What is it about NIMH that made you a fan?

I hear a lot about how and when people became a fan, but I dont really hear too much of an explanation on why they are a fan.

For me, Im more of a Mrs. Brisby fan. Shes the reason that I have such a strong "obsession" for this movie. What I like about her so much is that at the beginning of the movie she is so dependent and "weak", even mentioning that she wished jonathan was there in one scene. By the end of the movie she had single-handily moved her house and children to saftey with the power of the amulet and the courage in her heart, making her truly independent.

Besides, she isnt all that bad looking. Well, for a mouse anyways. :wink:

I also love the fluid animation, its top teir and rivals stuff even made to this day. The music is never really forced, and Im grateful that it isnt a musical. Even though some wont agree with me, the version of Flying Dreams sung by Paul Williams is like the icing on the cake at the end, I have a hard time controlling myself when I hear him start singing. I liked how Don Bluth wasn't afraid to make it a dark movie, even if it does make me sniffle a lot. Ive only been a fan for about a month, but I know that some out there has been a fan since day one. Im really interested in hearing what you got to say.

So why dont ya share with us why you are a fan of The Secret of NIMH, and why you continue to watch it to this very day.

You took the words right out of my mouth Thursday! I'm a fan of NIMH for all of those reasons. Plus, NIMH is so different and unique that I can't help but love it. One of the few movies I think is as different as this one is "Finding Neverland."

You took the words right out of my mouth Thursday! I'm a fan of NIMH for all of those reasons. Plus, NIMH is so different and unique that I can't help but love it. One of the few movies I think is as different as this one is "Finding Neverland."

Ah, another Mrs. Brisby fan.

It is very different from other movies in its genre. While most animated films (including NIMH) are family oriented, this film wasn't afraid to show a darker side to life as well. Early Disney wasn't afraid either, but they seem so watered down these days compared to their classics. All other movies compared to this one just seem "cheesy" to me now. I was a huge "The Lion King" fan not long ago, and granted I still like the movie, but when I compare NIMH to it, NIHM has it beat in every catagory.

To stay on topic, another reason Im a NIMH fan is the community. This is the first forum community Ive been a part of and made an effort to be active in. Everyone is so friendly and willing to answer even obscure questions about the movie.

I've been a fan a year and a half now. I still can't quite put my finger on what it was about the movie that caught my eye. I caught it on Toon Disney's Big Movie Show and I couldn't help but love it.
Perhaps it was that song that hit me right here lipoints at heartli Not many other songs have caused me to cry. Or maybe it was the magic of the film. It could have been the mystery, or it may have been the fact that it is different from any other movie I've ever seen.
I think all of those things play a part in it. Who can't like this movie, it is the greatest animated flick of all time. :D

It is very different from other movies in its genre. While most animated films (including NIMH) are family oriented, this film wasn't afraid to show a darker side to life as well. Early Disney wasn't afraid either, but they seem so watered down these days compared to their classics. All other movies compared to this one just seem "cheesy" to me now. I was a huge "The Lion King" fan not long ago, and granted I still like the movie, but when I compare NIMH to it, NIHM has it beat in every catagory.

This is exactly why I'm such a fan of Secret of Nimh. It shows that an animated film does that not have to be strictly targeting children with watered down themes to have appeal. Secret of Nimh is full of depth and emotion, and that is what makes it so wonderful.

I find that a lot of people first saw the film when they were children. Of course they liked it because of the colorful imagery and cute characters, but I don't think they really understood the depth of the story at that age. Later in life they see the film again, and this time around they see it in a whole new light, because they fully understand it. It makes you think, "How did I not realize how incredible this film is?" At least, that's how it was for me.

It really just seems to me as though the film has been forgotten by the majority of the people who would be real fans. If more people would take the time to watch it again, I think we would have a lot more people here talking about it. :)

This is exactly why I'm such a fan of Secret of Nimh. It shows that an animated film does that not have to be strictly targeting children with watered down themes to have appeal. Secret of Nimh is full of depth and emotion, and that is what makes it so wonderful.

I find that a lot of people first saw the film when they were children. Of course they liked it because of the colorful imagery and cute characters, but I don't think they really understood the depth of the story at that age. Later in life they see the film again, and this time around they see it in a whole new light, because they fully understand it. It makes you think, "How did I not realize how incredible this film is?" At least, that's how it was for me.

It really just seems to me as though the film has been forgotten by the majority of the people who would be real fans. If more people would take the time to watch it again, I think we would have a lot more people here talking about it. :)

I think thats the truth. If someone was to just tell me about the film, I probably wouldn't of been interested in it. But because I sat down and watched it as an adult, I became instantly hooked. I know a few people that probably seen it as a child, and isnt too interested in it, but If I ever got the chance to show them NIMH, they would be hooked as well. For some reason this kinda reminds me of something offtopic.

I read somewhere, and please correct me if Im wrong, that MGM and Don Bluth had an agreement about the film. The agreement included that if MGM did not rerelease the film in theaters (or maybe it was VHS) within a certian amount of years, that Don Bluth would earn the rights to the film. If thats true, could someone tell me if that deadline has passed, or if Don Bluth has the rights or not.

I read somewhere, and please correct me if Im wrong, that MGM and Don Bluth had an agreement about the film. The agreement included that if MGM did not rerelease the film in theaters (or maybe it was VHS) within a certian amount of years, that Don Bluth would earn the rights to the film. If thats true, could someone tell me if that deadline has passed, or if Don Bluth has the rights or not.

I read about that too, but I thought that because MGM released Secret of Nimh to DVD that they would retain rights to it. Otherwise I have no idea why MGM would still have the rights to the film. More than enough time has passed. So, who knows. That might be another good question to ask on Don Bluth's website.

I read somewhere, and please correct me if Im wrong, that MGM and Don Bluth had an agreement about the film. The agreement included that if MGM did not rerelease the film in theaters (or maybe it was VHS) within a certian amount of years, that Don Bluth would earn the rights to the film. If thats true, could someone tell me if that deadline has passed, or if Don Bluth has the rights or not.

I've never heard that before myself. I was under the impression that MGM had the rights in perpetuity, so, unless someone can come up with a reliable source for that, I'd regard it as hearsay.

Here is the passage of text I think we are referring to:

Bluth's original agreement with MGM/UA stated that if the distributor did not re-release the film theatrically in seven years, the average span between Disney animated re-releases, Bluth's party would have the rights to do so. This would have occurred sometime in 1989.

From this website, here: http://www.cataroo.com/DBnimh.html[]http://www.cataroo.com/DBnimh.html.

I don't think that website is very reliable, to be honest. I've seen several other 'myths' there be debunked by Bluth & Goldman on their website contact page. So, I don't think we can trust it very much.

I do not know the realiability of this source, but this is where I got it from.

http://www.cataroo.com/DBnimh.html[]http://www.cataroo.com/DBnimh.html

Under the section "Afterwards"

"Bluth's original agreement with MGM/UA stated that if the distributor did not re-release the film theatrically in seven years, the average span between Disney animated re-releases, Bluth's party would have the rights to do so. This would have occurred sometime in 1989.

During the mid-Eighties, several members of the Bluth group discussed plans for this eventual theatrical re-release. They felt that since MGM/UA would not release a film that already appeared on videotape, the film would not receive a second theatrical viewing. However, as the Nineties began, the Bluth studio no longer seemed to consider the option of having NIMH in movie theaters."

Altho as I reread over it, it seems like they were only interested in the rights to rerelease it in theaters.

fake edit- you beat me to it SirShane : P

How I discovered NIMH can be seen at http://www.phpbbcity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62&mforum=nimhster

As to what made me a fan of the movie? I'd have to say that first and foremost was the plot or storyline and the way it along with the characters were developed. Especially where Mrs. B. is concerned, I love the way (as Thursday alluded to) she grows in strength from a shy, timid, dependent being to a more confident, self assured character. Then there is the excellent quality of the animation itself. Sadly, one rarely sees such use of color to convey emotion or the obviously painstaking detailing of the drawings to make sure that the character movements were fluid and not jittery. Then there is the subtle use of emotions that serve to hook you as well. I well confess to being on the verge of tears myself along with Mrs. Brisby during the scene in which her cinderblock home sinks into the mud taking with it her four children. Last but not least, who can forget that masterpiece of a musical score by the late Jerry Goldsmith. To this day, I still find myself humming "Flying Dreams" especially when I'm feeling anxious. It has a calming effect on me that I find quite soothing. For these reasons I have been a NIMH fan since day 1 and from what I've seen so far, my interest shows no sign of waning.

Peace :D
NIMHmaniac

I saw the film in the theater when I was in junior high school. during the original release. I was hooked from the first moment I'd heard about it, since I was a big Disney fan but I felt they were starting to go down hill already and I was excited to see someone else picking up the torch.

When I actually saw the movie it was hugely moving. It was movie that wasn't afraid to tell a story with depth, and even some tradegy, and treat the viewers like they were intelligent and sensitive. The stunning visuals, perfect casting and moving music firmly made this my favorite, even today.

Infact, I'd go so far as to say it's had a big impact on my life, as it's been the basis of many stories, drawings and even sci-fi settings and I've used the philosphies and ideas from the film in formulating my personal philosphies in life.

Welcome to the forums and the fandom Thursday.

--Mav

I didn't see the movie untill pretty recently when Nickoldeon started to air movies on sunday afternoons. It really didn't last too long but they did view NIMH 3 or 4 times, once on a Sunday night.

Anyway when I first saw it I was like this can't be a Disney fiim, it the time I thought it was. I saw it once on a web page and it said it was from Disney and it was in the preview of All Dogs go to Heven. I just couldn't belive what I saw. The story was so deep and characters were so rounded; and Jenner was a great villen. I was like "a Disney villey is plaining to murder." When it was over it took me few moments to turn off the tv, had to reflect on it..

My NIMH fandom started with the original book. I read it in fourth grade and I was immediately amazed with the story. The cover art for the edition I own isn't all that great but it was an awesome story. Afterwards I saw the movie and it was truely a magnificent film. It had it's minor changes from the book but it was a great addition, if not a great improvement, to Robert C. O'Brian's story. I plan to buy it on DVD and write a crossover fanfic very soon.

I mostly like the fact that the story had the courage to be about a mother going through hell to save her son. I wish there was a video game that revolved around the idea of a helpless mother going through hell to save her family. That would really be interesting.

The movie also looks pretty, especially if you bought the blu-ray.

The fandom and cult following this film has is also fun.