Articles about the Classics

This has always been my favourite Disney film, and I am so glad it's been given the loving restoration it deserves.

The fantastic detail and 1950s graphic take of gothic and medieval styles is positively breathtaking. For Walt Disney it was ground breaking (and almost bankrupting) to create something so meticulously detailed and stylistically consistent right down to the backgrounds, and the result is beautiful and atmospheric. The extras are all interesting, detailing the conceptual side of things, and added a whole new perspective on what was always my favourite childhood film (even though I was terrified of Maleficent and convinced she was under my bed).

Amazing as the new computer technology is, it just doesn't for me have the artistic soul and wonder of this kind of traditional animation (no offence to those talented folk who work long and hard creating it, it's just not my bag). Now we strive for 3D realism, in movies like this it was for a blending of styles/genres and a stylistic vision that I feel lost in the computer age. I doubt we'll see animation like this again, and for me that's a crying shame.

And on the character side of things... Flora, Fauna and Merriweather still crack me up, twenty years later.

In one of Walt Disney's classics, Bagheera the panther offers to take Mowgli, a young boy, to the man village before the evil tiger Shere Khan gets to him.

This family adventure is a classic, made so by a beautiful sentimental plot about human emotions, including loyalty, sensitivity and most importantly love. And these human emotions are decoded through the animals of the jungle.

With the enchanting and fun loving actions of Baloo the bear and the honest and hard actions of Bagheera, do audiences get that true feel of the human spirit, and the facts of life, to have fun, but to face the truth as well, which is also reflected in some of the most catchy and enjoyable songs ever created for a Disney picture.

"The Bear Necessities", "Trust in me" and "That's what friends are for" are the brightest gems to have ever been written and are beautifully directed and told through humorous and delightful techniques by the team.

Though the plot can be a little slow at times, the characters are all joys to watch, particularly the bad guys Khan and Kaa, who light up the film in their own dark way. Khan's dialogue is perhaps the best ever written for an animated villain and even in my adult years I find him chilling to watch.

The film explores the depths of the jungle with a keen interest in different animals, which are explored in a comic fashion from the forgettable elephant to the bored vultures, the Jungle Book simply has everything.

From an excellent plot, to the wonderful sing-along songs, it is a true landmark in the animation genre.

9/10

This film follows the character of Mary Poppins the nanny who's practically perfect in every way. This timeless classic has magical and unforgettable songs for the whole family to enjoy. And this special 40th anniversary edition has some brilliant extras from a new short story with Julie Andrews, cut songs and a documentary of the making of the film.

My personal view of this is that Pan is an arrogant self obsessed oik ... but I'm pushing 30 so what would i know ?!!!
My son got it for his 3rd birthday and loves it and despite watching several times isn't bored of it.

Great animation, characterization, sound, and imagery rule in "101 Dalmations." It's action, excitement and love, but with a dark theme that's a bit scary.

I'm one of the many people who get depressed around Christmas time, i get stressed out and just cant handle it. When i feel like giving in, i watch its a wonderful life. This film can bring me back from the brink of despair, and makes me remember what Christmas is actually about! Being with family, enjoying each others company. Its a truly amazing film, that really warms your heart. Any other humbugs out there like me, should watch this, and remember the true spirit of Christmas!

I had a teacher who used to call me Dumbo. I assumed he was implying I was mentally retarded but now I see this and realise he was mocking my huge ears which I use to help me fly!

This spectacular new Special Edition includes brand new featurettes and contains exciting new interactive material that will take you into the very heart of Dickens' London and the musical world of Oliver!. Packed with unmissable features including quizzes, sing-alongs and dance-alongs, this DVD will allow the whole family to experience the magic of Oliver! as never before this Christmas.

Lionel Bart's hit musical of Dickens' classic tale was directed by film legend Carol Reed (The Third Man, Our Man in Havana) and features an impeccable cast, including Ron Moody, Harry Secombe, Oliver Reed, Jack Wild and a young Mark Lester as orphan Oliver. The brilliant cast, heartfelt score and stunning choreography earned Oliver! an incredible six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Young Oliver (Lester) is an orphan who escapes the cheerless life of the workhouse and takes to the streets of 19th century London. He's immediately taken in by a band of street urchins, headed by the lovable villain, Fagin (Moody), his fiendish henchman, Bill Sikes (Reed) and his loyal apprentice, The Artful Dodger (Wild). Through his education in the fine points of pick-pocketing, Oliver makes away with an unexpected treasure...a home and a family of his own.

This was one of my favourite disney films when I was little and when I saw it on DVD fully restored with pristine picture quality I had to buy it. This may not be on the same terms as Lion King, Bambi, Little Mermaid and other disney classics we all know, in terms of popularity but this film has its own charm to it and is just as good as the others, with its sense of imagination, humour and positive messaging. This is a great film in its own right and for any disney fan or someone looking for a good family film it should be in your DVD collection.

Some of the most atrocious acting even committed to celluloid. Just awful, awful, awful!
I watched 15 minutes before I could stand no more.
Save yourself the hassle & buy Zeffirelli's version instead. You won't regret THAT!