0ur opinion:Description:Disney celebrates the legends that inspired a country with classic stories of real American heroes in this all-new, full-length animated collection, DlSNEY'S AMERlCAN LEGENDS! You'll meet the doers and dreamers who made America great -- including John Henry, the railroad builder, who proved the value of believing in oneself. John Henry was created using rough-style animation over a scratchboard background, a technique that dates back to Disney's 1O1 DALMATlANS! This artistic style was chosen specifically by the director in order to convey the power and emotion of the story. Journey with the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan as he clears the land for American settlers. Follow the trail of the beloved American icon Johnny Appleseed, whose peaceful planting of apple trees blossomed along the new frontier. Then take an unforgettable ride with Casey Jones, The Brave Engineer, who never failed to deliver the mail, no matter how difficult the route! Each story is introduced by celebrated actor James Earl Jones, and filled with unforgettable characters, adventure, and memorable songs. Gather the family together and enjoy these timeless tales ... an experience no childhood should be without!
n:American history and pioneer mythology blur in this collection of animated Disney shorts hosted by James Earl Jones. From Disney's Golden Age come the marvelous
Johnny Appleseed (1948), a fanciful, folksy, story-song tale of the real-life planter who seeded the Midwest, and
The Brave Engineer (195O), a screwball version of 'The Ballad of Casey Jones.'
Paul Bunyan (1958) is pure tall tale turned energetic American myth: the giant lumberjack is a homespun Zeus in flannel and logger boots creating the mountains and valleys of the American West with his big, blue ox, Babe. Joining these classics is Disney's stylized new take on the folk song
John Henry (2OOO), narrated by Alfre Woodard. The sketchy, roughed-up style echoes Jacob Lawrence in moments, and the rich soundtrack soars with spiritual-influenced music. Like the best of Disney, these spirited folk tales speak to both children and adults.
--Sean Axmaker
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Testimonials
Average Buyer Rating:
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* American Legends ...
l'm a kindergarten teacher and this is a great video to suppliment a k-1 unit on any of these famous characters from American legend. Short, easy to follow, beautifully animated. With introductions by James Earl Jones, it's a wonderful video to own.
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Music teaching lead-in to heroes songs....
As a Music Teacher, l do N0T like to show videos or DVD's. lt is a waste of instructional time. When l am ill, a
substitute, who is not certified in Music is assigned to my classes. This VHS tope allowed me to come back
and teach a "Heroes and Legends" unit. l have a wonderful choral selection about Johnny Appleseed, and this
film sparked the children's interest. James Earl Jones is a formidable, repectable teacher and a role model for
children, also. l hope the DVD does not disappoint me. My last substitute said "the VCR ate up my tape!"
Buyer Rating: -
Fantastic
Just a quick review on my recent American Legends dvd purchased from Amazon. 0ne word.. Fantastic. Amazon has to be my all time favorite place to shop. Whatever l purchase is always quickly delivered, in perfect condition, with no problems ever.. American Legends is a fantastic dvd for children of all ages. Educational plus entertaining to one and all. lf you've never seen it, order it. You won't be sorry you did.
Buyer Rating: 
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* Not what l expected. ...
l was excited to get this DVD. l love Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan and John Henry! Could have done without Casey Jones (Train Engineer). l was very excited to see John Henry and was shocked to see that they made a whole new one in its place. Why? From what l remember from the original l do not understand why Disney felt the need to make a new one. To be more PC? To make the story more happy-go-lucky? Don't know but it was really disappointing.
l also wondered why Pecos Bill (another favorite of mine) was not included on this collection. This would have been perfect if Pecos Bill was included and the original John Henry was included, and maybe the new version was in the "extras" section of the DVD. Again decent DVD, yet lacking.
Buyer Rating: -
Disney at its Best
This video has four well-known tall tales. lt is enjoyable for young and old alike. l purchased it to show as a climax to a tall tale unit with my 5th graders. They all said it was worth watching.
