An extraordinary fantasy from 1940, THE BLUE BIRD is a much discussed drama with acute stings for a child audience. Kids today in 2005 would certainly immediately respond to the more severe points of this very strong lesson in life - and aware adults who watch it with them will have much to discuss - especially after the 'heaven' sequence with the unborn children. This 1940 BLUE BIRD is much maligned as is the 1975 version...and isn't that just so tiring?! What is it with 2005 comments that just criticize a film so well intentioned and produced like this? Apart from the Pixar 3D cartoons, family movies made today are not better than this 1940 and 1975 production, in fact this film of 1940 is easily as well produced and as emotionally powerful as THE WIZARD OF OZ which is the template (as opposed to Shirley) for this version. We all know the debate about OZ and this film (read other comments) but his is a much maligned and unappreciated major film, lavishly produced at a time when the world was heading into war and a moment for the reflection of what was going to happen to the children's hearts and heads. Don't believe me? Well have a good look and listen to the 'unborn' sequence. One of the great quiet emotional thumpings an adult can get while gasping for breath in a truly superb 'old movie' sequence. Fox need to allow this film to fly again and a DVD release is much deserved. Moaners just should shut up and stop trying to off-put educated families from seeing the genuine wonders and heart in this excellent film. And Johnny Russell! what a kid star! where do they find a 70 year old character and looks in a 6 year old's body and face? such is the genuine truth in THE BLUE BIRD and all its incredible realism.