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As the big kid sitting down with the children it is fun watching
the animated versions of the tale and seeing which animals
the youngsters like.
Beastie one likes mole, Beastie 2 likes Ratty.
Oh there's a societal goodness in these two that dad has
clearly missed out on.
Now the two major cartoons of Wind in the Willows are very
different. There's the hugely enjoyable musical American one
that features Nelson C. Reilly as Toad. It is filled with
funny and catchy songs and Reilly is just an absolute hoot.
The second is British and is a tad more upright, although
considering its Mr Toad is Rik Mayall there is a lunacy involved
that contrasts beautifully with the much more sedate Michael
Palin (Ratty), Michael Gambon (Badger) and Allan Bennett (Mole).
And the artwork in it is far superior to the very cartoonish
US effort.
It begins with live actors, including a very proper Vanessa
Redgrave, who is an Edwardian lady taking her children on
a picnic by a river in a small steamboat.
From there the scene changes and we meet Mr Mole, Ratty,
Badger and all and finally the wayward Toad, who heads off
on a gypsy caravan only to be instantly addicted to the power
and wonder of one of those new-fangled motor cars.
From there it is down hill for Toadie who spends his wealth
buying new cars, crashing them and then ends up in jail for
being forced into stealing one.
He escapes, makes his way back to Toad Hall and then, with
his friends returns to Toad Hall to evict a horde of weasels
and stoats that has taken up residence.
The transfer on to DVD of The Wind in the Willows is superb
and it is presented in fullscreen.
The sound is stereo and is clear as a bell.
The DVD also offers a second animated feature that continues
on the adventures of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad and it is
called The Willows in Winter.
Again it is a terrific yarn and one that fans will enjoy.
Exceptionally good value.
Conclusion: 80%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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