Some of the voice acting was retched, (ie: the “monks”) and when the draconians appeared I actually cringed at how bad it looked. One or the other (cartoon or cg), but never both. It just makes it look cheap.

I also think it had a bit of a rushed feel to it. And as Jeremy above says, some important parts are missing, which makes me wonder if they planned the 2-4 parts at all.

@Kelley
I agree with your assessments of Tas and Riverwind, but I still enjoyed how they were in the movie too. I think I’d really enjoy hearing audiobook, thanks for bringing it to my attention.

@Jeremy
Yes, I’m quite sure I read the book. What about what I wrote lead you to believe that I didn’t? I realized they left characters out and I do know that the traitor storyline was omitted, but that often happens with adaptations. Not everything gets included. The ending doesn’t go completely off track, it just incorporates details from other books in the series. I thought the scene with Fizban and Tas falling was similar to the book, is that what you were referring to?I do think the movie came off as low-budget at times, especially with the merging of the two animation styles, but otherwise, I really enjoyed it.

I found this movie quite well done as I have been in to the sister product of Dragonlance Dungeons & Dragons for several years. Many years ago I listened to the same story on cassette and have had a long lasting fascination with these characters mostly with Tanis Half-Elven.
I feel the character of Tasslehoff was done more as a mean Character than the mischievious Kender that the books portrayed – not that he didn’t say those things it was just the tone used. I also feel that Riverwind was portrayed as more of an agressive character than the proud shy Que-shu we all know and adore.
Suffice it to say I loved the movie and I hope there will be more to come…keep up the good work guys and gals.

Kelley

Interesting review, since exactly like you I was apprehensive about the movie, and especially the fact that it was animated (on further thought though – yeah – Takhisis would have been a lot tougher to portray in live-action). And like you I heaved a huge sigh of relief and delight at the finished product.

The only place we disagree, though, is about the 2 types of animation and being a long-time Heavy Metal and D&D fan, I can see your point about the 2D (which I thought was very well done and true to the characters of Raistlin & Tanis, especially) – but when the other animation of the Draconians, kicked in – it actually drew a gasp of shock from me – it was SO magnificent!
And yes, it did make the other 2D animation look strange and unreal by comparison – which is why (if they are true to the original artwork as a template) I would love to see Dragons of Winter Night upgraded to fully CG.

My congratulations to Weiss etc. for the great choice of Kiefer Sutherland to do Raist’s voice – PERFECT.

Thanks for a great review.

Cyndi