Here's some recommendations:
The Last Unicorn
I just discovered this film. It's beautiful. The story is interesting and satisfying, if a bit weird.
The Dark Crystal
Similar to Delgo, in that a LOT hinges on the world it creates. It's a valid criticism to say that The Dark Crystal is more style than substance, and some would say that it's a concept in search of a real story. The difference is that this creates a living world, while Delgo's world is dry and disconnected. I love this film. It's a masterpiece of puppeteering that we won't see again because of today's reliance on CGI.
Labyrinth
With Labyrinth, Henson wanted more story to go along with the world, and story-wise it works better than Dark Crystal. World-wise, not as much. Still, it's a bizzare and unique world, and once more pushed puppeteering film effects in to directions we will never be able to see the culmination of.
My Neighbor Totoro
Wow, wanna talk interesting creature and world creation? This movie is crawling with them (literally!).
The Hobbit
I've always loved this movie, since I first watched it on the black and white TV in the basement as a kid on some Saturday afternoon to when we rented it on VHS a little later to when I rewatched it as an adult on DVD. To me, Bilbo Baggins will always sound like Orson Bean.
And don't forget The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(all three versions, including the BBC version
and the '70's animated version
), Prince Caspian
, Pan's Labyrinth
(not for kids), The Lord Of The Rings trilogy
(The Fellowship of the Ring
, The Two Towers
, and The Return of the King
), along with the two other versions
that were made (both interesting in their own right).What say you?
~ Ben
2 comments:
wow that really must have been a stinker, spawned 2 blog posts.
Good post! And two Rankin/Bass flicks made the list (Last Unicorn, The Hobbit)-- always a plus!
Did you know they made another fantasy film? THE FLIGHT OF DRAGONS (1986) was pretty cool, but I don't think it's ever been released on DVD.
Here's a few I like...
LEGEND - *Not* the theatrical version with the fruity 80s new wave soundtrack, but the director's cut that was released a year or so ago on DVD. This version adds in another half hour or so of *essential* character development and background information, recuts a few awkward scenes and has a beautiful, beautiful soundtrack. It really is like a totally new movie, and just goes to show you how some tweaks can make a big difference to a movie.
THE NEVERENDING STORY - I just love this movie. One of my favorites as a kid, and it holds up fairly well. Avoid the sequels like the plague.
STARDUST - Totally underrated, and the trailers didn't do the film justice. A bit of odd comedy schtick by Robert DeNiro, but both the Mrs. and I enjoyed this one.
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