Strut capture Littlefoot and plot to throw him off a cliff, I wanted to rush in as a small hero and help my friend out haha.
At least it was funny near the beginning when Ozzy accidentally bit into a rock which he mistook for an egg and shouted in pain briefly haha.
"Petrie's" previous voice actor Will Ryan was replaced by Jeff Bennet to this date (I liked how he was also the same voice for "Ozzy" and that I remember him most from voicing Dexter's Dad in the cartoon, Dexter's Laboratory).
And lastly, the late Pat Hingle who narrated the first film and was "Rooter" (a dinosaur who comforted Littlefoot briefly after his mother's passing) was replaced by the wise voice of John Ingle who narrated up till the ending of the TV series and was also the voice of Cera's father, "Mr. Threehorn".
I loved hearing Kenneth Mars as the voice of Littlefoot's "Grandpa" in every film until his passing in 2011). His voice was like a wise old man who you'd respect for his gentle and caring tone and his comforting wisdom and love. I think he was most famous for playing "King Triton" from The Little Mermaid 1 & 2.
One of my favourite quotes from the film was during the moment they are searching for their friend and Ducky and Petrie are tired and hungry.
Ducky's stomach growls: "My tummy is making it's hungry noise again". Petrie: "My tummy talk too". [stomach gurgles] Petrie: It say, "Feed me."
Michael Tavera is the new composer of every film onwards in the series. His work is remarkable and I love how several tracks (I'll include several in all 3 films) still come back to me and I can reimagine them perfectly during moments to myself. I'm so glad that I found this YouTube playlist where someone requested the tracks from Michael himself and was able to upload them slowly (since sadly the soundtracks aren't available on iTunes or anywhere on the internet).
I admit honourably that the magnificent original pieces from the first film by the talented and late James Horner is still present in every sequel which I think is righteous and is the link between all stories and how they are all intertwined through the score.
This film is also the first in which 3 sing-along songs had been included to really make this sequel shine out from it's mature prequel.
And that song "Peaceful Valley" appears again in the credits as an extended version but also showing the children meeting younger dinosaurs of themselves... weird how they never appear again in the sequels.
So that's one sequel down, 2 to go. And they are much better in my opinion.
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Littlefoot and his friends are caught in a tough situation, with the grown ups being strict and the kids being harassed by 3 bullying adolescent dinosaurs, the children decide it's up to them to solve the case of why the water has changed in The Great Valley in order to keep the peace between everyone.
I also spend loads of time as a child re-watching the film thanks to the music and the credits music.
The beginning was similar to number 2's opening in space. I liked the slow pan left showing the planets in our solar system. I really like this beginning a lot more since the music "Eternity" was mysterious and soon the narrator came in as we zoomed down to the Earth's ancient ocean.
I like how John Ingle explains the history of the dinosaurs and cells perfectly in a similar layout to Fantasia's The Rite Of Spring, we see a dinosaur making it's way out of the water and crawling into an unknown world (whilst the track "The Great Migration" from the first film was being played as a reprise).
Hyp the Hypsilophodon "Whitby Herford", Nod the Nodosaurus "Scott Menville" and Mutt the Muttaburrasaurus "Jeff Bennett" are the three antagonists of the film. Though we never really see any actual physical harm done to the kids from these numskulls, the trio have no clear reason as to why they chose to pick on them throughout the film. Hype is the brains whilst Nod and Mutt are his lackeys and just generally repeat words that their friend says or follow his lead. Don't you think their names represent their character traits if you look at them close enough?
But Cera's Father serves as a real pain in the a** during the film since he feels the need to take charge and take control of everyone's water consumption and become a real bossy boots.
We see that his aggressive father who shows anger in his protective words has now reflected onto his son.
But Mr. Threehorn sees this and explains in two serious quotes on how things have turned out: "Yelling is no way to teach your child what is right or to show that you care". (Hype's Father): "How would you know?"
"I know because... because I have a daughter and I yell at her. Too much. Especially when I'm worried for her safety." and "If you always react with anger, that's all your son will know, and that's what he'll express to others". I wonder if bullies in general have this kind of problem at home and maybe that's one of the reasons why and that they become one. I think I'll look into that in my school post in a month or so. But overall, it's a promising drama moment before the 4 Velociraptors show up.
I also like how wise Grandpa Longneck is when Cera's Father falls out with Littlefoot's accident which he even called him "a bad influence" in front of him which enraged him. But after leaving in a huff, Grandpa explains to Littlefoot that "Sometimes fear makes grownups do strange things!", a good point really.
But shortly after, chaos began to "scorch" and "burn" it's way after the kids when lightening causes fire in the valley and chased them back home.
Anyway, a 2 minute sequence happens with camera work panning across the valley and showing different dinosaurs living their lives or remaining focussed. I think the music is special since it sounds mysterious and ominous making you think something bad is going to happen.
Our 3 songs show how being grown up has it's benefits and responsibility that 3 generations all seem to have different views and beliefs when it comes to maturity.
"When You're Big" is when the bullies sing their song about the superiority pleasures of being their age and how all the rules that the grown ups make, don't apply to them. Plus it references naughty, hooligan and bad behaviour that teenagers would most likely do and they even direct their words towards the innocent children who hate being terrorised by them for no reason whatsoever.
Cera's Father sings "Standing Tough" during his moment of taking charge over the watering hole and using his tough words to emphasise his personality and beliefs when it comes to being strong. The music was a bit like a song where your trying to educate someone seriously. But I found his song honest and true but words coming from his mouth make it more doubtful since he isn't the most loveable character.
After escaping the destruction of the fire, Littelfoot sings "Kids Like Us" whilst seeing that the grown ups are caught up in a deliberation and debate about what needs to be done. He references that going after Hyp and his friends who sneak away into The Mysterious Beyond is the proper thing to do since they are kids like themselves only trying to be smarter when they aren't. Despite everything that the bullies have said and done, he knows it's the most righteous thing to do even though his friends are hesitant to agree or go along with it, so easily.
Every time, I love it how "Discovery Of The Great Valley (Reprise)" sets the mood perfectly but not in a tear jerking mood like the first film, instead it shows a harmony ending of sharing between all species and the name of the film is referenced as a time in the dinosaur's lives (I like it when films use the title somehow in the story).
I actually discovered the track's name on YouTube a year ago called "The Night Flower" which is a key moment in number IV.
Another one down and only 1 to go.
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When a herd of Apatosaurus enter the Great Valley, Littlefoot meets Ali (a young female Apatosaurus) and forms a sudden friendship/ relationship with her. Sadly, Littlefoot's Grandpa falls deeply ill and only a special Golden Night Flower can cure him. But the flower's location is in the very dark homeland that the herd fled, the Land Of Mists.
Now Littlefoot is willing to go the distance to save his Grandpa, even if it's behind Grandma's orders or without his friends, good thing he has Ali to assist and guide him in his quest.
It's a shame that this was the last film that Roy Allen Smith directed since he had such a way with he story, characters and music alignment. He made it family friendly and attracted positive viewers without fail.
This was actually the 2nd to last VHS film that I bought in the series. I don't want to bother talking about the 5th film (though that is the one where Chomper returns as a young Sharptooth who can talk now).
Not to mention that this is the last film in which the voices for Littlefoot, Cera and Ducky feature in. Maybe that's one of the reasons why the 5th film and it's sequels started to not turn out the same without the same voice actors doing what they do best (or is it just me for not liking the change?)
Our arguing "brains and brawn" duo Icky "Jeff Bennett" (a small Ichthyornis) and Dil "Tress MacNeille" *credits to "Clarence Nash" for doing her growls and roars* (a short-sighted Deinosuchus) serve as the villains in the film. The two serve as partners due to their co-operation in catching food due to their ironic handicaps: Icky is small but serves as "the eyes" whilst Dil serves as "the teeth" whilst she can't see well at all.
They are the only talking Sharpteeth in the series (with the exception of Chomper) and they show great un-coperation with one another where there is no respect but constant arguing and disrespect.
After discovering Littlefoot in the caverns after being separated from Ali through the earthshake, the losers from then on pursue Littlefoot and later his friends for dinner.
Their dubbed names "Sharpbeak" and "Bigmouth Belly Dragger" were given to them after Archie encouraged the kids to hurry up and escape from the bickering idiots.
It was a heartwarming moment when Archie "Charles Durning" (an Archelon elder) helped our heroes find their way out of the cave. As the sun light hit their eyes and the kids were pleased to have found the way out, I was really touched by Archie's words of comfort before saying farewell: "I want you to take good care of yourself Littlefoot. You and your friends are awfully young to be out alone" and "Just do me a favour and stick together, you may be little but together you're strong!" whilst yet again hearing that unforgettable classic track "Discovery Of The Great Valley (Reprise)".
It's a shame that he never left the cave to return to the Valley with them, but at least he went home after doing the right thing in saving Littlefoot from Icky and Dil and leading the kids to their destination.
When Littlefoot's Grandpa suddenly got sick, it added a tense, sad and gripping atmosphere to the film's positive beginning because when a loved one suddenly becomes ill, we fear for their condition, pain and hope for them to get better as soon as possible. But when an elder becomes ill, our hopes become greater and dearer than ever because we don't want to lose them.
Littlefoot shows this since both his Grandparents are not only the "voice of reason" in the series but they are the closest thing to parents and the only family that he has left (wait till number X).
But I admire Littlefoot's determination for wanting to cure his Grandpa by finding the unique Night Flowers in the dangerous land that the Migrant fled. I think anyone (myself included) would do anything for the sake of love and family, no matter the risk and some to a certain extent can do things unimaginable. That's why I loved Grandpa Longneck thanks to his kindly and amiable demeanor and him and Grandma were an adorable and perfect couple to show true love and care to each other and their dear Littlefoot.
Hearing "The Longneck's Story" added a spooky atmosphere to the Old One's story and flashback to the land that they fled (we even get a split second look at Ozzy and Strut running in the marshland).
Compared to hearing this track in the previous film, I think when it's played during a different moment it can really change the views and response to it's affect. Plus seeing all those tiny creatures angry eyes hidden within the trees was another freaky moment in the flashback.
Good thing this was done near the beginning since it would be a slight spooky tale for children before bedtime.
Our 3 songs aren't bad but they have different meanings instead of all relating to a theme from the film.
"Grandma's Lullaby" was a nice take on describing The Circle of Life like in The Lion King. Linda Gary's words of wisdom were pleasant and a good life lesson to the audience and children. It was a different lullaby for a young one before bed, least it worked on Littlefoot as she shed a tear and said "Goodnight, my little one".
Though from a realistic point-of-view, I think critics would slate this song because it's a blatant attempt at the main remarkable song from The Lion King, but I think it's okay and this version talks about families and growing up than about the Animal Kingdom.
The numskull duo sing "Who Needs You" where they throw harsh criticism at each other in a sarcastic tone on just how bad they need each other in their lives. It all started over arguing who does the more work when they work together to get their prey in the caverns (it's a bit like a Yo Momma fight" sorta.
"It Takes All Sorts" was a song of harmony where Ali followed by the others all sing about the positive views on life and how different people whether they are high, small, smart, dumb etc can work together and co-exist peacefully someday.
The track lasts a while whilst the kids get nasty surprises in the mist including coming between territorial "Domeheads" Pachycephalosaurus (it's probably the hardest Dinosaur name to say to this day). I never knew those Dinosaurs made spine-chilling roars with teeth just like their appearance in the first film. We also see a brief appearance of Ozzy and Strut's species appearing again in a herd stampede whilst our heroes are lost and freaked out in the thick mist.
"Where's Littlefoot" was played a little later on after Grandma Longneck explained to the children where Littlefoot could have gone and why they weren't included in the quest which left them a little hurt and jealous (especially Cera).
Looks like their journey was worth it and I smirk with hope as everyone slowly wakes up in amazement and Littlefoot says to himself "We found them, Grandpa!"
Before everything turned out well, our heroes came into a close call (especially Ducky) with Icky and Dil for the last time, but something unexpected happened where a character finally spoke for the first time (and only time I think) ever. In the Tv-Series, there's an episode "Through The Eyes Of A Spiketail" where we actually hear his voice inside his head despite never being able to communicate properly with his friends.
Anyway after failing to eat our heroes yet again, the two finally disband and part ways badly but not before karma hits Dil with fear as she runs away after Ichy whilst being chased by a Hydrotherosaurus.
Our heroes return triumphant and they all hope and wait for Grandpa Longneck to quickly recuperate from the flower treatment. Hearing that emotional track "Whispering Winds" was trying to influence me with tears.
Usually it does because it was played during the heart destroying moment in the first film and it gets me every time. It's like one of those tracks that you hear and you can't help but suddenly find yourself breathing slowly as you succumb to tears streaming down your face (like the ending and final song in TFIOS).
But it failed since the outcome showed promising actions to reassure the audience right away that he was feeling much better and that all is right again.
I think the ending is special since we see a flashback showing all the moments of Ali from the film whilst the majestic theme "Ali" is played (it's one of my all time favourite pieces by Tavera). And I still love Ali's best quote "Maybe we'll all live together someday?" which gives hope for the viewers than someday they might as well.
And so John Ingle says his final sentence "And so it came to pass, that the Migrating dinosaurs left the Great Valley for lands unknown. And yes, Littlefoot and his friends Cera, Ducky, Petrie and Spike will indeed meet Ali again one day... But that's another story!"
What a quote to say to end this fantastic trilogy and film.
And on comes Michael Tavera's version of If We Hold On Together which has always been a nice adaption to the fantastic and emotional original by Diana Ross in the first film's credits (the video contains spoilers from the first film).
The Valley is still a wonderful song for the credits (since played in II first) after IWHOT because it's a harmonious and peaceful track that I've ever heard because it does the original tune by James Horner justice. R.I.P James.
Remember you can find the films on Putlocker!
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I loved it all especially since all the songs from II, III and IV were played during the documentary too (which is when subtitles were added for the audience and it's where my video links come from). But nothing compares to the last song which was never available from the First Film (though I did mention it in my original post).
The voice actors behind Cera and Ducky did their own cover of If We Hold On Together (which is equal to Diana's though her's is always top of the list). The video showed loads of clips from the Trilogy and was well laid out to fit the lyrics too. It gets me a little like Diana's version and I'm glad I found both versions on iTunes.
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I guess I decided to write these up since I wanted to "take a chance" *queue Abba song* on talking about something childish compared to the range of posts that I've been doing on here. If certain friends saw me promoting this on Instagram or Facebook, I wonder if they would respond positively or mock me for my childish behaviour?
But these films and the series in general were part of my childhood and were a big part in my life when I was still growing and discovering my own Aspergers. Like every Disney film on my shelf, these films were there for me when the world wasn't, I would watch them over and over again to comfort myself and get myself entranced/ lost in the screen where I was heavily focused and without a care in the world.
But I feel proud and I know there are some in my life who will praise me for my interests (no matter how childish) and this post might even encourage parents to search for these nostalgic beauties. It may even remind others of their own childhood where they too watched these films too (though maybe they haven't seen every film like me). But don't worry, you didn't miss much, it wasn't super effective at keeping the balance except for Number 10 when Littlefoot meets the most important man in his life.
So I hope you enjoyed this post and I'm glad it sorta didn't turn out as long as those Star Wars posts... never again...
I intend to show these to my children someday but maybe not the first one till their a little older haha.
I hope I've unlocked a core memory to you all even if you used to or maybe still do watch films like these. Never grow out of things that make you happy or hold a special place in your life and heart!
Wow! This is such an amazing post. I was just looking for series by Andy Yeatman and who knew I would end up at this post. It is amazing and I will definitely share it with my friends and cousins. Thanks a lot for sharing this post in detail here.
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