The Thief and the Cobbler [1995] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Customer Reviews:

A travesty of what it was meant to be.......2007-12-30

At best it is disingenuous to say that this animation is the work of, and directed by, Richard Williams. At worst it is a totally false claim. The history behind this film is well to known to anyone who admires the work of Richard Williams ..... he devoted a substantial part of his recent life, and virtually all his private savings, to creating a film into which he wanted to pour his entire knowledge and understanding of animation techniques and storytelling. In the end, the project bankrupted him and his all work was bought by Harvey Weinstein's group who then set about finishing it ...... but in doing so they went the full hog and added truly abysmal, schmalzy songs; animation sequences that are as flat as a pancake when compared to RW's originals; and voice-overs and character-voices which are so lifeless that they drain the life out of everything. Only a few original recordings which were completed and left intact suggest what we should have been able to hear and experience. (eg: the Brigand leader).

The only reason to buy this movie now is to seek out and marvel at RW's original sequences. It is no coincidence that you can currently only buy this as a Region 1 DVD. However, the most telling fact is that RW wanted his name removed from the credits but it has been retained against his wishes. There is nothing else to recommend this mish-mash except for the knowledge that buried within its Americanised, sugary dullness there are still whole sections which show RW at his imaginative best. That is why I award this movie 2 stars ..... but if you hope to see a true Richard Williams movie, look elsewhere or you will be totally disappointed.

The Thief and the Cobbler [1995] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Average customer rating:

A travesty of what it was meant to be

The Thief and the Cobbler [1995] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Starring: Jennifer Beals , Matthew Broderick , Toni Collette , Kevin Dorsey , and Donald Pleasence
Director: Richard Williams
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

All Science Fiction & Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Categories | DVD | Video

Fantasy & Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Categories | DVD | Video

Animated | Comedy | Categories | DVD | Video

All Children's DVD | Children's DVD | Categories | DVD | Video

Region 1 | Special Features | DVD | Video

DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0006Q93L0
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Customer Reviews:

A travesty of what it was meant to be.......2007-12-30

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