When I was a little girl, I loved the book Heidi and the 1960s TV movie. I loved the idea of living up in the mountains and romping around with the goats. I also became fascinated with yodeling. I spent a lot of time out on our deck thinking that if I yodeled loud enough my grandma could hear me from 40 miles away.
Now there is a brand new, beautiful version of Heidi retelling the story of the little orphan girl who goes from her carefree life with her grandfather in the mountains to a new life in the city as a playmate for the wheelchair-bound Klara. Available just in time to fill Easter baskets, this Dove Foundation “Family Approved” live-action feature makes its U.S. debut on DVD and Digital April 4, 2017, exclusively at Walmart.
With more than 50 million copies in print, Swiss author Johanna Spyri’s beloved 1880’s novel, “Heidi,” is one of the all-time classics of children’s literature, which has also spawned numerous adaptations – from a 1937 Shirley Temple vehicle and several Japanese anime series to a Hanna-Barbera feature. This April, Omnibus Entertainment invites families everywhere to head for the hills with HEIDI, a new, lavishly produced adaptation starring Bruno Ganz and marking the big screen debut of Anuk Steffen as the titular Swiss mountain girl.
Orphan girl Heidi spends the happiest days of her childhood with her eccentric grandfather, Alpöhi (Ganz), cut off from the outside world in a simple cabin in the breathtaking Swiss mountains. Together with her friend Peter, she tends to grandfather’s goats and enjoys freedom in the mountains to the fullest. But these carefree times come to an abrupt end when Heidi is whisked to Frankfurt by her Aunt Dete. The idea is for her to stay with the wealthy Sesemann family and be a playmate for his wheelchair-bound daughter Klara, under the supervision of the strict nanny, Fräulein Rottenmeier. Although the two girls soon become close friends and Klara’s grandmother awakes a passion for books in Heidi while teaching her to read and write, young Heidi’s longing for her beloved mountains and her grandfather grows ever stronger.
Spyri originally published “Heidi” as a two-volume novel – “Heidi: Her Years of Wandering and Learning” and “Heidi: How She Used What She Learned” – and, according to the original subtitle, was written “for children and those who love children.” Aside from being translated from the original German into over 50 different languages, HEIDI has also become an enduring figure in children’s entertainment through many theater productions; television programs, including one by the BBC and one by Walt Disney; films, including a silent one; a musical play co-written by Neil Simon; a video piece with Paul McCartney and Mike Kelley, and a talking dog version with Angela Lansbury. There is even a “Heidiland” in eastern Switzerland.
Called “handsomely crafted” (Edmund Lee, South China Morning Post), this most recent adaptation, an international box office smash that has played at top children’s film festivals across the U.S., also captured the award for “Best Children’s Film” at last year’s German Film Awards. Omnibus Entertainment’s DVD features both the original German language version with English subtitles, as well as a dubbed version.
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Julie Lundstrom says
I enjoy the beautiful mountians and the goats in Heidi. I remember this story and would love to have my children watch.
Shannon Baas says
I love when she returns to the mountain.
KENNETH OHL says
I just remember it’s a great family movie really no other memories of it
Jackie says
I love the story of Heidi. The movie with Shirley Temple was one of my favorites when I was young
bernie wallace says
I do not know much about the story of Heidi. I heard my wife mention it a few times. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win.
Theresa Miller says
It has been so long since I seen this movie. It was a touching one I remember and had many mountains in it. It was a great family show for sure I remember though.
vickie couturier says
ive read it and my daughter and now time for the grandkids to enjoy it too,,the friendship between Peter and Heidi is wonderful
Donna Clifford says
No don’t really know the story, but would like to find out.
Christina Sparks says
I do not remember ever watching Heidi, so I would like to watch it.
Allan F says
I don’t know the story but Bruno Gans is always great. I’d love to see it!
Daniel M says
nope never heard of it
John H. says
I think that it would be great to see this movie. I don’t know if I have seen the original.
Jennifer H. says
I saw the first one and liked it and I would like to see this one to.
Edye says
I remember watching it as a little kit, but don’t remember the plot.
Meghan says
Never saw it!
Donna Kozar says
I think I saw it, but I don’t remember much about it.
heather s says
I don’t really remember. The name sounds familiar
Denise B. says
My favorite part is when Heidi is reunited with her grandfather. I’ve read the book and seen the movie from 1968 many times.
Jeanna Massman says
I remember reading Heidi when I was young. Years later I watched the movie with my kids.
Juanita Alvarez says
Never saw it
Ronald Oliver says
I vaguely recall the story from my youth, but I would like to see this new adaptation..the scenery is awesome!
Leela says
I’ve never seen it before.
Jerry Marquardt says
I really don’t have a particular favorite, they are all so good. I am sure if I ask my niece, she would have one though.
Fiona N says
I have not seen this movie yet, so I would love to win and watch it soon
Thank You
Erin Madigan says
I haven’t read or watched Heidi in awhile, but I remember the general theme of it. It’s a greta story.
Heather B says
I remember reading the book and watching the Shirley Temple movie when I was younger.
bill norris says
i think the movie looks good and would love to see it.
Renee Grosskreuz says
I saw it many years ago.An excellent film.
Dee Hadley says
I have never seen this movie.
Danalee Davis says
I don’t remember the story, but look forward to watching it because it is a classic.
Kathy Pease says
I do not remember this but I would like to see this with my granddaughter..She would love it!
Carl White says
Do you already know the story of Heidi?
No.
If not, let us know why you are looking forward to watching.
I hear it was a great football game.
Laurie Emerson says
I remember watching the original and loved the relationship between Heidi and her grandfather.
Yvonne Delgado says
I think I remember her going to live with her grandfather for some reason in the swiss alps? I know I have seen it , a very long time ago. I would love to share this with my kids and see if my memory comes back 🙂
DanV says
I don’t know the story but I’d like to see it with my kids
Thomas Gibson says
I watched this as a child and don’t remember the storyline. Will have to watch it again sometime. Thanks