The computer-animated film “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” strikes an amiable balance between honoring the text and the dictates of contemporary animation, the film is as good as one could hope for in this era of post-literate impatience.

It does honor the book’s flavor and spirit with a bright, funny treatment. Voice performers Jim Carrey (as Horton) and Steve Carell (the Mayor) play their roles just right, without making the movie about them. In a subtle but effective way, the movie sounds a central message: We shouldn’t be tone deaf to other people’s realities. All in all, it’s a sweet, guileless experience for young viewers and even their adult chaperons. Contains nothing objectionable except one mild profanity.

Extras: Directors/producer commentary, actors commentary, featurettes, “Surviving Sid” animated short. Also available, with more extras, on a two-disc special edition gift set, limited edition gift set, and on Blu-ray.