Raymond Briggs' "The Bear," originally released in 1999, is a delightful holiday spectacle that is unfortunately often overshadowed by the popularity of the previous Briggs' masterpiece, "The Snowman" (1982). It is true that there are many similarities between the two films; both take small children into the adventure of a lifetime in a magical winter wonderland, neither one relies on dialogue but instead on a lovely musical score, as well as a beautiful original song. Still, this is no reason to put "The Bear" aside because, as much as I loved "The Snowman" and as much as I believe that it is nothing short of a masterpiece, I somehow find parts of "The Bear" to be stronger in some ways.

Shortly before Christmas, a girl named Tilly drops her beloved Teddy Bear into the polar bear exhibit during a visit to the city zoo. That very night, Tilly practically cries herself to sleep as she misses her friend, and no other can replace him. Later that night, an enormous polar bear appears inside her very bedroom. The two become fast friends, but keeping such a large creature hidden from her two parents proves difficult. Tilly bathes the bear and offers him some food, in return, the polar bear carries her away into the streets of her own city, which are now empty and turned into a magical wonderland. Together, Tilly and the bear wander the streets, witnessing magical displays of lights and dancing and sliding on the ice at the park. The two are then joined by the enchanting apparition of the Ursa Major. When danger comes near, the polar bear is there to save Tilly, until the two must part; the bear leaves on a voyage to return to his home, at the North Pole. The Ursa Major is there to take Tilly home, who holds on to a small star shining bright in memory of her adventure.

"The Bear" is simply a delight. I personally found the visit to the lonely city streets during a cold winter night more magical than the snowman's visit to the North Pole in the 1982 film. The animation in "The Bear" is also as magnificent as that in "The Snowman," with its soft and warm storybook-like drawings and vivid colors. The story is very touching, and the ending manages to feel both happy and sad, once again, just like in the 1982 film. I found the musical score to be wonderful and very nicely combined with the action and animation. The song, "Somewhere A Star Shines For Everyone," beautifully sung through "la-las" during the ice dancing scene, is bound to kindle a Christmas heart and give it that magical holiday feeling, at least that's what it did for me. I should also point out the direct reference made to "The Snowman," as Tilly and her family sit to watch that particular film on TV, and viewers of "The Bear" are rewarded with a small bit of its lovely theme music.

So in conclusion, "The Bear" is definitely worthy of a full-score rating, because I believe it is all it could have been, if not more. It is definitely a holiday treasure I'll cherish as much as "The Snowman," and a number of other holiday classics. After several viewings, I've never been disappointed and have not found any flaws with it, so I'll just say that "The Bear" is definitely one to add to the Christmas film collection. Highly recommended!

The original cut of this video was breathtaking, and a magical part of my children's early childhood. We lost the original in a move, and were so happy to find it again in DVD format. Well. Somewhere over time, it was decided to add a narration that utterly ruins it. Now we have Dame Judi Dench in a voiceover that made my daughter groan, "it's like adding a sports announcer to a beautiful ballet". The music and animation told the story in a simple and artful way that is now ruined for us. What a shame.

It was a mere dream that we all as kids would want to come to life.

We enjoy this story a break from the Disney/Villen movies.

This is a wonderful short animated film, perfectly enjoyable for a six year old girl and her old Dad. Mom likes it too. The story is cute, clever, funny, poignant and magical. I think its wordlessness allows a subtle complexity not seen (or noticed, anyway) in most videos directed at kids. (I have not seen The Snowman: is that the show Tilly and her family are watching when the bear sneaks into the room?.) I find the soundtrack, by Howard Blake, to be quite fine as a tone poem, independent of the visuals -- try turning off the picture, and hear for yourself. This score belongs on the programs of pops concerts everywhere; bass and tuba players might like the exposure. It is the music, really, that makes it all so magical; it carries the story much higher than the book itself was able to go. In fact, this is the only case I know in which the movie is better than the book. That's the most rare praise I can give it.