By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
I’ve always been fascinated with discovering what dreams are made of and there’s plenty of library material to look at for self-study or to be entertained by. On this special list is the stop motion animated epic, Sandman and the Lost Sand of Dreams (Das Sandmännchen: Abenteuer im Traumland).
It’s a wonderful film because of the positive messages it imparts to younger audiences and for myself, the world it presents is comparable to other dream tales I enjoyed prior. The fantastic that’s evoked in H.P. Lovecraft‘s haunting world of the Dreamlands, the endlessness of the beauty found in Robin Williams‘ What Dreams May Come and the innocence of youth that Nemo represented in his Adventures In Slumberland are recalled in this German-made film originally released in 2010. Shout! Factory Kids released this English dubbed piece last month and my order did not arrive till recently for me to watch. There’s no bonus material with this release.
Usually, the best tales involve the protagonist setting out on a journey of self discovery. Milo is a 6-year-old boy recruited (instead of Captain Scheerbart) to save Dreamland from the villainous Habumar. This self-serving miscreant stole the Sand of Dreams and is plotting to use it in his bid to take over the realm.
The hero’s journey this boy undertakes gives him the strength needed when the confrontation comes and the friendships he makes along his travels is what empowers him. The messages this film imparts are heartwarming and it’s certainly a movie worth including in any family’s video collection. Even Neil Gaiman, author of The Sandman, will have to approve of this product.
4 Stars out of 5
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