Harvie Krumpet [DVD]

I shed a tear of joy for our friend Harvie when I first saw this movie. It's a fantastic short film, running about 22 minutes in length and probably not suited for younger audiences. My copy came with a hole in the cellophane, but there was no damage to the case or cover art. The animation and voice acting are fantastic, I absolutely adore this movie, it's way up there for me, and I can't recommend it enough.

Harvie Krumpet is a little clay figure who shows us how life is full of ups and downs. My family was recently spending time together (we had just lost an immediate, younger family member). We had heard that Harvie Krumpet is a funny animated story, so we decided to watch it. Though a dark comedy (not meant for young children) and not politically correct by today's standards, we were reminded of times gone by. I'm quite a religious person, and I was not offended by the local Church's visit to the aged-persons' home. In my opinion, it was more a spoof on naive people trying to give a "quick fix" solution to life's problems. We certainly related to Harvie's experiences. We felt like crying, we felt like laughing, and we knew that our down time would brighten up by "seizing the day".

This amazing animation appeals to me in more ways than I think I can say. There's Harvie, of course, the misfortune magnet who somehow keeps plugging along despite it all. The narrative style announces each new disaster with head-on bluntness and total lack of emotion, much the way Harvie himself deals with them. Instead of morose, however, this comes across as reserved and accepting, a lesson in living through the tough moments. That casual tolerance of of the worst life has to offer makes it seem not so bad after all. Then there's the goofy animation style, Harvie's penchant for undress (no matter what the local standards), and a never-ending stream of minor jokes and throw-aways. (Watch for a finger-puppet anywhere but on a finger.) The rough animation style seems to glory in slightly lumpy lines, reminding the viewer that we real people have our own bumps and blemishes, but get by quite nicely anyway. Even with the extras, this isn't a long DVD. Maybe brevity is a virtue this time. That will make it easier to schedule seeing this one again and again, as I'm sure I will. I know I haven't done it justice, but I'm not sure words can. Brilliant! -- wiredweird

Take it for what it is, awesome entertainment. Needed to be longer though, seemed too short. The world of animation has come a long way and has added much enjoyment to my sense of humor.

This is the kind of story that every adult should watch. Not only does it tug at your hear heart strings, but it also shows how the human spirit manages to persevere no matter what is thrown at it. I watch it every so often just to remind me what it is to be a human being.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this DVD, but only knew it was Australian and had recieved some good reviews here. I was pleasently surprised to experience a series of claymation stories which were truly unique. Mr. Elliot is a talented artist with a fresh perspective on storytelling. Most of the material included here is (or appears to be) based on Elliot's actual family and experiences growning up in Melbourne. The stories are often subtle in their humour and message, but evoke strong laughs and somber contemplation. These stories are quirky yet very human. My only complaint is that I was left wanting more. The price seems a bit steep for the amount of content.

Really? Why is this piece of #$%#$ rated so well? Slow, boring, not all that imaginative, thankfully short, but not short enough. Save your time and your money.

I love animation, other half does not--but we both LOVED this film made for a mature audience. Unusual subject matter treated with wit and humor. Highly recommend it.

A must see for anyone who has come into this life, is living it, and knows that someday it will end.

As a huge fan of Mary and Max (one of my favourite films from 2009) I was intrigued to see the short film that preceded the feature. I wasn't disappointed - Harvie Krumpet is made with the same attention to detail, blackly humourus comedy and wonderful characterisation that made Mary & Max so good. I'm not surprised this won the Academy Award for best animated short. The additional material and examples of the filmmaker's early work adds even more depth and provides a great deal of information. There may only be 45 mins of material on the disc, but every single one is pure gold.

This is an absolute must for ant aspiring animator. Funny but touching at the same time. The animation is not quite up to that of Ardman, but is still excellent and complements the styling and mood of the characters and of the story being told.GET THIS DVD and add it to your collection now!!! also look out for Mary and Max, Adam Elliot's follow up film from 2009; this looks excellent and i'm still trying to find a Pal DVD version.

If you're a first generation Aussie, Canuk, Yank, whatever, you might be able to relate to this short animation. Born into peasantry, history and geography put you in a war zone, then you become displaced and try to make a fresh start on the other side of the globe, as a sensitive half wit. You are not alone, yes it is a dark comedy but it has warmth and poignancy. I'd say more but I gotta catch a bus.

Excellent animation and script. It is in the Extras on Mary and Max, so if you have that DVD, don't get this. If you don't have that, this is great v