Jane and the Dragon

I really think this series is one of the best CGI type programs I've seen in a long time. The details of the animators made every effort to make the characters real looking, right down to the fingernails, the way Jane's hair moves or Dragon's claws move with each individual toe. This series not only appeals to kids but adults as well, the crafted story lines and humor kids love and the lessons and role-model qualities the adults will love. The voices seem to be fit perfectly for the characters, the animation is up there with Dreamworks & Pixar (if not better). the scenery is so colorful and vibrant that it pops right off the screen. The team at Weta Studios should be proud of their work and even happier that they have made so many people happy! I've seen all 26 episodes many times and never get tired of the show, there is always something new you miss! Hopefully this will not be the end (even though they wrapped up production) another season is still possible!

Hey, I'm 62 yrs old and stumbled onto this unique show Saturdays @ 8AM and now it's gone...where???? The movement of Jane's (and the other character's) hair is mesmerizing. Having no children or grandchildren, cartoons have passed me by and the newer mediums are so sophisticated. I grew up with the old-style flip page animation (sorry, not knowledgebale re: names of styles) which was pretty good compared to later stop-action stuff (boring) but this is hard to take your eyes off of. The subtle movements of real-life are captured and the writers are winners with the sarcasm of Dragon. It was a great way to start off Sats with a laugh (Dragon is a crack-up, reminds me of Alf). Good life lessons for youngsters too.

At first look I thought this was going to be awful - the look of the animation is pretty much as you'd see in a computer game. However, within 2 minutes my 3 year old daughter and I were hooked. Motion capture techniques really bring the animation alive - it's done by Weta, who did the Lord of the Rings CGI so you know it's going to be expressive, though of course it's not got the LOTR budget, hence the computer game look.

The script is full of dry humour - especially Dragon - which makes this entertaining for parents as well as kids. The stories have morals of sorts, but not in a Disney-like "hit 'em over the head with it" way. The characters are diverse and well observed - the king winds me up, but I think he's kind of supposed to.

Check it out on Milkshake on C5, weekend mornings at the moment. I don't know if it will come out on DVD in the UK in the near future, if at all. However, go to the ABC Australia shop (google "Jane and the Dragon DVD" to find it) and you can buy there for the equivalent of about £13.50 per DVD of three episodes incl. postage. There are two available at the time of writing.

Fabulous and highly recommended, though I have to admit my wife loathes it!

Living in the UK I met the only other fan of Jane and the Dragon during a recent visit to Jamaica who watches it from the Caymen Islands. We shared an enthusiasm for the show and the family would marvel at our exchange.

I understand there are at least 26 episodes and I have not seen anywhere near that many so am looking forward to the repeats or investing in a DVD when one is available.

Dragon and Pepper are my favourites followed swiftly in no particular order by all the other characters.

I would have given JATD 10/10 but for the opening song which comes across as a bit smart brat.

Long live Jane and the Dragon. The world will soon yield to this best kept secret in the world.

I babysit on the weekends, and I really enjoy when Jane and the Dragon comes on. The animation is not feature film quality, but it's a television show, on Qubo or PBS or something, and when I first saw it i was actually impressed with the quality. the expressions and movements of the characters are spot on for a kids show, and actually subtle sometimes. The plots are those of a basic kids program- morals, doing the right thing, what to say to a friend who's upset, that sort of thing. I'm not sure what ages it's aimed for, but it manages to keep a three year old and and eighteen year old amused for half an hour and must be doing something right.

And the theme song isn't that annoying, as the previous commenter claimed. It just really, really gets stuck in your head.