<P> The film explores issues of prejudice between the different species and the hardships they endure in their journey as they are guided by the spirit of Littlefoot's mother and forced to deal with the Sharptooth . This is the only Don Bluth film of the 1980s in which Dom DeLuise did not participate (instead, he starred in Disney's Oliver & Company that same year), and the only film in The Land Before Time series that is not a musical, as well as the only one to be released theatrically worldwide . </P> <P> Released by Universal Pictures on November 18, 1988, the film spawned a franchise with thirteen direct - to - video sequels and a television series as well as merchandise . </P> <P> During the age of the dinosaurs, a massive drought forces several herds of dinosaurs to seek an oasis known as the Great Valley . Among these, a mother in a diminished "Longneck" herd gives birth to a single baby, named Littlefoot . Years later, Littlefoot plays with Cera, a "Three - horn", until her father intervenes; whereupon Littlefoot's mother describes the different kinds of dinosaurs: "Three - horns", "Spiketails", "Swimmers", and "Flyers". That night, as Littlefoot follows a "Hopper", he encounters Cera again, and they play together briefly until a large "Sharptooth" attacks them . Littlefoot's mother comes to their rescue, receiving fatal injuries in the process . An earthquake swallows up the Sharptooth and divides Littlefoot and Cera from their herds . Littlefoot receives advice from his dying mother . Depressed and confused, Littlefoot meets an old "Clubtail" named Rooter, who consoles him . He is then guided by his mother's voice telling him to follow the sun to the Great Valley . </P> <P> Later, Littlefoot meets a Bigmouth named Ducky and a Flyer named Petrie, who accompany him on his journey . Cera, who is attempting to find her own kind, finds the unconscious Sharptooth inside a ravine and mistakenly wakes him up . She escapes and bumps into Littlefoot, Ducky, and Petrie; she tells them that Sharptooth is alive, but Littlefoot does not believe her . As Cera describes her encounter, she accidentally flings Ducky to the direction of a hatching Spiketail, whom she names Spike and inducts into the group . Seeking the Great Valley, they discover a cluster of trees, which is abruptly depleted by a herd of Longnecks . Searching for remaining growth, they discover a single leaf - bearing tree, and obtain food by stacking up atop each other and pulling it down . Cera remains aloof, but at nightfall, everyone including herself gravitates to Littlefoot's side for warmth and companionship . </P>

Where does the land before time take place