2/5 Tales From the Neverending Story: The Beginning
  by William A. Christmas (IRONTON, MO United States)
From the outset, this DVD was somewhat disappointing, despite some fantastic graphics and special effects. It appears to have been a hastily edited and heavily cut compilation of a series which was made for Canadian TV, with some disturbingly short and choppy segues from scene to scene, implying there was much extra material removed to edit this down to a film length feature. For continuity, I wish that the editors had allowed the original series to be transposed onto several DVDs and sold them as a complete set - it would have made more sense as a story, and allowed the original intent of the screenwriter and director to come through. Overall, though, it was a good try. Wait for the whole thing to be released, though - the bonus features hint at an amazing and entertaining multidisk story.

5/5 I LIKED THIS ONE, TOO!
  by
If you're looking for blood and guts and a bunch of senseless action, this movie is not for you. This is the story of Bastian, still dealing with the death of his mother, dealing with living once more with a father who had been seprated from his mother before she died, and discovering a book his mother encouraged him to read. Other reviewers feel that this series is far below the original. Personally, I didn't care for them. They were dark, cryptic and left me wondering what the heck was going on and why. This edition answers a question my son and I both were baffled by: What name did Bastian call out to give the Child Like Empress? You'll have to watch this movie to find out. And just who was Mr. Coriander? The answer to that gave a whole new light to the story.

While the original series pretty much left out details about Bastian's mother, she is very much a part of this one (she is also responsible for The Child Like Empress' new name). Did you know she was an artist and wrote children's books? Did you know that Bastian was very much a part of that? And you thought you knew it all from the original series. There is so much more the original films didn't tell!

I happened to find both "Tales" in a sale bin at a local drugstore, and I am so glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them. The Gift also has a very interesting behind the scenes segment on the DVD that my son and I enjoyed very much.

In fact, we enjoyed them both so much that I'm going to pay full price for the 3rd chapter when it's available.

5/5 More Thrilling Than The First Installment!!...
  by
This is the second DVD in the "Tales" series. In this fantastic volume Atreyu and Fly Girl journey to the Southern Oracle to find a cure for the Childlike Empress. He meets two odd characters that offer to "help" him get through the ominous riddle gate. Meanwhile, Xyide travels to the Ivory Tower to do away with her sister(the empress). The dying empress uses the last bit of her power to shield off Xyide's attacks and puts a protective shield around herself so that Xyide cannot harm her. Back in our world, Bastian sees his mothers ghost at night. His father, thinking that there are to many memories in their old home, decides to sell the house(with a little persuasion from a not-so-nice real estate agent, who is actualy a spy from Xyide) and move on with their lives. This volume contains some of the most exciting and dramatic moments in the entire series. This is one of the best family series I have seen in a long time. Most of these reviews are not fair and are WAY to critical. It's important to view this series with and open mind. I think all fantasy lovers will enjoy this series and for those who do not typically view fantasy movies, I think you will be pleasently surprised.

1/5 This must end!
  by A. Jarrells (VA United States)
*This also refers to part one of the series*
How about a new film in theatres..."The Neverending Story IV:Escape From The Tragic Canadian TV Series"?
I cannot believe that even one person would stick up for this tripe. It saddens me. Deep down, it saddens me to think that people would obligingly lower their standards and say, "Well, it's okay. It could have been worse." Could have been worse? Anything could always be worse! I'm giving it one star because they spelled the title correctly. There will be no further argument...YES, this is as bad as we say it is. NO, it's not the worst thing ever, but we aren't comparing here. We are rating this particular series, not the series in light of Harry Potter or Galidor or whatever has taken the spotlight these days. This particular series should be ashamed to have the title "The Neverending Story" attached to it, although, as I mentioned, they did spell it correctly. You don't have to stick to it word for word, but I refuse to endorse inventing asinine characters, events, plotlines and props simply to keep a new generation of kids glued to the television. That's not a new spin, it's a sinister gimmick. Sticking to the original storyline and utilizing the new technological capabilities would have produced far better results. So, please, I'm begging you, if you watch this series, be familiar with the book. Do not go into the breach unarmed.