I have always felt that 1999 was the best year ever for movies, and "The Iron Giant" is one of the (many) reasons why. But when the film -- directed by Brad Bird and based on the book by Ted Hughes -- was first released on August 6 , it got lost in the shuffle due to the unfortunate timing of opening the same day as "The Sixth Sense," which became a cinematic phenomenon.

But over the years, "The Iron Giant" has come to be regarded as one of the greatest animated features of all time, and it was an absolute pleasure to interview producers Allison Abbate & Des McAnuff and actor Eli Marienthal (who voices young "Hogarth") for "Consider This" about the making of this beloved classic.

I hope you enjoy the conversation!