Where the Red Fern Grows and Mickey

These two intriguing family films prove to be the exception to often dismal direct-to-DVD releases | Andrew Coffin

When a movie goes straight to DVD, with little to no marketing, there's usually a good reason. Most unheralded direct-to-DVD releases are films dumped off by production companies hoping to recoup some small percentage of an investment lost on a troubled project.

So the chances of finding an undiscovered gem among this group are slim. But two intriguing family films now in the new release section of your local video store prove to be the exception. While neither is without fault, both Disney's Where the Red Fern Grows and Mickey, John Grisham's first foray into screenwriting, are worth checking out.

Where the Red Fern Grows (rated PG for thematic elements) is a new screen adaptation of Wilson Rawls's much-loved novel. It stars relative newcomer Joseph Ashton as Billy Coleman, a young Oklahoma boy who forms a special relationship with his coon-hunting redbone hounds Old Dan and Little Ann. Mr. Ashton, who does quite well himself, is surrounded by a venerable supporting cast that includes Dabney Coleman as Billy's grandfather, Ned Beatty as the sheriff, and singer Dave Matthews, making his acting debut, as Billy's father.