Peter and the Wolf (2006)

Peter and the Wolf is a stopmotion delight! It won the 2008 Oscar for Best Animated Short (32 min though the last 4 min are credits). Its rustic setting on the outskirts of a Russian village in winter is artfully depicted down to the smallest details of Peter's hovel. Peter's large baby-blue eyes take in the world around him even as he explores where he should not -- for a wolf is in the woods. The animated storyline behind and depicting Prokofiev's artful music is impressively imaginative and droll (esp. the cat and bird hijinks). This is old-school storytelling at its best -- and with no dialog. Peter and the Wolf is suitable viewing for the whole family although be aware that a threatening wolf is in the second half and he lunges at everyone including Peter (who also gets roughed up by a town tough that points a rifle at him). Don't miss this treasure! 5 stars.