Anyone who has walked through the science fiction and fantasy aisle of your local bookstore probably has seen the covers of the Dragonlance series of novels.  I was not a big fantasy fan growing up but over the years I’ve met many who are and along with Tolkien’s works and Dungeons and Dragons, the name Dragonlance was one I heard over and over again.  Initially based on a Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying campaign, authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman established the core of the Dragonlance universe beginning with the book Dragons of Autumn Twilight.  Numerous books followed along with various merchandise over its nearly twenty-five year history.  With the recent rise in popularity of fantasy based movies, a Dragonlance feature film, with its rich history, seemed like a no-brainer.  A trailer was released in later 2007 and the animated movie hit the DVD shelves in early 2008.  The quality of direct-to-DVD animated film releases from companies like DC and Marvel have increased.  It’s unfortunate the same level of technical merit were not used in the making of Dragons of Autumn Twilight.

But first, the story.  Dragons of Autumn Twilight opens with the gathering of old friends.  The half-elf, half human Tanis (the film’s central character), meets up with Flint FireForge, a dwarf, in the forest on their way to meet their old companions.  An attack by goblins is repelled with the help of a kender named Tasslehoff Burrfoot.   The trio are joined by the knight, Sturm Brightblade and brothers Caramon (a warrior) and Raistlin Majere (a mage) at a tavern in the village of Solace.  Things have changed in the five years since the companions have been away.  The village is now ruled by a religious order who are searching for a Blue Crystal Staff.  The current owner of said staff, Goldmoon, and her companion Riverwind just happen to be at that same tavern.  When an incident in the tavern reveals the staff’s healing powers, the group must flee to protect Goldmoon.  The quest is on.

During the film, Tanis struggles with his faith in the gods of light who apparent left their world hundreds of years earlier.  Goldmoon wants to discover the mystery behind her staff.  Riverwind ever at her side.  The interpersonal conflicts between characters are the backdrop as the quest moves from one locale to the next.  And of course, there is a villain to overcome, Verminaard, servant of Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness.  I’ve never read the book to which the film is based on so I cannot speak to the quality of the adaption.  After doing some research I did confirm that there are elements which were left out of the movie.  Not surprising in any film adaption, though co-author Tracy Hickman did not want to fit the entire novel into a 90-minute feature.  While watching the movie I was pretty sure that I was missing some background information but the plot was understandable even for a non-fan like myself. Just a bit choppy in its delivery at times. However, that was not my biggest complaint with the film.

I usually value story much more than art when viewing animated media.  I can appreciate many different forms of art and many styles and the age of the art is not an issue for me.  As long as you give me an interesting story, I’m there for the ride.  Having said that, Dragons of Autumn Twilight desired much better production values.  The character designs are fine.  Though I thought the bright color palette gave the film an unwanted Saturday morning cartoon look in many scenes.  The mixture of 2D footage and computer generated characters never came together well.  It looked primitive or incomplete.  The producers should have picked one form over the other.  Does not matter which.  It was jarring enough that at times that it took me out of the story.  Maybe Dragonlance will get another chance on the small screen.  I just hope they decide to choose a different animation studio next time.

U.S. Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Director: Will Meugniot
Release: 2008
Rating: PG-13
Length: 90 minutes
Genre: fantasy
Source: Dragonlance novels
Official Site: Official Dragonlance Film Site