Les Contes de l'Histoire sans fin

I recently purchased the four disc complete box set of Tales from the NeverEnding Story, and I must admit that while it's not a clean transition from Micheal Ende's novel, it's fun on it's own. We have to remember that this was never meant to be a remake of the book, or the movies from the 80's. It was a television series, and in order to make it entertaining, they incorporated some of who are now my favorite characters.

Twelve year old Bastian Bux had lost the wonderful imagination he had as a child somewhere between growing older, watching TV, and going to school. But when his mother dies suddenly, his imagination resurfaces. Bastian comes across "The Neverending Story" in a curious little bookstore. In this magical book, Bastian discovers an enchanted world called Fantasia, inhabited by dragons, dark knights, assorted heroes, and villains.

The great adventure begins when Bastian follows his alter ego, Atreyu into a battle against the sinister force of the Nothing. It threatens to destroy Fantasia and its ruler, the Childlike Empress. Only Atreyu, a woodland boy, can save her.

Along on the journey, Atreyu meets the independent Fly Girl, who is on personal mission to restore dreams to Fantasians with her grandfather's machine, designed to look like the mythical Luck Dragon, Falcore, who hasn't been seen in ages. As there emotions intertwine, the two develop feelings for each other.

Although the series leaves off on a large cliff hanger, it was still an interesting watch, but with the series now cancelled, it's pretty easy to decide what happens, but of course, the tale of Fantasia never ends.

It's not exactly like the movie but it's a pleasant t.v series for kids.

The nothing is never really explained and i must say i much prefer the movie version where it just sucks everything up. I was a little disturbed by the death of the mother. It was a little much, but after episode one it picks up. Love the little boy with the buck teeth in the tribe. A flying machine replacing the luck dragon is clever.

Though the ease in which everyone learns to fly it is far fetched.

In all, i prefer the original movie (hated the sequel) but who wouldn't.

Terrible acting, production, the episode 'plots' were painfully faulty. Just plain bad.

I was asking so many friends to watch this with me for cringing fun.

Think Power Rangers meets PBS' Zoom meets high school theatre departments' reject costume designs full realized.

I hate this series. I hope you do watch it because I cannot believe it happened.

While I enjoyed the Tales from the Neverending Story it really can't be thought of as the Neverending story. While I haven't read the book (yet, getting it soon), its like the writers watched the movie, grabbed bits they liked and then made the rest up. Throwing in characters and situations of their own devising and barely keeping anything intact from the movie. As a fantasy series though, it is very good. It Reminds me of other fantasy series (Australian made ones) like Thunderstone, Spellbinder and to a lesser extent Ocean Girl (all very good series that you should check out if you can). The characters are all well done, and while some of the situations are a little hard to believe, it is a fantasy show, and can be easily overlooked. Check it out, but don't start watching with the expectation of a remake of the movie.

I have been a fan of Michael Ende since childhood and, although this interpretation of the Neverending Story strays from the plot of the book, I still found it delightful to watch. It is beautifully shot with colourful costumes and cinematography. The cast, although young, give wonderfully natural and committed performances. There are some additional characters who add humour and romantic tension where it may have been lacking in Ende's original story. There is more of an exploration of the character of Bastian and his place in the real world, which provides a contrast with the characters in Fantastica. I believe the changes in plot are in keeping with the spirit of the world Ende created. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale, regardless of age.