Inspiring a love of learning in a child's mind!

Milo is a boy who is bored with everything and can't see any rhyme, reason, or beauty in the world. In school, all he can think about is going home. At home, he still wishes he was somewhere else. However, Milo's world is turned upside down when a mysterious box appears in his bedroom. The box transforms into a kid-sized, magical tollbooth, complete with kiddie car and coins. Milo agrees to drive the little car through the talking tollbooth in the hopes of some sort of adventure, and he is not disappointed. Test driving through it a few times, he is amazed to find he is transformed into a living cartoon character. When he finally bites the bullet and goes all the way through, Milo enters a cartoon world of letters and numbers, kings and castles, demons and princesses, and all sorts of other oddities. The boy passes through all sorts of odd situations and obstacles, befriending a talking "watchdog" and a few other strange characters along the way, and learns the real value of knowledge and using time wisely when he quests to rescue two princesses from the terrifying "Castle in the Air."

Starring Butch Patrick (TV's Eddie Munster) in the role of Milo, along with legendary voice talents the likes of Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, Hans Conried, June Foray, and many more, this Chuck Jones classic is a cherished memory to countless children who have seen it since its release in 1970. Based on the book by Norton Juster, "The Phantom Tollbooth" is all about the importance of thought and learning. Its message may grow tiring to some adult viewers after a while, but it has a nice pace that should keep most viewers interested, along with creative animation and bizarre situations! Sure, it's yet another story that feels in some ways like a "Wizard of Oz" retread, but it's different enough to be worthwhile. The overall 1970 look of the film puts one in mind of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" during the live-action sequences, but this only adds to the film's charm. Let's hope a DVD release comes along sooner or later. I know many people are waiting for it!

Not like I remembered

I remember watching this as a kid, so after reading the book (which is great!) to our kids, we bought the video. It's different, scarier, than the book. It's got a few cute things in it that our girls enjoyed, but we all preferred the book.

pass on a good thing when you find one!

I remember this film from my childhood.My kids watched it with me in their childhood.I've just purchased a copy to introduce a new generation to a truly"good thing". Thank you Chuck Jones!