Regular Price $19.99

Starring: Thurl Ravenscroft,  Jerry Colonna,  Bud Linn,  Jon Dodson (II),  Ken Darby, 
Directed By: Les Clark (II),  Jack Kinney,  Wilfred Jackson,  Mark Henn, 
Rated: G (General Audience)
Release Date: 1958-08-01
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Format: Animated,  Closed-captioned,  Color,  DVD-Video,  NTSC, 

Editorial Reviews and DVD Information about American Legends

Description
Disney celebrates the legends that inspired a country with classic stories of real American heroes in this all-new, full-length animated collection, DISNEY'S AMERICAN 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 101 DALMATIANS! 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!

Amazon.comn
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 (1950), 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 (2000), 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

Customer Reviews for American Legends

Fantastic
Just a quick review on my recent American Legends dvd purchased from Amazon. One word.. Fantastic. Amazon has to be my all time favorite place to shop. Whatever I 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. If you've never seen it, order it. You won't be sorry you did.American Legends

Not what I expected.
I was excited to get this DVD. I love Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan and John Henry! Could have done without Casey Jones (Train Engineer). I 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 I remember from the original I 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.
I 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.American Legends

Disney at its Best
This video has four well-known tall tales. It is enjoyable for young and old alike. I purchased it to show as a climax to a tall tale unit with my 5th graders. They all said it was worth watching.American Legends

excellent for kids
Great for kids and parents to watch together.... especially ex-pat kids overseas! Wonderful bit of Americana!American Legends

Good Classic Disney, NOT a waste of money!
This is good classic Disney I remember watching as a child. Johnny Appleseed alone makes the DVD worth buying. Others have commented on it being patriotic because of 9-11 or being politically correct. But it was made WAY before those things were the big issues they are today. It is of course patriotic because they are American folklore. Just enjoy a great set of cartoons and forget about the bad reviews!American Legends