Product Description

Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 03/23/2004

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3787 in DVD
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2004-03-23
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, Soundtrack, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 74 minutes

Amazon.com
Harry Nilsson wrote the entirely hummable songs (including the hit, "Me and My Arrow") for this charming, 1971 animation feature about a boy with a round head who is banished from the land of pointy-headed people. An allegory about nonconformism presented in a delightful way, this is a treat for everybody. Ringo Starr, the late Nilsson's old pal, narrates. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Classic allegory about conformism
Harry Nilsson had a point and knew exactly what it was. This allegorical classic had a simple but direct message--accept everyone for who they are and not force them to fit into a preconceived notion of who they should be. Oblio and Arrow his dog are banned from the town they live in. Why? Because the Evil Count decides that anyone that can beat his son at a game (misuse of power) and looks different (Oblio's the only child with a round head not a pointed head) shouldn't be allowed in the town. He's called pointless by the Count and others. But Oblio in Nilsson's extended allegory finds that nothing is pointless least of all himself.

A charming film full of colorful imagery, "The Point" remains a classic to this day regardless of which one of the narrators you heard when you saw it. For the record, Dustin Hoffman was the original narrator. He was replaced by Ringo Starr and, then, finally Alan Thicke (of "Growing Pains" fame). The narrator on the original album was, of course, Nilsson himself. He would have done a delightful job of narrating this animated classic but elected to go with a professional "actor" in each case.

There's not much in the way of extras. We can go directly to each song which is a nice touch although including Nilsson's original album (with his narration) would have been nice. Also, what about deleted scenes, a gallery of character designs and, perhaps, some footage of Nilsson himself? Ah well, perhaps next time.

The picture quality is quite good although there's some minor analog imperfections such as dirt and debris but, on the whole, the film looks remarkably good. The soundtrack recorded in mono has more presence than the videotape version. I would have liked a surround mix of the original songs but that would have required remixing the original album mastertapes and that's probably not going to happen anytime soon. Also pick up Harry's album of the same name. The reissue of Harry's classic album supervised by Curtis Armstrong (yes, THE Curtis Armstrong of "Moonlighting Fame" and who gave a marvelous performance as the owner Ahmet Ertegunof Atlantic Records in "Ray")includes two early versions of songs that ended up on the album as well as a replica of the original booklet that came with the album.

Finally on DVD!!!!
I remember watching this cartoon almost 20 years ago - and then again, just 2 years ago on a worn-out VHS. The message is simple yet to the point: In fact, everything has a point. And the music is so very captivating - from "Me and my arrow" to "Are you sleeping". If you like Beatles - type music, you'll love this soundtrack. The cartoons are simplistic yet never dull and may actually help in getting the message of this movie more clearly.

The movie starts with us being introduced to a village in which everything has a physical point. People look like coneheads. Dogs, homes - everything has a physical point. The birth of a boy with round head causes trouble in the village which ultimately leads to him being banished. Most of the movie depicts Oblio's adventures with his dog named Arrow in the "Pointless Forest". After learning some valuable lessons, he returns to his village. Rather than spoiling the ending, I'll let you find out the outcome.

Longing for the good old days
I saw this movie on television when I was approximately 13 years old. I loved it then and became a huge fan of Harry's music. I have been trying in vain to find this movie on tape so I may share it with my husband, my step sons who are 16 year old twins and an 11 year old, and for my nieces who are 10 and 5. I have no doubt that it would become their favorite also. The story is timeless, although the animation isn't what is up to par by today's standards, but I don't think it would really matter because the sound track that goes with this story lets your imagination take over and love the topic and theme. I really can't say enough about this...I pray that it is re-released. Harry Nielson was one of the greats. p.s. This is not Gary writing this review. It's his wife.