I remember as a kid listening to Patrick Stewart narrate it from a cassette I found at the library. Of course, I saw the Disney version more times than I can count, and who can forget the use of the wolf’s theme in the holiday classic ‘A Christmas Story‘?

So I was surprised, as I went on a Netflix streaming video bender last night, that I discovered a new, unique retelling of the classic tale. Directed by Susie Templeton, this new vision of Peter and the Wolf is a stop-motion masterpiece. As you watch the film, you feel as if you are watching dolls created by a master craftsman come to life. It is easy to find yourself fully immersed within this beautiful universe.

While it remains true to the original incarnations by not utilizing any dialogue, it has some unique variations as well:

• The wolf is truly menacing, getting ahold of the duck, who does not survive. (I know, that was a spoiler, just thought I’d warn those with small children. If they are easily disturbed, you may wait until they’re a bit older.)
• The hunters are equally menacing, throwing Peter in to a garbage dumpster and threatening him with their rifle.
• The bird breaks his wing, and Peter gives him a balloon to help him fly.

I loved watching this. The ‘acting’ of the animated characters is captivating. You truly understand why Peter’s grandfather wants to keep Peter out of the forest. There is a scene with Peter and the duck ice skating on a pond that gives you the sense that you are skating along with them. It feels like the really good View-Master reels living and breathing in front of you.

This version of Peter and the Wolf won the 2008 Oscar for best animated short, and deserves all the honor that it has been given.

I leave you with a 30 second preview, and my highest possible recommendation. Enjoy!

And just for fun, here’s another vision of Peter and the Wolf by the beatboxing flutist, Greg Pattillo: