There is an argument to be had about the animation renaissance and when it truly began. Most would say it came with Disney and The Little Mermaid, but some may equate the changes began with Don Bluth and The Secret of NIMH. Released in 1982 the film was released to a modest fanfare making double its budget at the overall box office but the real success was on home video, the old reliable (back then) VHS market. Based on the book, Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien, our heroine’s name changed to Brisby for the film due to trademark issues. The idea to adapt the book has originally been a possible project for Disney but they weren’t interested. Don Bluth felt there was a story needing to be told and he knew exactly how.
Recently widowed Mrs Brisby is in desperate need of help. Moving day has arrived early, Farmer Fitzgibbons is about the plough the field where she lives. But Timmy, one of her four children, is sick with pneumonia and cannot be moved. Advised by the wisest creature around, The Great Owl tells her to seek help to move her home from the mysterious and secretive rates that live in the rosebush. These aren’t just any rats, as they have a secret, just like Mrs Brisby’s husband Jonathan before he died, and these rats want something in return.
Full review over at Filmhounds.