Wizards

Amazon.com

Far from the masterful treatment that groundbreaking animator Ralph Bakshi gave the similarly themed The Lord of the Rings just a year later, Wizards feels amateurish. A simplistic distillation of fantasy tropes, the scenario is millions of years after nuclear war wipes out civilization. Middle Earth fairies, elves, and magic emerge from the "good lands," while dimwitted mutants with poor comic timing emerge from the nuclear wastes. In the ultimate confrontation between good and evil, a hippie-ish wizard named Avatar defends his utopia against the technological and neo-Nazi revival of his bad-seed twin, Blackwolf. With volleys of jokes that couldn't hit a barn door, elves with Brooklyn accents, and the dubious climax that sees the kindly old wizard using one of the hated machines of war to triumph over evil, Wizards is one of fantasy animation's least successful examples. --Alan E. Rapp

Description

Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, this fantasy adventure follows the story of Avatar, the kindly, eccentric sorcerer-ruler of Montagar, a rainbow paradise inhabited by elves and fairies. Avatar?s evil brother, Blackwolf, dominates Scortch, a bleak land of goblins and wraiths. When the power-hungry Blackwolf attacks Montagar, Avatar, accompanied only by a spirited young woman and a courageous elf, must enter the darkness of Scortch to save his world. WIZARDS is a thought-provoking, kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes that will enthrall animation fans and film lovers of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

Wizards/Lord of the Rings.......2007-09-15

REALLY enjoyed the special features. Lots of stuff shared directly from Bakshi directly. You may know that the Bakshi Lord of the Rings DVD just has the movie. But because so much of Wizards was basically preperation for the making of Rings, you kind of get some of what should have been given with that DVD.

For the Love of Wizards.......2007-08-14

I remember at the age of 12 my old man taking me to the drive in to see this movie. It was the sexiest cartoon I had ever seen to that point of my young life. I especially loved the ending. I really loved sharing it with my son who is now 16. It is a fantasy classic.

SIgn of the times.......2007-07-24

Seeing this one-time favorite animated movie was good. The cutting edge animation (for the time) was still worthy of respect. As much as I've always enjoyed the combination of free drawing and other media (like many of the evil soldiers), the final battle between the brothers is what makes the movie for me, as it did many years ago.

I passed this movie on to a young law student so he could see how things used to be. I bet he'll like it.

wierd but fun.......2007-06-14

this is a strange story of 2 wizards and thier struggle for power... it was fun to watch and thats why i bought it foo....:)

Blast from the Past.......2007-06-01

I was trying to describe Wizards to my 17-year-old, then thought "I wonder if it's available for sale?" Sure enough! It was every bit as whimsical, inventive and bizarre as I remembered!

Average customer rating:

Snow white
Not bad
Snow White - A Tale of Terror
Sigourney rocks in Snow White
Sogornweve Fans

Snow White - A Tale of Terror
Starring: Sigourney Weaver , Sam Neill , Monica Keena , Taryn Davis , and Gil Bellows
Director: Michael Cohn
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000694XX
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Snow white.......2007-08-24

product arrived on time. neat take on a fairy tale, good performances from all. will watch it again

Not bad.......2007-06-29

At first, this seemed to be sort of like Everafter was to Cinderella, albeit on the dark side. The whole talking mirror could have been put down to post-partum psychosis combined with the shock of losing a child (and the ability to reproduce). When the actual magic comes into play, it is almost pointless, and I think the movie would have been better if the focus had been on the psychological rather than trying to squeeze in the supernatural.
That said, Sam Neill and Sigourney Weaver are wonderful. The rest of the cast ... not so much. I wasn't impressed with Lilli, Peter or the mildly-scarred hero.
If it weren't for Sigourney Weaver, this would be mediocre at best. It's worth watching for her performance.

Snow White - A Tale of Terror.......2007-05-09

It's dark and has an interesting take on the classic story. Though the back story of Snow's love interest was lacking, it's still a keeper.

Snow's love interest ... I like to think that he was the son of a noble family, and his parents had opinions that others didn't agree with, which is why they were attacked.

Sigourney rocks in Snow White.......2007-02-08

Snow White as it was meant to be. Signourney and Sam are at their best in this dark and scary rendition of Snow White. Not for the faint of heart.

Sogornweve Fans.......2007-01-10

this movie is not ment for the kids this movie is ment for the adults. but let me tell you this is one movie that will knock your socks right off. injoy the movie and go and grab this movie before its too late. buy it for your collection. all thumbs up for this movie. and the twist of it all is a fair tall that you have not seen in you life time. its great for the adult but again not for the kids. tks.

Average customer rating:

Inferior DVD presentation, there are better copies out there.
Very good, maybe neccessary
March of the Wooden Soldiers
Good Experience
A great Holiday Movie Classic

March of the Wooden Soldiers
Starring: Richard Alexander , Frank Austin , Billy Bletcher , Henry Brandon , and Baldwin Cooke
Director: Charley Rogers , and Meins, Gus
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00000JZHK
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Amazon.com

The most lavish feature built around Laurel and Hardy, 1934's March of the Wooden Soldiers is also the most bizarre. Opening unpromisingly with one of several mawkish numbers derived from Victor Herbert's musical Babes in Toyland, the antics of toyshop laborers Stannie Dum and Ollie Dee are worked into a scenario midway between Lewis Carroll and the Brothers Grimm. Nursery-rhyme characters come and go in a surreal fantasy, with the evil Mr. Barnaby threatening to evict Widow Peep from her shoe unless he receives her daughter Bo in marriage. The movie culminates in a full-scale invasion of Toyland by the yeti-ish Bogeymen and their defeat by the 100 six-foot wooden soldiers which Stan and Ollie have built by mistake. Henry Brandon gives a characterful performance, while 1930s child star Charlotte Henry is an appealing heroine. Directors Gus Meins and Charles R. Rogers milk the slapstick to an increasingly unnerving degree. Reputedly Hardy's favorite among the double act's features, March of the Wooden Soldiers emerges now as their most audacious screen appearance. --Richard Whitehouse

Customer Reviews:

Inferior DVD presentation, there are better copies out there........2007-07-13

Skip this version, there is a better RESTORED version that offers the film in both B&W & Colorized versions:

March of the Wooden Soldiers

See the excellent reviews about that restoration.

Very good, maybe neccessary.......2007-06-08

Laurel and Hardy DON'T need to be in colour, they are perfect in B&W, however this is the one film that might be the exception. Even in B&W you can tell how glorious the film would be if the backgrounds and characters were in colour - and it works. It won't change your life but will make a brilliant film that bit better, and different.

March of the Wooden Soldiers.......2007-03-21

Just as I expected it would be. Great find!

Good Experience.......2007-03-09

The delivery of the merchandise was timely the picture clarity and product is excellent for a classic DVD. The overall experience was great!!!

A great Holiday Movie Classic.......2007-02-27

I remember this movie on TV every Thanksgiving when I was a kid. For some reason they stopped showing it in the mid 80's - to early 90's it has become a forgotten classic. Though I am not a fan of colorization for old B/W movies, I really like this version. It is very well done the colors do not look fake and bring out the details of the film which one could not always see in B and W. This movie color or Black and White is a true wonder to see. It is a gift from the not so distant past. The back drops and props bring in memories of the grand old amusement parks like Coney Island, or roadside America and The late Great Danbury Fair in CT. Full of fantasy and bewitching fun. Laurel and Hardy bring a magic to this film that should be seen by all. Buy it it is great for the kids and for the whole family

Average customer rating:

Brilliant!
This is a fun movie, not a fine wine...
Petition Lassiter
An outstanding animated film, even considering the circumstances surrounding it
"Attack! Attack! Attack!"

The Thief And The Cobbler
Starring: Jennifer Beals , Matthew Broderick , Toni Collette , Kevin Dorsey , and Donald Pleasence
Director: Richard Williams
Manufacturer: Miramax Family Films
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000GFLKE4
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Amazon.com

Directed by Oscar-winning animator Richard Williams (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), The Thief and the Cobbler began production in 1968, so it actually predates 1992's Aladdin. Also known as The Princess and the Cobbler and Arabian Knight, Fred Calvert completed the film after Williams lost the rights to his dream project. Narrated by Matthew Broderick (replacing Sean Connery) as Tack the Cobbler, the CinemaScope-shot story takes place in ancient Baghdad. When Tack upsets Zigzag the Vizier (Vincent Price), the wizard drags him off to the royal castle, where Princess Yum Yum (Jennifer Beals) falls for the bashful boy and saves him from execution. Unfortunately, Zigzag plans to marry the princess in order to succeed her father, King Nod (Clive Revill). The Thief (Jonathan Winters), meanwhile, is more interested in gold than love and takes off with the protective orbs topping the palace. Together Tack and Yum Yum attempt to retrieve them in order to prevent Zigzag and the One-Eye army from conquering the city. Despite the fanciful hand-drawn animation, which borders on Yellow Submarine-style surrealism--a film with which Williams was involved--the finished full-screen product represents a compromised version of his original widescreen concept. The added dialogue and songs, which have a generic bent, make for an awkward fit with Williams' more distinctive work. Rife with intricate patterns and M.C. Escher-like optical effects, his intended audience was adults rather than kids. Still, The Thief and the Cobbler is a must-see for the inventive material that remains. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

The film tells a story which takes place in an oriental city from the tales of thousand and one night. It covers the friendship of a thief knowing all tricks to survive in the city and a poor cobbler/shoemaker who has to struggle in order to live.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant!.......2007-09-13

I've always loved this movie, but I didn't realize I'd never seen the whole one until I got in for myself. It's one of the strangest movies I've ever known, but I still say it's bloddy brilliant ^^

This is a fun movie, not a fine wine..........2007-09-10

During the first 5 minutes of this film all I could think about was how cheezy it seemed. Being an optimist, however, I continued to watch it and then realized how funny it was. Perhaps I did not expect to find such humor within the animated film.
There is one thing I absolutely must comment on, though... as you may see in the above reviews, some people have taken reviewing this film a little out of context. I could not help but chuckle to myself as I scrolled down the page to see the lengthly remnants of the musings of others. I thought the context of their reviews were over the top and unnecesary. This is a fun, animated kid's film, not some kind of stuffy "Sence and Sensibility"/ "Schindler's List" quality film. (Although after seeing Sence and Sensibility nothing would have satisfied me more than to bop Hugh Grant on the head and yell, "Spit it out!!!!" real loud in his face. But that is unrelated to this review.)
Anyway, don't listen to those other reviews unless you really have nothting better to do. It's a funny movie, I laughed a lot, and it's really cute, and FUN. It deserved the chance I gave it.

Petition Lassiter.......2007-07-24

The last hope to see this film as it was intended to start a write in campaign to John Lassiter who is the head of Disney Animation. All the bad blood is gone there's still a chance this masterpiece can be finally finished as it was originally intended. Buy this cruddy cobbled job if you must, but let's get try one more time to have Disney finish the original.

An outstanding animated film, even considering the circumstances surrounding it.......2007-07-12

Many people would tell you to steer clear from this DVD in the interest of keeping the original work alive. However, I believe it would be wrong to send this DVD packing if there is no guarentee the original will be refurbished, and any trace of Richard Williams masterpiece will be lost.

Indeed, the circumstances surrounding this film and its history are sad and a huge waste, but it would be smart to give the film, in any form (even this washed out, rushed version) as much credit as we can. Not for the people that stole the film from Williams and what they made of it, but what Williams would have wanted it to be. hell, maybe if we give this version a bit of credit it would convince Disney to refurbish it.

All in all, this film should not be forgotten just because a bunch of bigwig hollywood fools decided to ruin it for everyone. Recognise The Thief and the Cobbler for what it is; an absolute gem of an animation, and one that fully deserves our respect.

"Attack! Attack! Attack!".......2007-05-31

Like "The Magnificent Ambersons" or "Superman II", "The Thief and the Cobbler" is the ruin of a masterpiece. Richard Williams' intricately animated film was butchered by the studio, and the two title characters, both intended to be largely mute roles, had nearly non-stop dialogue dubbed onto their every scene (Tack, the cobbler, actually becomes the narrator of the movie!).

The plot of "The Thief and the Cobbler" -- an original story, not an adaptation of a traditional tale or literary work -- has sometimes been criticized as dull and unmemorable. I agree with this assessment; Williams' statement during the film's production that it would be the first animated feature whose plot would tie together like a detective story at the end seems wildly off-base, and more applicable to "The Lion King" than "The Thief and the Cobbler". Nonetheless, enough of Williams' achievement can be glimpsed in the released film to convince me that the plot would have served well enough as a vehicle for the fantastic animation had the film been completed as Williams intended.

It is indeed to be hoped that an official restoration and rerelease of this film are soon undertaken. Until then, the current (pan-and-scan) DVD is worth a rental, but not a purchase.

Average customer rating:

Tom Thumb
remembering
Enchanting movie!!! Kids love it,and adults too!!!
Fun Family Film
Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb
Starring: Russ Tamblyn , Alan Young , June Thorburn , Terry-Thomas , and Peter Sellers
Director: George Pal
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790750732
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Amazon.com

When the 2-inch-tall Tom Thumb arrives at a childless couple's door, it seems like the perfect family has been created. But a chance meeting with a pair of devious robbers soon has Tom acting as an unwitting accomplice in a robbery, thereby threatening his family's happiness. Only Tom (Russ Tamblyn of West Side Story) and his friend Woody (Alan Young) can prove the innocence of Tom's parents and bring the robbers to justice. This 1958 presentation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale won an Oscar ^® for its innovative special effects. Timeless scenes include the famous dancing shoes and the painted boy who peels himself off of a pad of paper to dance around the room. Peggy Lee and Fred Spielman provide a wealth of catchy songs that have Tamblyn, Young, and Peter Sellers singing, dancing, and performing impressive gymnastic feats. This fanciful tale will appeal to the entire family. --Tami Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Tom Thumb.......2006-06-27

This is a really nice family movie. Highly recommend for young children. My family and myself fully enjoyed it.

remembering.......2006-03-03

This is a cute movie to rmemember you saw and liked when the baby bommers were kids. Alot of the actors from the 50's and 60's are in this. A cute fairy tale movie.

Enchanting movie!!! Kids love it,and adults too!!!.......2006-02-27

I saw this movie as a 2 year old, and I never really understood it, until now the digitally remastered edition features subtitles as well as clear finished product of the old classic fairytale.

Jonathan and Anna are simple honest people living in the forest, one day a fairy grants them a child. Tom Thumb as he is called, is a naughty but good boy who likes to play with his toys as soon as the grown ups are away. The toys come alive in a way never seen before! This is without the implementation of computer generated images, just great manipulation and excellent directing. I give this movie 5 stars!!!

Fun Family Film.......2005-10-26

Though I wouldn't rank this as a classic family film I would allow that "tom thumb" is impervious to criticism. Almost 50 years old the entertainment value here is timeless. In this day of CGI director George Pal's visual flair especially his utilization of Puppetoons still impress. Russ Tamblyn as Tom is an infectiously energetic marvel. Good light comic villainous turns contributed here by the legendary British comics Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers. If you were to pop this one into the DVD player I think you'll be able to keep the kids occupied for 90 minutes.

Tom Thumb.......2005-09-30

my two grand sons ages 9 and 12 who i bought it for both enjoyed it.

The Swan Princess III - The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Swan Princess The Enchanted Treasure
Very Cute
Best out of 3
Another annoying unnecessary violent villian sequel
"This movie is better than the first"!? Blasphamey!

The Swan Princess III - The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (Special Edition)
Starring: Michelle Nicastro , Brian Nissen (II) , Christy Landers , Donald Sage Mackay , and Doug Stone
Director: Richard Rich
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B0001AVZCG
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Amazon.com

An evil sorceress plans to wreak havoc on Swan Lake by stealing the forbidden arts--a treasure that gives its keeper unlimited power. Odette is kidnapped as part of her master plan, prompting a showdown with Derek. Ambitious in narrative only, this potboiler doesn't look like much in contrast to the first film in the series. It's also a shame the producers couldn't bring back some of the original vocal cast: John Cleese and Steven Wright. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

The Swan Princess The Enchanted Treasure.......2004-05-06

I think The Enchanted Treasure is the best of three Swan Princess titles. The new bird character was a welcome addition, and the sorcoress was a lot better than the mountain wizard of the 2nd film. I like the link to the main villian of the first film. One good thing about sequals is that characters are already known so the story moves at a pace that I prefer. While the first movie is good, I like this one a little better.

Very Cute.......2003-09-23

This movie wasn't the best of the three, but it was very cute. The characters are pretty good in addition to the new bird character. It is good for young kids, not really older audiences, but if you liked the first one, this one should pass fairly well. I liked it.

Best out of 3.......2003-01-19

This is the best movie out of all 3. When it was on t.v and I found out it was one three times I watch it all three times not missing a single part. And I love the songs they're the best.But I would have to say the one Derek sings Because I Love Her, is the best out of them all. My favorite part was when Derek and Rogers were agruing.

Another annoying unnecessary violent villian sequel.......2002-07-09

Though some humorous parts, in my opinion overall this has the usual unnecessary violent action and nasty villian try-to-kill Derek or Odette plot. The good parts are overshadowed (pardon the pun) by the bad. Not quite throwaway, but full or irritating voices and not for young children.

"This movie is better than the first"!? Blasphamey!.......2002-03-02

Do not listen to these Joes saying "Oh this movie is so good!" This movie is bad. Very. It's nothing compared to the MAGNIFICENT first. I can't believe this movie got a 5 in Amazon! I mean, the whole world is dumber when the movie was released. I hope there will NEVER be another Swan Princess...

Average customer rating:

Love it!
Oh, come on!
Who Cares?
1999
Good for kids

Happily Ever After
Starring: Edward Asner , Irene Cara , Carol Channing , Dom DeLuise , and Phyllis Diller
Director: John Howley
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B00013RCBG
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Description

What ever happened to Snow White? Find out in this feature-length musical adventure brought delightfully to life by an all-star voice cast and breathtaking animated magic! Snow White and her Prince are busily planning their wedding when the evil Queen's wizard brother, Lord Maliss, kidnapps the Prince! Embarking in a thrilling quest to rescue her true love, Snow White enlists the help of the Dwarfelles: seven tiny, magical, comical ladies. It's one thrill after another as Snow White and her courageous companions face off against the sinister Maliss and his castle-fill of outrageously off beat creatures in this song-filled fairy tale that the whole family will love.

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2007-06-27

This movie is very funny, Owl is hilarious!
There's lot of adventure and humor, the movie is also well animated.

Oh, come on!.......2006-04-05

Come on, it's a good movie. Sure, Lord Malice is cookie-cuter to the extreme, but it's an animated children's fairy tale, what do you expect? I actually always thought that Malice was the most frightening of all of the Disney villians (even though this isn't Disney). I was dissapointed that the original seven dwarves were nowhere to be seen, but their female cousins are cute and likable enough, espescially Thunderella and Critterena. And I know everybody hates the music, but I actually thought it was pretty good, despite the cliched lyrics in some of the songs. And the Ed Anser-voiced owl Scowl was pretty funny. Overall this is a great movie and your kids will love it. Very underrated.

Who Cares?.......2005-04-03

The graphics aren't bad! I Tell you! The pictures great! This movie is great! Staring an all star cast! Such as Irene Cara! This movie I ordered from my public library then I returned it. But I came across it with different cover art! Ugh. Thats why I searched for original cover art. Wala! Found it!~Buy this movie! For 6.00!

1999.......2005-03-27

It was aproximatley 1999. The ocassional trip to the video store, to rent a couple shows to watch that night. This time there's nothing much to rent. 5 isles of garbage. We thought...
Then we came across this isle. We picked up this movie. Happily Ever After...Yeah whatever. We decided to take it. And what a good thing that was! It was the best show I have ever seen. Believe me when I say the best! Lord Maliss was a wonderful character...Snow white was very good! The Dwarfells rocked! And mother nature was an awesome edition to the show!Then all so quickly the seven days were up. Time to return the movies. And I never got to see that movie again...until now! 2004 Happily Ever After was released! With brand new cover art. But I don't like it as much as the old cover art. But anyway never juf=dge a movie by its cover. Snow white and the seven dwarves. Not better then Happily Ever After! Buy this! For 7.99 you can own the movie that I thought I would never see again! Buy at Wal-Mart or Best buy.

Good for kids.......2005-03-16

I've seen reviews saying this movie might be a little scary for younger kids, and that is possible; it depends on the child. However, when I was little, this movie was a favorite. The video rental store at the place I lived in between kindergarten and second grade had a copy of Happily Ever After and my younger sister and I were constantly renting it to watch it over again. Keep in mind, we were seven and four, at the oldest. Even when we went back for a visit a few years later, probably when I was nine or ten, we rented it from the same video store to watch it in the hotel and with my dad's friend's little girls, who also enjoyed it thoroughly. Kids don't care about bad music or bad animation or bad acting. And this is a kid's movie. I loved it as a child. I'm now 18 and ordering it again for nostalgia purposes as I prepare to graduate from high school. It's just that memorable to me.

Average customer rating:

You NEED to know Jack!
ONE OF THE TEAM'S BEST FILMS
cute
Not much annoying A&C schtick, but not much to redeem it either... not even the kids would watch it.
A Kid's Pleasure & Adults too!

Jack and the Beanstalk
Starring: Bud Abbott , Lou Costello , Buddy Baer , Shaye Cogan , and James Alexander
Director: Jean Yarbrough
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005B1YK
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Customer Reviews:

You NEED to know Jack!.......2006-05-04

Having not seen Abbott and Costello's "Jack and the Beanstalk" in several decades, I have to say that is so much more than I remember. It is really just inspired in it's, to borrow a style from the Sherman Brothers, "Awfulosity". This film is really a turkey, but a golden one, (or however gold photographs in the miracle of SUPERcineCOLOR?).

Clearly this film was influenced by the MGM film "The Wizard of Oz", which incidentally was re-issued for the first time in 1950 or 51. This film was released in 1952. You get the picture. The opening and closing sequences, in the real world, are shot in sepia (though in this print it looks like grainy, contrasty B&W). All the principle characters in the color "fantasy" sequence are introduced in the modern day world and telegraph their relationships in the fantasy later on, some going as far as showing the costumes they will be wearing minutes later.

Really, the costumes, the make up (on the cow, Henry), the hair (particularly on Bud and the prince), the songs, the choreography, EVERYthing in this picture is just so wrong it's right. Lou's shtick and acting are really so far beneath him, except in a really funny dance that he and the scullery maid do in which he gets the stuffing smacked out of him. My favorite numbers, however, include the solos with the strange looking, slightly cock-eyed prince and the "big" dance numbers with the innane lip-syncing townsfolk and the "June Terrible Dancers!"

And the "Giant", well, you will just have to see him for yourself, but I will say that if I were him, I would have asked for more flattering lighting on my close ups.

It was fun revisiting this film after so many years. If you have seen it. See it again. If you haven't seen it, I know you will enjoy your introduction to this classic comedy........ of errors.

ONE OF THE TEAM'S BEST FILMS.......2006-03-29

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (1953)
Warner Bros.
Release Date: April 7, 1952 (New York City, New York)
April 12, 1952
Runtime: 70 min./USA: 82 min. (restored version)

Director:
Jean Yarbrough

Producer:
Pat Costello

Writing Credits:
Pat Costello
Nathaniel Curtis

Cast:
Bud Abbott....Mr. Dinkel/Mr. Dinkelpuss
Lou Costello....Jack/Jack Strong
Buddy Baer....Sgt. Riley/The Giant
Dorothy Ford....Polly
Barbara Brown....Mrs. Strong
David Stollery....Donald
William Farnum....The King
Shaye Cogan....Eloise/Princess Eloise
James Alexander....Arthur/Prince Arthur

Music by:
Lester Lee
Heinz Roemheld

Cinematography by:
George Robinson

Film Editing by:
Otho Lovering

Other Crew:
Milt Bronson....dialogue director
Johnny Conrad....choreographer
Albert Deano....wardrobe supervisor
Clarence Eurist....production supervisor
Helen Holm....assistant to executive producer
Wilton R. Holm.....color consultant
Raoul Kraushaar....music supervisior
Norman Lubow....choral direction
Heinz Roemheld....conductor
Bob Russell....songs
Clifford D. Shank....color consultant

Plot Summary:

Jack is a farmer boy who is to take his family's last few coins to buy a cow at the local market. Once in town, he is fooled by the slick Butcher Dinkelpuss into buying magic beans instead. He takes the beans home and plants them out in his yard. The next morning, a giant beanstalk stretches into the sky. Knowing that a giant terrorizes the land, Jack decides to climb up the beanstalk to search for his treasures. He is accompanied by the greedy butcher, who also wants to find the giant's treasures. Jack and Dinkelpuss battle the giant and make the land peaceful again.

ROUTINES & HILARIOUS MOMENTS:
Lou tries to steal the giant's key

Trivia (from imdb.com):(1)This is the first of only tow color movies that Abbott and Costello made. It begins in sepia tone and then changes to color.(2)Bud and Lou made an independent, two-picture deal in which they agreed that this was to be "Lou's film" and the next to be "Bud's". Lou and Bud retained individual ownership of the respective films.

cute .......2006-03-03

What can I say about these movies abbott and costello made in the 50's. They did a cute job on this fairy tale story. Always good to see again and again.

Not much annoying A&C schtick, but not much to redeem it either... not even the kids would watch it........2006-02-12

I bought this expecting (based on reviews) something more...

Granted, the usual irritating mannerisms weren't plentiful - but there was still plenty of, "Why, you..." and fist shaking.

This movie most notably lacked a good script. It took some good ideas (the Jack story is embedded in a modern-day tale of babysitting for a bratty little kid, some potentially charming embellishments on the fairy tale itself), but the writing (this thing must have been churned out in a week or two) didn't do anything with them. The songwriting and choreography are similarly uninspired.

The other thing that wasn't there was quality acting/directing (for example, the giant spends most of his time standing around looking threatening).

My sons (4 and 5) are big movie fans, and will sit and watch almost anything - they lost interest in this within a few minutes. I made the mistake of continuing to watch, waiting for something good to happen. It never did.

A Kid's Pleasure & Adults too!.......2006-02-02

This was the first Abbott & Costello dvd I bought. I wanted my kids to experience their comedy and thought this would be a great way to introduce them to the dynamic duo.
My kids loved it and so did I! It had been many years since I had seen this movie and it is still funny today.
The color quality is not too bad (it's not a Wizard of Oz colorized beauty) however, I have seen horrible attempts at colorization and this far exceeds anything I have seen especially for the price!
The picture quality is good and you can tell that it has been restored to take out any flaws.

Average customer rating:

Superb Movie-Definitely Recommend!
A childhood favorite of mine!
Chiefly for those who like Disney's Fantasia
Favorite classic
Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy

Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy
Starring: Anna Russell , Mildred Dunnock , Frank Rogier , Constance Brigham , and Helen Boatwright
Director: Michael Myerberg , and John Paul (II)
Manufacturer: View Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fairy Tales | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00005O6ON
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Description

WINNER OF...
New England Film & Video Festival- Finalist
Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal
A NAIRD Award Finalist
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence
Coalition For Quality Childrenâ€™s Video: Kids First! Endorsement

Composed by Englebert Humperdinck
Conducted by Franz Aller
Directed by Michael Meyerberg
Starring Anna Russell as The Witch
and Constance Brigham, Mildred Dunnock, Frank Rogier

Hansel and Gretel came to life in 1954 as never before, in this kinemin* animated feature set to Englebert Humperdinck's classic 1893 opera. Sung by some of the most acclaimed performers of the day, this score was nominated for a Grammy Award.

With brilliant imagination and unprecedented technical wizardry-comparable only to Walt Disney's Fantasia-this production uses 35 hand-sculpted dolls and lavish sets to create a fantasy land of unearthly beauty, inhabited by characters of unparalleled charm.

V.I.E.W. Video is proud to present this definitive production of Hansel and Gretel. A masterpiece of melodic beauty, whimsical story and magical settings that will delight children and the whole family.

*The kinemen characters took over 15 years to develop. Compounded of intricate armatures a secret chemical mixture for "flesh," human hair, magnetized feet and truly human personalities; they are "exemplary actors," able to duplicate natural movements of the human body, and with a variety of facial expressions that surpass the range of humans.

DVD BONUS FEATURES
The Making Ofâ€¦ Featurette Movie
Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Digitally Mastered Audio & Video
Multi-Directional Interactive Menus
Instant Chapter Access to Songs
Over 30 Scene Selections
Composer Biography
Story Synopsis

Customer Reviews:

Superb Movie-Definitely Recommend!.......2007-04-19

I would definitely recommend this movie to children of all ages. It is a great classic and I remember watching it as a child in the mid-80's. This is a movie I am very happy to buy once again!

A childhood favorite of mine!.......2007-02-15

I recently ordered this DVD. I was surprised when I found out that it had been released on DVD. You have no idea. I went nuts. I used to watch this over and over again when I was younger. My mother had bought a VHS copy of this at Wal Mart. Watched it all the time, and then it accidentally got sold at a yard sale. Don't know how that happened, but it did. Anyways, ever since then, I had always looked for a copy, but could never find one until now.

This is one of the best children's films ever produced, and the best claymation production ever...well, this and The Nightmare Before Christmas. It may look dated, but we have to remember that it WAS made in the '50s. Anna Russell still cracks me up as the voice of Rosina Rubylips, the witch. The entire vocal cast is excellent! I LOVE THIS FILM!

The only problem with the DVD is this: It looks as though someone took a VHS and transferred it over to a DVD. The sound isn't that great at times, either. Since this is the only version available at the moment, it will have to do. When (and if) they do finally remaster it and clean it up, I'll buy a new version of it. As of now, I'll settle with this one.

There is also a ten minute "making of" feature on here. Pretty interesting. If you grew up with this, and you love it like I do, buy it. I don't see any signs of a new DVD version coming out any time soon.

Chiefly for those who like Disney's Fantasia.......2006-11-17

This is not an opera, nor a cartoon version of an opera.

What it is, is an animated film of the story of Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, presented in the style of Walt Disney's Fantasia. The artists made little figures, with such amazing detail that it allows for facial expressions and movement, and then took more than 140,000 pictures of them to give them movement and life. It makes for a very unusual presentation--neither cartoon nor real people.

It appeals to mainly two groups: those looking for an introduction to the opera or story of Hansel and Gretel, and those interested in a movie like Disney's "Fantasia."

Oh, I should have said THREE groups: there is also a growing interest in this as a camp movie (like the Rocky Horror Picture Show). Most of this comes as a result of love for the great operatic comedienne, Anna Russell, who was in this production the delightfully camp voice of the witch, Rosina Rubylips.

Favorite classic.......2006-06-30

Mother took me to see this film when I was a child. Loved it then and I still do. Have been searching for this video a long time. I have a German heritage. This is one of my favorite fairy tales and favorite operas. Learned to sing several of the arias. Danced the part of one of the 14 angels and later the dew fairy in OKC productions of this opera. Beautiful music performed in the opera comic style with singing and speaking. Wonderful visuals. Am preparing lesson plans which include this video and Bergmann's subtitled Magic Flute for a unit on opera. Unfortunately, this move is not for everyone. Today's audiences have been brought up on very shallow popular entertainment which is geared to the lowest common denominator. This lovely little piece of video art requires some cognitive activity on the part of the viewer and an attention span of more than 20 minutes.

Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy.......2006-03-12

Takes you back to the early 60's watching this on WPIX Channel 11 as a TV special. It is nice to have for your collection, younger children may not enjoy it today.