The Red Balloon and Other Stories DVD - Lamorisse Five Films

In this review of The Red Balloon and Other Stories: Five Films by Albert Lamorisse, the collection is recommended for viewers who cherish poetic, visually striking short films and family-friendly fables. The single biggest reason to buy is the chance to see Lamorisse's most beloved works together, including the Academy Award winning The Red Balloon and restored versions of White Mane, presented with detail-conscious transfers that preserve the films' luminous cinematography and sense of wonder.

Key Features

• Five films on two DVDs: Brings together The Red Balloon, White Mane, Bim, the Little Donkey, Stowaway in the Sky, and Circus Angel for convenient viewing in one package.
• Restorations of signature shorts: New 4K digital restorations of The Red Balloon and White Mane help these films retain their original visual clarity and tonal warmth.
• Range of tones and subjects: Balances intimate children's fables and more expansive features that celebrate nature and flight, offering variety across a single sitting.
• Emotional and moral depth: Each film pairs simple storytelling with emotional resonance, making them suitable for family conversation and reflective viewing.
• Documentary-like authenticity: Lamorisse's mix of whimsy and realism gives the collection enduring appeal for cinephiles interested in mid-century European film craft.

Who It's For

The collection is ideal for families who want gentle, thought-provoking films accessible to children and adults, and for collectors of classic world cinema who value restored prints and definitive compilations. Teachers and librarians will find the short running times useful for classroom showings and discussion prompts about imagination, animals, and human kindness.

Those seeking modern blockbusters, high-definition bonus features such as commentary tracks or extensive behind-the-scenes extras, or a Blu-ray transfer should look elsewhere, as this edition focuses on the films themselves and their restorations rather than expansive supplemental material.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautifully restored shorts preserve the visual artistry of Lamorisse's most famous works.
• Curated selection of five films provides variety of tone from intimate fable to grand nature-themed features.
• Family-friendly storytelling that sparks discussion and imaginative responses from younger viewers.

Cons

• The package is DVD rather than Blu-ray, so image fidelity is inherently limited compared with high-definition formats.

Specifications

Title	The Red Balloon and Other Stories: Five Films by Albert Lamorisse
Format	DVD, two-disc special edition
Films Included	The Red Balloon; White Mane; Bim, the Little Donkey; Stowaway in the Sky; Circus Angel
Restorations	New 4K digital restorations of The Red Balloon and White Mane
Genre	Drama / Family / Short Films
Director	Albert Lamorisse
Special Edition	Two-DVD set with restored transfers

Our Verdict

This two-DVD collection is a thoughtful purchase for viewers who appreciate classic, visually expressive storytelling and the gentle moral imagination of Albert Lamorisse. While it does not target viewers wanting high-definition Blu-ray supplements, it represents good value for families, educators, and cineastes who want restored prints of The Red Balloon and White Mane alongside three companion films.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the films restored?
Yes. The Red Balloon and White Mane receive new 4K digital restorations included in this edition.

How many discs are included?
This is a two-DVD special edition that collects all five films across the set.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes. The shorts and features are family-friendly and often used for classroom or family viewing due to their simple, evocative stories.