Watership Down [1978]

See Larger Image	Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK Starring: John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson, Michael Graham Cox, John Bennett Directed By: Martin Rosen Average Customer Rating:


Audience Rating: Universal, suitable for all Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 5013037320282 Format: Animated Label: Universal Pictures UK Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK Number Of Discs: 1 Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Universal Pictures UK Release Date: 1999-05-24 Running Time: 88 Studio: Universal Pictures UK Theatrical Release Date: 1978-11-01
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Editorial Reviews: Much like Richard Adams' wonderful novel this animated tale of wandering rabbits is not meant for small children. It is, however, rich storytelling, populated with very real individuals inhabiting a very real world. The animation is problematic, sometimes appearing out of proportion or just below par; but it seems to stem from an attempt at realism, something distinguishing the film's characters from previous, cutesy, animated animals. A band of rabbits illegally leave their warren after a prophecy of doom from a runt named Fiver (voiced by Richard Briers). In search of a place safe from humans and predators, they face all kinds of dangers, including a warren that has made a sick bargain with humankind, and a warren that is basically a fascist state. Allegories aside, Down is engaging and satisfying, and pulls off the same amazing trick that the novel did--you'll forget that this is a story about rabbits. --Keith Simanton, Amazon.com
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Beautiful, just beautiful Comment: It may look cute and fluffy but the story of a bunch of rabbits looking for a home is told in a bloody and dark way. This film really freaked me out as a kid and watching it now many years later I know that it is a very nicley animated movie with a moving music track and memorable bunny characters. A classic that shoud'nt be missed. Oh, not for small children ( blood ). Customer Rating: Summary: Five stars for the film, but stick to the VHS Comment: This wonderful film has been POORLY transfered to DVD. The colours are bland and washed out...the picture is simply abysmal. Save your money, keep your VHS copy! Customer Rating: Summary: Fantastic film, poor DVD Comment: Firstly, let me say that I grew up watching this film and reading the novel and from that perspective this is a must-see film, beautifully made with a moving soundtrack. However, the presentation on DVD is awful. The menus are shabby and there are no special features, not even a trailer. But this is not the worst aspect. The transfer is woeful. Immediately you notice the tape hiss. Yes, it's an old movie... but it was made in the 70s, not the 40s! It also looks like a transfer from a VHS video at times. The screen is saturated of colour, and flickers at times. Worse, at times the screen distorts at the top as if the tape was chewed. Unbelievable. Did they lose the original master tape? Fantastic movie, but Universal should be shot. Customer Rating: Summary: Wonderful, memorable movie Comment: This is my favourite movie of all time. I grew up watching it. It has a wonderful musical score and the unforgettable song, Bright Eyes. It may scare younger viewers as it is a very dark animation, especially near the end with the fighting (I won't say between whome, for it may spoil the story for those who haven't seen it) however, it is realistic and thats what I like about it. There is blood shed and there are deaths but it makes a change from all those animated films where the characters fight and clearly don't have a mark on them. I recommend it to everyone who has enjoyed the book or just has an interest in unusual animations. A great movie! Customer Rating: Summary: Wondeful fun for everyone Comment: I remember watching this film again and again ad a kid, loving the story of rabbits looking for a new, safe home...but now the story has turn for a childrens movie in a really quite serious slice of social commentary for all the family. well animated even by todays standards and beautifully voice acted my some of the biggest Brit stars around. The kinds will love the characters and the adults will love the story and social commentary that runs deep throughout the movie, a must for everyones movie collection. More Reviews