December 12, 2008.

Wind in the Willows Film Collection.

Rating: 5
My four children and husband all love watching these movies together. My seven year old daughter just loves Mr. Toad. A great set of family films.

December 29, 2008.

The Wind in the Willows.

Rating: 4
Cosgrove Hall's charming stop-motion animated adaptation of the Kenneth Grahame story is spectacular family entertainment. Originally shown on the BBC in 1983, I was first introduced to the series in the late `80s on PBS. I was probably about four at the time and I was unfamiliar with the story upon which it's based. But I was immediately taken by the subtle sophistication of the film. The animation was unlike anything I'd ever seen and to this day it holds a great fascination to me. The first film in this set is a marvelous adaptation of the book, which is remarkable considering the length of the book and the film is just under an hour and a half long. The second film, from 1989, is a silly sequel that retains the charm of the original even though it's not based upon Grahame's tale. Both films are worthy of a spot on your family's DVD shelf.

The Wind in the Willows - 1983
The story concerns a group of animal characters that live in the English countryside. There Mole, sick of spring cleaning, has decided to go out into the sun and visit his friend Ratty. They enjoy a good day of "messing about in boats" and having a picnic (where we are first introduced to the nefarious weasels). Finally Mole and Ratty pay a visit to the wealthy and eccentric Mr. Toad who shifts from one neurotic obsession to another. Soon he becomes entranced by motorcars and is revealed to be a danger to himself as well as the other animals. With that in mind Mole and Ratty seek out the reclusive Badger, whose great wisdom might be an asset in reeling Toad in and exorcising him of his "motorcar mania". But it's too late for Toad has stolen a car and been involved in yet another accident. Toad is sent to prison and the weasels move into his home, making it their headquarters for delinquency. But Toad manages to escape with the help of a washerwoman and enlists the aid of Ratty, Mole and Badger in an attempt to recapture Toad Hall.

The Wind in the Willows: A Tale of Two Toads - 1989
In this sequel, the weasels seek revenge on Mr. Toad and once again take over Toad Hall. This time they utilize another Toad, this one an actor, and succeed in temporarily dividing the animals and turning them against each other. It's not long before their treachery is revealed and the two Toads must confront one another to decide who will possess Toad Hall.

The DVDs are produced by A&E, to whom I am grateful for this release, but unfortunately neither of the films have been remastered or given a proper restoration. This causes the film to look faded and there are numerous times where artifacts (spots of dirt, dust and debris) can be seen. Although this can be rather annoying, it never depreciates the enjoyment of the viewing. This series is highly recommended not only for its nostalgic value but also for its superlative storytelling. Truly a family classic!

Also recommended:
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Wind in the Willows: The Complete First Series
The Wind in the Willows: The Complete Second Series

December 04, 2008.

Oh God what can I say about this....

Rating: 5
I love The Wind in the Willows. I love them all. I dont know how to convince you to buy this but I'd start by making the suggestion to buy this one first watch The Wind in The Willows, then A Tale of TWo Toads, purchase series one and two and three if they really have one. I heard there was a series three but I haven't bought it yet. Then watch them all over again. I'm a 33 year old woman and I saw these when I was young something about them just stuck with me. It wasn't til a few months ago that I re-discovered them since childhood. There's something poetic and classic and beautiful about them. The stop animation, the details of the characters and the voices...all of it poetry. With a beautiful peaceful message of living life with simplicity and appreciating all the beauty nature and the whole world offers. Something like that you get what I'm trying to put across here. It's beautiful, really enjoyable and leaves you feeling at peace with the way things are, really at peace with simplicity and what treasures say a warm cup of hot chocolate could bring on a rainy day all safely tucked inside your dry warm home. Things like that..that's what the wind in the willows brings. I hope you dont miss your chance or your children dont miss the chance to enjoy that.

December 24, 2007.

wind in the willows.

Rating: 5
Could you make this a 10? This is Britsh Claymation at its best. The story is wonderful, the music is soothing and beautiful (I just listen to the music sometimes to go to sleep), the models are wonderful. You feel you are watching "human" animals move around and talk. Love the stories? You'll love this version of Wind in the Willows. This company does it best. I have every one they have done, and watch them often.

December 16, 2007.

My children ages 5 and 7 loved these shows.

Rating: 4
I am a fan of the BBC shows but, not having cable, only see what I rent. The book, Wind in the Willows, is an old favorite of mine, though, so I felt good about purchasing the movies. When I previewed them (I always preview, even when a movie rating states it is appropriate for children) I was happy with the interpretation of the tales yet admittedly a little concerned that the stop-motion characters might be boring for my children. They are used to the flash and noise of Disney, Warner Bros. and other animation giants. Still, the content was good so I handed them over. Both my son and daughter sat through the entire movie, then the 5 year old wanted to watch it again. The Tale of Two Toads also got their attention and now both movies are watched on a regular basis. It's good to see my children can appreciate the art and more subtle humor of movies such as these in addition to the prompted-responses typical in modern animation.