VHS : The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
In a misty London train station, four siblings await their journey to the country, a place to avoid the bombs of World War II, a place where one boy imagines nothing ever happens. As it turns out, the old professor's spooky country house is ripe for exploration. Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter's adventures begin when the back wall of a fur-coat filled wardrobe opens up into the magical world of Narnia, where, because of the malevolent White Witch's spell, it is 'always winter and never Christmas.' Before long, the children (the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve) are participating in an epic, allegorically Christian battle between good (Aslan the lion) and evil (as represented by the diabolical White Witch, played with wonderfully hideous zeal by Barbara Kellerman).
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, first published in 1950 and designed to be the second book chronologically in the Narnia series, was faithfully, painstakingly adapted into a BBC TV series, and then edited into a feature-length film in 1988. The snowy landscapes of Narnia are lovely, but youngsters accustomed to stunning silver-screen special effects may pooh-pooh this rather slow-moving, homespun production, with humans dressed like beavers, a large stuffed-animal-looking lion, and oddly patched-in Disneyesque animated winged creatures. Still, there's an arresting sweetness and simplicity to this fantasy adventure in two episodes (59 minutes and 110 minutes) that suit this old-fashioned, well-loved classic to a T. --Karin Snelson
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
-This review pertains to the original DVD release, not the remastered edition-
In 1988, the BBC produced the first of four films based upon The Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. The films are very faithful to the classic stories and feature much of the dialogue originally spoken in the books. Despite the series' low budget, it has become a family favorite and will provide hours of nostalgia for those who saw the films during their original airing.
During the bombing ... Read More
Rating: - Wonderful story but...
I wanted to give this film five stars just for the wonderful story, but there are so many flaws that I had subtract one. Actually I'd give the story six stars and subtract two for all of the flaws!
I did like the actors, especially the two girls. The younger one, Lucy, has a childish glee that was heartwarming. The older one, Susan, was very sweet and pretty and gave a sober, believable performance. The boys were ordinary. The greatest performance in my opinion was that of the White ... Read More
Rating:  - The Definitive Journey Into the Wardrobe
When the BBC made its version of the Chronicles of Narnia,they were short on special effects,but more than compensated by being full of the books' spirit. They are true to CS Lewis' whimsy and fairytale sense. In a way,it is reminiscent of children playing dress-up; it doesn't deserve an epic treatment. Lewis wanted a homestyle fairytale for children to teach them the Christian story.
Barbara Kellerman is equal parts menace and seduction as the White Witch. Ronald Pickup gives nobility to his ... Read More
Rating: - Oldie but goodie.....
I grew up watching the BBC versions of C.S. Lewis' books and was never disappointed. Sure, they could've used a bigger budget and all the special effects technology we can put to use today, but I think they did brilliantly with what they had. I was actually disappointed when I went to see the "newer" version in the theater....seems to lack some of the heart and soul that I loved.
Rating:  - Could use more illustrations
A bit of cheap shot. Try for another version with illustrations.
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