Dinotopia parents guide

Dinotopia Parent Guide

Overall A-

Originally broadcast on ABC, this 4-hour movie opens in the present with a father and two stepbrothers - David (Wentworth Miller) and Karl (Tyron Leitso) - embarking on an ill-fated voyage in a small plane.

Violence C+
Sexual Content B+
Profanity B
Substance Use A-

Why is Dinotopia rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated Dinotopia Not Rated

Run Time: 250 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

In 1992 Dinotopia was revealed to the world for the first time, under the hand of author James Gurney. His first book is a journal of the fictional explorer Arthur Denison, who describes in amazing visual and verbal detail a land where humans and dinosaurs share Nineteenth Century values in peaceful coexistence. Gurney’s works have since blossomed into a prosperous franchise and Hallmark Home Entertainment has taken on the daunting task of bringing Dinotopia to life on film.

Originally broadcast on ABC, this 4-hour movie opens in the present with a father and two stepbrothers - David (Wentworth Miller) and Karl (Tyron Leitso) - embarking on an ill-fated voyage in a small plane. Crashing into the ocean, the two boys manage to survive, but their dad is trapped inside the sinking craft. Washed ashore, they set foot on the strange land of Dinotopia. The first newcomers in fifty years, they are welcomed by Marion (Katie Carr), the young daughter of the land’s most notable politician, Mayor Waldo.

But not all is well in the once tranquil land. Dinotopia relies on mysterious “sun stones” to fuel its energy needs. Even more important, the stones act like huge citronella candles, repelling dangerous carnivorous dinosaurs from populated areas. But lately the stones have been failing, and the finite supply is exhausted. The only other rumored source of the glowing rocks lies within the “World Beneath,” but the antiquated laws of the land prohibit anyone from going there, leaving Mayor Waldo with no choice but to accept possible human extinction. However Karl and David have different plans, and with the help of Marion and a freethinking dino named Zippo, determine to return Dinotopia to its peaceful state.

Besides offering surprisingly good computer generated dinosaurs and incredible sets (reported to be the largest built for a “made for television” production), Dinotopia provides an interesting mix of characters that stretch beyond the usual “family” movie. The writers paint their players with specific talents and flaws, providing much more than a good vs. evil story. Even the villain has moments of insight where you find yourself agreeing with his position, if not his methods.

A few mild profanities dot the four-hour runtime, along with one brief moment when a couple appears to be skinny-dipping together (no nudity is seen). Otherwise young children may be frightened during the many moments of peril when-among other things-large bird-like dinosaurs attack a city or people attempt to cross a moat filled with crocodiles. Fortunately conflicts are never gratuitous or bloody.

While no movie can offer the detail of a book, Dinotopia is a satisfying visual adaptation. With a weekly television series in the works, if the writing quality can be sustained this species should be able to avoid extinction.

Starring Tyron Leitso, David Thewlis. Running time: 250 minutes. Updated

Dinotopia Parents' Guide

How did Karl and David’s seemingly conflicting personalities combine to make them each better by the end? Can you think of ways to build a better relationship with a sibling or friend who is different from you?

Karl often decides to ignore the laws and traditions of Dinotopia, feeling they don’t apply to him or they are outdated. Sometimes we can understand why Karl feels that way, but is he justified in his actions? What can be done when laws become prohibitive to maintaining the basic freedoms and safety of society? How could this have been avoided in Dinotopia?

The dinosaurs were obviously on the island before the humans. Which language seems to be the accepted form of communication - English or the Footprint language? Do you know people who have emigrated from another country who have had to learn your language? How do you think you would feel in this position?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Dinotopia movie is May 12, 2002. Here are some details…

DVD Extras:

  • Behind the Scenes: Storyboards, The Making of “Dinotopia,” Interview with Composer Trevor Jones
  • Dinotopia Encyclopedia: Dinosaur Data, Saurian Alphabet, Travel Through Dinotopia
  • 3-D Motion Picture Gallery
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Tips and Tricks for Game Boy
  • 26’s Maze Game
  • Trailers
  • Hidden Footage
  • Dinosaur Facts and Sounds for Kids
  • DVD-ROM: Skybax Pilot Game, Trivia Game and more
  • Number of discs: 2

Official Website…
www.visitdinotopia.com.

Related home video titles:

For older audiences, there’s the king of dino animated/live action movies, Jurassic Park (check our reviews of the first, second, and third movie). If you’re looking for dinosaur adventures for the youngest viewers, try the traditionally animated Land Before Time series (we’ve reviewed numbers 2, 3, 4, and 8). Or for complete computer animation, look for Disney’s Dinosaur.

Related news about Dinotopia

6 Dandy Dinosaur Movies

6 Dandy Dinosaur Movies

{parents:pull_quote}