Customer Reviews:
Finally the 'Willows' series on DVD!.......2007-12-10
The original film adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic 'The Wind in the Willows', made by Cosgrove Hall productions for television was a pure delight, and is highly regarded as one of the most faithful, successful and enjoyable ever attempted.
The ensuing five series went on to prolong and expand that wonderful universe. There is no much else that I can say regarding this first series, except to point out that further chapters and characters of the original novel that were left out in the 1983 film were featured here. Indeed, some of the aforementioned chapters from the book were adapted into episodes, such as 'The Further Adventures of Toad', 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' or 'Wayfarers All', and characters such as Otter and his son Portly appeared for the first time. Another element worthy of notice is that the tone of several episodes in this series is darker than in the other series, as there are many characters in distress, like Billy the field mouse in 'The Great Steamer', or Otter and Portly in 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn', or even Badger almost losing his home in 'Buried Treasure', and the utter sadness of Ratty in 'Wayfarers All'. The other series tend to be more cheerful and revolve around the antics of the funny and outrageous Toad of Toad Hall.
These DVDs are not to be missed owing to the extraordinary quality of this Cosgrove Hall produced series, and I do hope the remaining series get to be released soon.
A Classic from the 80's.......2007-06-30
If, like me, you remember the original airing of this show on children's television, then (like me) you are possibly in the position of wanting to share the wonderful stories of Toad, Ratty, Mole & Badger with your own children. The animation is superb, with incredible attention to details relevant to the Edwardian life and countryside. The episodes are all very well written and the characters are voiced by some of our best-loved actors. I am so pleased that the copyright owners have finally decided to release this series on DVD. In the midst of today's violent or highly sarcastic animated character this DVD set stands out as charming, heart-warming and enduring.
Customer Reviews:
Oh yes, this is 'The Wind in the Willows' further joy!.......2007-12-10
Just like I wrote in my review to the DVD of the first series of Cosgrove Hall's produced TV adaptations of 'Willows', this second series is lighter and happier than the first one. Practically all the episodes center on the predicaments and misadventures of Toad, who in fact became the focus and soul of the entirety of the stories on display. Thanks to the brilliant, charismatic and insanely comical vocal performances that David Jason lent to Toad, the character's appeal was immediate and irresistible (and that's not to denigrate the others, Mole, Badger and Ratty, who were wonderful in their own way), and it is no wonder that the last series was retitled 'Oh, Mr. Toad'.
The overall atmosphere remains enchanting, the stories and characters never cease to exude charm and are simply heart-warming. Let series 3, 4 and 5, and the other feature 'A Tale of Two Toads' come along, for they are all fantastic.
A Classic of Stop-Motion!.......2007-10-21
It's wonderful to see the second series released on DVD in the UK. Let's just hope that this time series 3-5 are also released shortly. Too good to be missed out on!
Customer Reviews:
Phenomenal - not to be missed........2007-12-21
20 years later and I return again and again to this timeless and beautifully-crafted piece. I cannot imagine my life without this faultless adaptation of my favourite childhood book. Whenever I turn the pages of this work again, it is impossible not to hear the voices of Ian Carmichael, Peter Sallis, Michael Horden and the unique David Jason and the perfect realisations of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. Despite the advances in animation and special effects that are found today, to me this will remain the most evocative, genuine and heartfelt rendering of "The Wind in the Willows" that we are ever likely to see. Adults and children alike should wholeheartedly rejoice.
animation artwork with a heart of gold.......2007-03-26
This is the most exquisite animated film I've ever seen. The story is full of eccentricity and tolerance, the animations true to the illustrated book, and the background scenery is beautifully designed. It is full of humour and wit, and leaves you with a smile on your face. It is great for kids, but adults will see their friends and relatives portrayed in caricature and enjoy it just as much on a different level.
A jewel in the crown of stop-motion animation.......2006-10-19
When I first saw this on television many, many years ago, the impact was immediate and long lasting! I will focus only on the variety of feelings and emotions that this film sparked in my mind. All the beauty of the intrincate animation, the extraordinarily well designed puppet characters and settings - including props -, and the vocal performances given to Ratty, Mole, Badger and the sublime Toad, and indeed of all of the supporting characters make the whole burst with charm and delight.
Ever since having first seen "The Wind in the Willows", and whenever I watch this DVD, renewed feelings of warmth, happiness, good will for the characters and amazement, and in fact longing to be in that fantasy universe of the single most idyllic depiction (in my estimation) of the simple pleasures of life in the British countryside emerge. I hadn't realised it the first time, but on subsequent viewings it was apparent to me that another element that was prevalent amongst all the wonderful aspects of this Cosgrove-Hall adaptation of Grahame's immortal classic was its prevailing atmosphere - another reviewer rightfully mentioned the word 'heart' -, recreated with such care and love that, again, it does make me want to join those characters in their world, even if it's just during my flights of fancy.
This is not just directed primarily to children, but to all those that, like myself, remain young at heart and spirit. I've given this edition 'only' four stars because I think it could benefit from a new restored version, as this comes from an average quality print of the film. Otherwise it deserves 10 stars!
The best of the best!.......2005-01-18
I've loved this film since I was about 10!
And now having the opportunity to own it on dvd for such a cheap price was an offer I pounced on!!!
It's good to replace the old vhs copy that by now is losing colour quality and picture clarity after so many playings.
I was amazed by the perfect quality of the dvd edition! Simply amazing!!!
The film is as entertaining as always and the extras add a pinch of salt. The interview with Brian Cosgrove is informative & funny, the picture gallery is wonderful (with images that also make fantastic desktop displays) although with regard to the interactive game (quiz) and the character bios, you will probably only view them once.
In short, an amazingly important DVD release. Now what fans want is the 60 or so 30 minute episodes that were shown in series format, such as Toad founding his own Newspaper (Toad Hall Times) and Taking up fishing as a hobby, only to inadvertedly 'catch' chief weasil in the act of stealing his motor bicycle combination!!! LoL ~ this comedy is insurpassable!!!
Class Animated Interpretation.......2005-01-11
I had never watched this film before I bought it recently. I was familar only with the TV series. This DVD is great. Come sit by the riverbank with Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger!!! I hope the series is released on DVD soon. We have waited long enough!!
Customer Reviews:
A Must Have DVD!!.......2007-04-02
This was the best thing on TV throughout the entire Christmas holiday, possibly the entire year! This was a wonderful show, sweet and delightful with great humour. I laughed all the way through it! I was so impressed with all the performances, but Matt Lucas stood out especially. He was born to play Toad. He absolutely steals the show as he is spot on perfect. Mark Gatiss, Lee Ingleby, Bob Hoskins and all the cast were also perfect in their parts and were a joy to watch.
At first, I felt a little silly watching a "kid's" show (as our children are in their late teens/early 20s). But I realised very quickly, this was a production for everyone. Do not mistakenly think this is for kids. You will be missing out on a wonderful experience.
Get this DVD, sit back and enjoy! You will not be disappointed!
Toot-Toot! Hooray For Mr Toad!.......2007-03-31
This must be the finest production of "Wind in the Willows" ever likely to be made. Perfect casting, the clever decision not to hide the actors behind animal masks, and a witty script make it ideal viewing for the whole family - as the BBC knew when it proved central to their Christmas schedule in 2006.
Matt Lucas is a delight as Toad - bombastic, sly, innocent and insufferable he brings real warmth to the character and proves he has a good singing voice for the simple little ditties that feature in the programme. His promises to never ever-ever-ever-ever-EVER etc do something again are comedy gold! The action begins with underground-dwelling Mole (Lee Ingleby) escaping from his Spring Cleaning to travel above ground where he meets the laid-back English gent Rat (Mark Gattis) and his gruff, growly chum Badger (Bob Hoskins). The glorious summer English countryside is provided by Romania and the boating, fishing and caravanning scenes are as perfect as could be.
But it is Toad and his love of motor-cars which provides the centre for this story as his 3 friends try to stop him killing himself with his shocking driving - not to mention wasting his inheritance on more and more vehicles.
Extra Featurette "Further Adventures of Toad" is NOT as the title would imply a further little story, but instead a good look behind-the-scenes of the making of this production. From the baking heat of Romania to the stunning news that Matt Lucas cannot drive in real life (!) cast and crew provide interviews and insights into what must have been one of the happiest, funniest dramas to be part of in recent years.
"Wind in the Willows" is a childhood favourite for millions - and often the very first school play they ever participate in. This production would surely win the support of Kenneth Graham - his characters are brought to life with all the faults, failings and personalities fully intact. The fight between our heroes and the dastardly Weazels is a joy of stunt work and comedy - and the ending predicts that Wonderful Mr Toad will soon have another venture in mind.....
No home should be without a copy of this classic.
An echanting version of a magical tale.......2007-02-18
Kenneth Graham's story is a childhood classic whose charm I believe has been eroded by various 're-imaginings' and plasticine figure short films that do not resemble the characters or stories. This adaptation reminded me how much Graham had to say about friendship, courage and adventure. So much so that I went to buy the book to read again. That this version moved me to go back to Graham's tale as an adult is the greatest praise I can give it.
The production standards, script and direction are absolutely enchanting with not a single jarring note. However, the central performances of Matt Lucas as Toad, Mark Gatiss as Ratty and Lee Ingleby as Mole and Lee Hall's script are what eleveate this to one of the best features I have seen on television in years. The producers wisely kept any makeup to a minimum, merely suggesting animal features, and allowed the actors to physically portray their characteristics. This restraint pays off and every performance in utterly convincing but does not get in the way of what is essentially a very human tale of friendship and adventure. Instead the CGI effects which are used are always appropriate and contribute seemlessly and relevantly rather than appearing for the sake of it.
Although it is hard to single out an individual in a project so successful that clearly a great team worked on it I have to say that Lee Ingleby both carried and stole the show. As Mole he leads the audience through the tale and conveys the perfect mix of anxiety when faced with the unknown but enough courage to overcome his hesitation and be rewarded with friendship and new experiences. I think all of us can relate to that timidity and aspire to overcoming it and forming connections with the people and world about us. Mole's myopic horizons become with the help of his friends and his own resources a vista of possibilities and Lee Ingleby convinces you of this with a charming performance that is never heavy-handed. If I seem to be reading a little too much into the portrayal of an animal in a children's story I can only recommend that you buy this DVD and watch Mr. Ingleby's performance. He is the extra special element in an absolutely fabulous production.
Utterly charming.......2007-01-26
A friend of mine was kind enough to burn me a DVD from the TV presentation, and send it to me in America. I was delighted, as I had been looking forward to it for some time and take for granted it will not come to the US.
I was not disappointed. This film is completely wonderful, from the saturated colors of the landscapes to the marvelously witty and creative camera work, to the absolute perfection of the actors in their roles -- each one entirely believable as the creature he was meant to be. Mark Gatiss' Rat was a bit underplayed--it was only on second viewing that I became aware of the subtleties of his performance: the little ratlike twitches of the nose and the occasional baring of the teeth. Bob Hoskins gave a workmanlike performance as Badger, and of course Matt Lucas' Toad fairly stole the show.
But the absolute revelation of the film was Lee Ingleby as Mole. Somehow in watching him I was able to see two presences onscreen at the same time: the full-scale human and a tiny shadowy creature of delicacy, timidity and great vulnerability. The humble little Mole, so earnest and willing to please, is of course the center and the heart of the story, and Ingleby brought him to life with extraordinary grace, sensitivity and humor. His parting line, "Perhaps there's room in the world for all sorts of creatures" [paraphrased] is a lesson to be lived by even today.
This is not the "Wind in the Willows" you grew up with. This is live actors in limited make-up, breathing life into the characters through their own talent, rather than through special effects. (Though there are a few of those too, and quite clever ones at that.) As soon as a commercial release of the DVD becomes available (March 26), I have every intention of buying it. My first copy will likely be well-worn long before then.
Customer Reviews:
A classic which shouldn't be forgotten.......2007-08-03
This is a so-called kid's movie that's way too good just for kids. It's based on the book The Wind in the Willows. Mr. Toad (Terry Jones) of Toad Hall loves fast cars, crazy inventions, and all the latest fads. He crashes his cars regularly and is spending more money that he has on his enthusiasms. And it seems the Chief Weasel (Antony Sher) and his cronies have been buying up the land Mr. Toad has had to sell. They're going to tear down Toad Hall and build a huge dog food factory in its place. The Chief Weasel plans that the first ingredients to be processed will be Toad and his friends, the meek but brave Mole (Steve Coogan), the picnic-loving, loyal Rat (Eric Idle), and the grumpy, advice-giving Badger (Nicol Williamson). The movie details with great humor their adventures to defeat the Chief Weasel and save Toad Hall.
What makes this movie so special is the loving care Jones took establishing the look of the place and the fullness of the characters. If you pay attention, you'll see some gentle takes on greed, the legal system (John Cleese is a defence attorney who makes an impassioned case in court that his client should receive the maximum sentence), 1984, the protection of our environment, taking responsibility for our actions, and friendship. And the movie is not ponderous or preachy at all. It's great fun.
Disney, which had U.S. rights to the film, did nothing with it. When they finally put it in U. S. theaters, after insisting the name be changed from The Wind in the Willows to the name of one of their park rides, they spent almost no marketing money on promotion. Not suprisingly, the movie tanked faster than Mr. Toad's tongue catching a fly.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride should be considered a classic. Little kids would probably like the characters, the color and the action, but my target audience would start with slightly alienated and smart teenagers. They'll get it. And then move on to those adults who like adult things.
Minor warning, incorrect advertising.......2007-04-10
I live in the US, and ordered this version from Amazon UK because the PAL Region 2 version was advertised here as anamorphic widescreen (I have an all region DVD player with a HD TV). It is NOT anamorphic, just letterboxed widescreen, thus the picture quality is compromised on a HD TV. It is a good quality transfer to DVD, but I was disappointed as I expected much better.
Great movie, great story, just incorrectly advertised on this website.
The best Wind in the Willows yet.......2006-12-04
We have three different versions of this classic story. We read the book to our children first and then showed them the film. The script is witty, intelligent and reflects the book beautifully. The story is true to the book up to a point but there are some lovely Jonesian touches which are so funny and well done that you can completely forgive him altering part of the story. "Is it really such a nasty world?" "Oh yes,a very nasty world!" has become a family catch phrase. My husband would like one of the Weasels' coats.
Wind in the Willows - delightful film.......2006-02-27
I found the film very entertaining for both adults and children. There are lots of clever and interesting things to observe and it's quite delightful. The acting is superb and it's great to see the Wind in the Willows acted by real actors. There are so many famous faces in this film - all excellent comedians - and many from Monty Python days. What a pity it didn't actually go on general release to cinemas - a treat the general public missed.
Wind in the Willows DVD.......2003-03-25
A fair effort at portraying the classic story and very true to the book. This DVD is fantastic for kids simply because of its special features sing-a-long section, it keeps them amused for hours.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect, sepia toned nostalgia for any age..........2007-07-22
Ask most fans of one of my favourite books, "Wind In The Willows" what the most faithful adaptation is and they'll almost always say this one. Cosgrove Hall have it all down to a tee in the feature film and in these select episodes from the five series divided up into four seperate discs - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
David Jason is brilliant as the pompous and camp Mr Toad, as is Peter Sallis as fiery Mr Rat, Richard Pearson as the shy and retiring Mr Mole, and the late Michael Hordern (of Paddington fame) as the wise old Mr Badger. My particularly favourite episode is the "Yuletide Entertainment" on the Winter disc - you won't be able to stop laughing at Mr Toad swallowing his moustache before going on stage I can tell you. A must buy for anyone, no matter what your age!
Childhood revisited.......2006-12-11
A massive fan of the wind in the willows when i was a lot younger. Watching it the first time round when i was about 10years old, it was magical then and it is magical now. I simply love these old shows that simply have a wonderfull tale of life about them. Reminds me of times when things seemed less troubled than now and the great thing is that they are all simply perfect. I love this 4 seasons and i cant recommend it enough. Relive some memories and enjoy yourself.
Absolutely Delightful!!!.......2006-08-02
I've been waiting for the Four Seasons to be released on DVD for YEARS! I had them on VHS but lost them in a house fire, so was overjoyed that they've been finally re-released on DVD.
These tales are an absolute delight whether you are four years old or 104. The quality of the animation by Cosgrove Hall is impeccable - the little details are enchanting and warrant several viewings - Toad's outfits, the little countryside details and the backgrounds in all the friends' homes from Ratty's Riverside clap-board house to Mole and Badger's cosy retreats and of course, the magnificent Toad Hall itself.
The quality of the voice-overs also deserves a mention here, with David Jason as a superbly pompous Toad, Peter Sallis's steady and reassuring Rat, Richard Pearson's timid yet joyful Mole and Sir Michael Hordern's cantankerous yet wise old Badger. There's lots of humour and pathos played out by these magnificent actors, and one gets a sensation also that the animators really enjoyed lavishing the care and attention on the minutiae that adds both to the humour and overall quality. In my opinion, this series of tales, continued in others (look out for a Tale of Two Toads and Mole's Christmas among others) is by far the superior of all the different animated versions of the Wind in The Willows and I strongly urge you to buy it - you won't be disappointed!
Wonderful but not complete!.......2006-06-30
I bought this collection, thinking it was the complete series. But it is not. It is 4 DVD disks, with 3 episodes on each DVD. Compiled into a "4 seasons" series. Now this is to be taken literally! It is not 4 seasons of the series (like for example "The Simpsons Season 1, 2, 3, 4 etc). It is a compilation of episodes put into the themes "Spring" (DVD 1), "Summer" (DVD 2), "Autumn" (DVD 3) and "Winter" (DVD 4). So there are a few episodes I remember, which were missing. I did not find the episode where Toad impersonates a ghost, which I remember to be rather amusing.
Therefore I give this collection 3 stars. Would have been 5 stars had it been the full and complete series. So the 3 stars has nothing to do with the quality of the episodes (they are wonderful as I remember them). Only the nature in which they have been selected in a sort of "greatest hits".
What a Wonderful childhood!.......2006-05-03
These episodes/series's of the Thames Valley (later bought by BBC) productions brought me and my extended family great joy during our respective childhoods! The series's are split up into 4 'Seasons' Winter, Autumn etc! David Jason from Only Fools and Horses does the voice for Toad and is excellent, the other charachters voices are also extremely good!
This show is especially good for children but can be watched by nearly anyone (anyone who can laugh), i reckon children under 6 will find it more difficult and perhaps a little scary (see Toad's impersonation of a Ghost in the Halloween episode!). Particulary funny episodes include the 'Winter Sports' and the 'Summer' episodes! This is a must-see, must-buy for the whole family! It was one of my fondest shows of childhood!
Yours, James AF Watson, JV's Son!
Customer Reviews:
Awful.......2007-02-27
Poor quality sound & picture. Looks like it was made in prehistoric times. I'm going to hide it so I don't disappoint my son.... totally unwatchable.
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DVD List
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Wind In The Willows - Series Two - Complete
Wind In The Willows - The Four Seasons
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The Wind In The Willows [1983]
Brambly Hedge - Spring Story
Brambly Hedge - The Classic Collection
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