Broadcast live last month from London's National Theatre into cinemas on either side of the Atlantic to a record-breaking audience of 155,000 people, the filmed stage show now arrives on screens here.
The production was meant to play in Auckland last year in the wake of Steven Spielberg's 2011 movie but was cancelled. So unless you're planning a trip to London's West End, where War Horse began in 2007, this is the closest you are likely to get to the award-winning stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel.
It tells the story of Joey, a horse raised on a farm in Devon by devoted teenager Albert. When World War I breaks out, Albert's father sells Joey to the army. Albert signs up to follow his steed to the horrors of the frontline.
The play is part puppet show with full-sized horses constructed of aluminium and cane framing and controlled by three puppeteers. Although we can see the structure and the puppeteers working within them, it's never distracting. Instead, the way the thoughts and emotions of the horses is brought to life is phenomenal; we're kept riveted to these animals by a simple flick of ear, a tilt of the head, and a gentle stomp of the foot or playful gallop.
The puppets are the stars, but they're surrounded by an impressive cast, led by Sion Daniel Young as Albert and framed by a stunning set design of dramatic lighting and projections, as well as stirring music and song.
