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The Land Before Time (1988)

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Average Rating: 6.1/10
Reviews Counted: 15
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 4

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 317,892

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Movie Info

Animation producer Don Bluth's fondness for overly cutesy characters and muddy color compositions work to the benefit of his feature-length cartoon The Land Before Time. Littlefoot, a brontosaurus child, must fend for himself when his mother is killed (shades of Bambi). With several other orphaned dinosaurs, Littlefoot seeks out the fabled Great Valley, where food and shelter is plentiful. Along the way, the kiddie dinos learn several vital (and politically correct) life lessons, all the while

G, 1 hr. 10 min.

Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: Don Bluth

In Theaters: Nov 18, 1988 Wide

On DVD: Apr 30, 1997

MCA Universal Home Video

The Land Before Time Trailer & Photos

Cast

Gabriel Damon
Littlefoot
Candy Hutson
Cera
Judith Barsi
Ducky
Will Ryan
Petrie
Bill Erwin
Grandfather
Helen Shaver
Littlefoot's Mother
Pat Hingle
Narrator, Rooter
Burke Barnes
Daddy Topps
Fred Gwynne
Candace Hutson

Critic Reviews for The Land Before Time

All Critics (20) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (4) | DVD (1)

Baby dinosaur buddy flick that started the series.

January 1, 2011 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

| Comment

Common Sense Media Editors

Common Sense Media

What charmed me when I first saw it as a six-year-old in theaters now strikes me as rather middling, indifferent storytelling and character development.

November 24, 2009 Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy

| Comments (4)

Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

A very good animated film, but nothe where near intriguing enough to inspire copious sequels.

August 2, 2002 Comment

Phil Villarreal

Arizona Daily Star

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Audience Reviews for The Land Before Time

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A moving and unforgettable film, The Land Before Time is a great entertainment to all family and to remember the childhood. Fresh.

January 28, 2012

Lucas Martins

Super Reviewer

I've always enjoye dthis movie, its a cool and fun movie for kids and is the start of a big franchise that was one of my favorites as a kid, a good movie.

August 15, 2011

Brad Wright

Super Reviewer

The Land Before Time Quotes

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1. Littlefoot's Mother: Dear sweet Littlefoot... do you remember the way to the Great Valley?
2. Littlefoot: I guess so... but why do I have to know if you're going to be with me?
3. Littlefoot's Mother: I'll be with you. Even if you can't see me.
4. Littlefoot: What do you mean I can't see you? I can always see you.
5. Littlefoot's Mother: Littlefoot, let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely.
6. Littlefoot: Mother? Mother?
– Submitted by Adrian G (3 months ago)