Once Upon a Time (1973)

Best movie of this year hands down!

This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

Great visuals, story delivers no surprises

An action-packed slog

You just don't forget a movie like this. The straightforward sweetness of the fairytale grabs you and lures you in, and and the psychedelic fantasy that happens halfway through is, for lack of a better word, magical. It does have a "European" quality (this is a GOOD thing) that give it a bit more authenticity and some added strangeness, but it really is one of those films you wish you could see "for the first time all over again". The animation style isn't really comparable to anything from North America - when it focuses on sweet Maria, it has a Walt Disney quality, but when some of the more droll and comedic characters are on screen it makes you think more of Asterix and Obelix. Sweet, charming, mystical, magical and unforgettable.

LOL; I am so happy this is available for purchase finally! It seems I had been searching for it not so long ago and couldn't find it! I have such good memories of this movie (I still actually have a very old VHS copy) except it really traumatized me as a kid when Mary-Lou was mean to Bello the dog and the snow fell on him, even though he became a flower and eventually returned to Maria. The thing is, though, I was watching my VHS copy not too long ago for old times sake and I started thinking, seriously? This movie was for young kids and they have a father who's an alcoholic named Mr. Bottle??? Geez! Some of the stuff on here people would throw a fit if they put in a kids movie nowadays, it's kinda funny to think #1 nobody even thought twice about it back then and #2, it went completely over my head as a kid; all I cared about was the necklace was pretty, the dog was cute and the songs were catchy.

For anyone who didn't get the chance to see this movie growing up.. you really missed out. For the past 15 years I've had sceens from this movie running threw my head... and I'd been committed to finding a copy for the last year. What's unfortunate about this movie is that if you haven't seen it.. you probably never will. I have came across only two other people who have an English copy. Getting the German version, Der Zauberstein, is not as easy as it sounds. At Amazon.de you can find the German version but it is in PAL format. If you live in the US or another country that doesn't use PAL format (in most of the America's we use NTSC), your going to have to pay to have it duplicated to your format. After buying the movie, the cost of shipping and handling, and the cost of getting a copy converted it starts to add up. But if you really want a copy, stick with it. I'm waiting on my German version to come back from being converted.Some additional names to look for when searching besides "Once Upon a Time" and "Der Zauberstein" are "Maria d'oro Und Bello Blue" and "Cinderella's Wonderworld". I think the difference in "Cinderella's Wonderworld" and "Once Upon a Time" is the year inwhich they were released and maybe the voices?! I'm not sure because I've not found much info on "Cinderella's Wonderworld". I just know it's the same Rolf Kauka cartoon.Also, there is no sites out really about this movie. If I ever get a chance I want to make one with all my posters I've bought and pictures and maybe type up the words from the movie and devote it to Kauka. Just to give everyone a little peak back into this wonderful fairy tale. If anyone is interested in seeing my site after I get it up let me know and I'll get you the address.For anyone who wants to see this movie, I hope you get a chance soon! :) Maria should be right along side Cinderella, Belle, and all the other princesses!Other Movies I recommend: The Last Unicorn (1982) directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass; Return to OZ (1985) directed by Walter Murch *THIS IS NOT A SEQUEL*; The Goonies (1985) directed by Richard Donner

I first saw this movie on KTLA's Family Film Festival around 1980. I loved it! I managed to see it a few more times up until the mid-80's and continued to enjoy it each time. Basically, it's Cinderella meets Alice in Wonderland. In order to marry her one true love, Maria must journey down a well into a magic country to retrieve a magical amethyst necklace, which is how the prince will recognize her. In the meantime, her wicked stepsister is also after the necklace and causes all sorts of trouble for Maria. The characters they meet in the well are quirky and fun. The fairy tale element is strong but not sappy. I also like the songs and music. But, Maria's dog Blue (who actually is blue!) is the character I truly miss the most. He's just so darn cute! I only hope the video comes out of moratorium someday. Overall, I give this movie five stars, but at least one of those is for pure sentimental value.