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An international box office smash, filmed on location in the Swiss Alps, thisDove Foundation “Family Approved” live-action feature based on one of the best-selling children’s novels of all time, makes its U.S. debut on DVD and Digital April 4, 2017. The HEIDI DVD is available exclusively at Walmart.
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 awakens 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.
Interview with screenwriter Petra Volpe
What, in your words, is the quintessence of this world-famous story?
I once read that Heidi opens the hearts of people right where goodness is located. I think the story contains a longing we all have: a child that is so pure, a child that can just be itself. That was a very important aspect for me when writing the screenplay. The contrasts are also incredibly powerful. On the one hand, we have this small, tender girl in her little shirt and on the other hand the old, grumpy Almöhi. Then we have a house in Germany that is like a corset into which the girl, who has come from the mountains and was so free, is forced. These massive contrasts in the story are something universal, which is why people still like reading the story to this day. And I would like to stress once again that for all these big contrasts there is no black and white, no good versus evil, not even with Johanna Spyri. There is always a “but” or another side. That is one great strength of the story.
The story is of great relevance. Particularly the idea that creating art, expressing oneself, communicating is more important than any belief systems. In my view it is important to encourage children to communicate with the world, to seek a language. That makes children strong and free. I also think that we live in a strangely hostile world today. Although there is an obsession with bodies, there is also a hostility to the wild, to being outside in the great outdoors. That is one of the best things for children.
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- The Heidi DVD is available at Walmart
Do you remember watching HEIDI growing up?
I think this movie would be interesting. I do remember reading the book although it has been many years. It sounds like they did try and capture the book well. I like the scenes in it.
I do remember reading Heidi as I was growing up, although I never watched the movie. I’m excited to see this one though. It looks like a great movie.
I remember watching the movie Heidi with Shirley Temple with my Grandmother as a child. I watched a few other versions of Heidi over the years also.
Oh I so remember Heidi with the beautiful & talented Shirley Temple. I loved the mountains and the innocence of a time long past.
I remember watching the original Heidi movie when I was a little girl. I loved Shirley Temple in it and remember how much I cried when she was not allowed to go back to her grandfather.
I watched Heidi on TV a few times doesn’t ever leave you….and I’m 70yrs old now
I’m familiar with the story but don’t recall reading the book or watching the movie as a child though.
i loved Heidi growing up. I wanted my name to be Heidi and if I had a daughter i was going to call her Heidi.
I loved this movie.
Heidi was one of my very favorite books! I read it over and over!
Yes, I remember reading Heidi and also watching the movie when I was very young!
I remember my grandmother and I would watch this movie and it seemed as if we watched it a million times. Wish I could go back to watch it one more time with her.
I saw remember seeing Heidi when I was a kid—a long time ago lol. I love that my grand-daughters will enjoy the story.
I read the book several times and remember seeing the original movie with Shirley Temple. She was my mom’s favorite, so we always watched together.
I remember watching Heidi when I was a young girl, we used to watch two different versions all the time.
I remember reading this book and seeing the movie. I’m sure my niece would love to watch it too.
I remember reading this book when I was younger. I have not seen the movie before.
I remember reading the book, but I don’t think I watched any movie.
I read Heidi when I was a child but I has not watched its movie yet. I would love to watch it with my son, too!
Thank You
When I was growing up, this was one of my favorite books. My mother would read this to be all the time. I think the first time I watched it in a movie was with my oldest daughter and I dearly found out that I still loved it.
Heidi was one of my favorite books as a child. I love that it is family friendly and very heart warming!
I loved Heidi growing up!! I bet my son will really enjoy it!! i mean who doesn’t love a crazy grandpa 😉 Right?!!? Plus mountain adventures!??! Too fun!
This was a great interview! I do remember reading and watching Heidi when I was young. I am looking forward to watching this with my grandchildren. Thanks!
Yes, I read Heidi years ago! Excited about watching this!
I read the book as a child. I also remember watching the movie. It is nice that they have updated it .
Love this as a child rowing up