... The DVD is available as a region 2 from Amazon from £3.98.
It is easy to forget, in the computer age that is 2009, that animated films were once all hand drawn; each cell painstakingly illustrated; backgrounds pencilled and inked, the artists’ hands shaping the final product. A Ralph Bakshi ... Read review
A magical, fantasy adventure that will enchant children everywhere.This musical movie ... more
adaptation of Peter S. Beagle's classic best-seller tells the story of the last remaining Unicorn on earth who sets out from her home in lilac woods in the hope that ...
A magical fantasy adventure that will enchant children everywhere. This musical movie ... more
adaptation of Peter S. Beagle's classic best-seller tells the story of the last remaining Unicorn on earth who sets out from her home in the lilac woods in the hope...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Production Year: 1999 - Family - Director: Rob Minkoff - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis, Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane, Chazz Palminteri
Advantages: Extraordinarily faithful adaptation, well voiced, charming story Disadvantages: Gratuitous songage
This is a review of the film only. The DVD is available as a region 2 from Amazon from £3.98.
It is easy to forget, in the computer age that is 2009, that animated films were once all hand drawn; each cell painstakingly illustrated; backgrounds pencilled and inked, the artists’ hands shaping the final product. A Ralph Bakshi film is immediately recognisable as coming from his studio, and instantly distinguishable from an offering from ... ...animation from the late 20th Century may seem primitive, lacking the 3D rendering of today’s computer generated products, and also lacking the consistency of style that most modern animated popular cinematic films seem to have.
The Last Unicorn dates from 1982, and comes from the pen of Peter S Beagle, adapted by Mr Beagle from his novel of the same name, and the directorship of Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. It follows the story of ... more
This is a review of the film only. The DVD is available as a region 2 from Amazon from £3.98.
It is easy to forget, in the computer age that is 2009, that animated films were once all hand drawn; each cell painstakingly illustrated; backgrounds pencilled and inked, the artists’ hands shaping the final product. A Ralph Bakshi film is immediately recognisable as coming from his studio, and instantly distinguishable from an offering from the Disney conglomerate. To modern eyes, much of the animation from the late 20th Century may seem primitive, lacking the 3D rendering of today’s computer generated products, and also lacking the consistency of style that most modern animated popular cinematic films seem to have.
The Last Unicorn dates from 1982, and comes from the pen of Peter S Beagle, adapted by Mr Beagle from his novel of the same name, and the directorship of Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. It follows the story of the eponymous Last Unicorn (Mia Farrow) and her quest for her missing people – is she truly the last (after all, unicorns rarely encounter each other anyway)? If so, where have they all gone? A butterfly cries “You can find the others if you are brave. They passed down all the roads long ago, and the Red Bull ran close behind them and covered their footprints” ... Along the way, she meets Angela Lansbury’s Mommy Fortuna (“creatures of the night, brought to light”) and her seemingly inept wizard Schmendrick (Alan Arkin). He summons Robin Hood for Captain Cully’s men, and acquires another companion on the quest in the apparently bitter drab Molly Grue (voiced by Tammy Grimes). Has King Haggard’s Red Bull really corralled all the unicorns, and are they gone for all time? Only by braving Haggard’s grim and dour castle will they find out.
Not surprisingly, the film is very faithful to the book, as Peter S Beagle wrote both. Certain scenes are shortened (for example, the descriptions of Mommy Fortuna’s apparently mythical caged beasts), and others somewhat altered to allow for songs – animated films in the 70s and 80s, especially those for families, seemed to demand songs (see also Charlotte’s Web, the animated version). However, the language is spot on, often taken word for word from the novel, and it is beautiful. The dialogue sings as many of the songs cannot manage. It is amusing and modern in places, and profound and wistful in others. Alan Arkin voicing Schmendrick in particular delivers his dialogue exactly as I imagined it when reading the book (which I am, as an aside, currently re-reading). Christopher Lee as Haggard is utterly superb – creepy yet indefinably sad. Mia Farrow is, perhaps, slightly miscast, especially as her voice cannot quite do justice to some of the songs her part demands. Jeff Bridges as Haggard’s adopted son Lir is competent, though largely unmemorable.
The soundtrack is enormously popular in Germany, as is the film, apparently. The songs were written by Jimmy Webb, and some were performed by America, and others by the actors as part of the action. They are competent, though of their time. I do like the theme song, however, I’m not so fond of some of the in-movie songs – I am not a big fan of people (and, indeed, unicorns) just breaking into song for no apparent reason.
The animation style is fairly simple, yet somewhat ethereal. It is not photo realistic. The animators (mostly Japanese, though the characters were designed by Lester Abrams, who also designed the characters for TV’s animated The Hobbit) seem to have tried to tread a line between children’s cartoony caricature type personifications and a more adult fantastic style. It tends more towards the childlike, though with a slightly creepy yet winsome edge in places. The unicorn herself is drawn much as she is described in the book (indulge me this quote):
"She did not look anything like a horned horse, as unicorns are often pictured, being smaller and cloven-hoofed, and possessing that oldest, wildest grace that horses have never had, that deer have only in a shy, thin imitation and goats in dancing mockery. Her neck was long and slender, making her head seem smaller than it was, and the mane that fell almost to the middle of her back was as soft as dandelion fluff and as fine as cirrus. She had pointed ears and thin legs, with feathers of white hair at the ankles, and the long horn above her eyes shone and shivered with its own seashell light even in the deepest midnight."
Although her face looks, perhaps, a little simplistic and even cutsie, the animators have resisted the temptation to make her look too horse-like, and allow the deerness to show. King Haggard is appropriately angular and grey, and Schmendrick lanky and awkward.
This is not a long film, clocking in at around an a hour and a half. It is, in places, utterly charming, moving and beautiful, though in others clearly aimed at a younger audience. The book is, unsurprisingly, better. It is, nevertheless, a worthy effort, and, indeed, a worthwhile companion to the book. It is far from perfect – the character design could have been a little less ‘cartoony’ and, perhaps, a little more fantastic. I would have preferred it if the penchant for breaking into random song were lost. I’d like to have seen more of the book left in (it’s not a long book, and a book I can unreservedly recommend). Nevertheless, as it is currently available on Amazon at £3.98, it is certainly worth a watch – you’ll never think of unicorns in exactly the same way again.
Recommended.
If you liked this, you may also like Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards (heading for the adult animation), or Charlotte’s Web (a truly superior example of 70’s children’s animation).
Advantages: Beautiful animation, good music, and a magically touching tale! Disadvantages: None!
...winter and begin talking about the belief that these woods belong to a unicorn, and unicorns in general. Only their horses know that a real unicorn follows them and is listening with keen interest in what they have to say. This serene, beautiful, pure, and immortal being is alarmed at the prospect that she may be the only unicorn left in the world. Where have all her people disappeared to? She has never needed any other company than the simple knowledge ... ...the world, but now she cannot find a moments peace as she debates whether or not to search for them. Unicorns were not made to make decisions. In the end, she decides that perhaps they are waiting for her or need her help, so she sets out on a long hard road to find them. As Bilbo Baggins once warned his nephew, one must stay alert for roads can be deceptive and dangerous things. One never knows where a road might sweep you off to! Alas, she did ...
Entwife 12.01.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last Unicorn (DVD) (DVD)
Advantages: Beautiful in every way. Disadvantages: Possibly not for those prone to bouts of hysterical crying.
...has obviously been missed by the majority of modern mainstream children's cinema (I can hear you whining about how beautiful pixar's animation is, its not animation, it's a computer programme and as empty and soul-less as point three). It just seems to me producers would rather spit in kids eyes as well as steal their parents money. It's lazy; there is plenty of talent out there 2. Sugar- Coating; I'm all for giving children stories about frolicking ... ...not everyone's beautiful.
3. Disney, the McDonalds of film.
So after that rant I can get to a film that happily doesn't fit with any of the above criteria.
The Last Unicorn, (Ok ok, it has the corniest title in the world ever) was originally written as a novel by Peter S Beagle, luckily he also wrote the screenplay to the film which was released in 1983.
The story begins with our heroine The Unicorn, who suddenly realises she hasn't seen many ...
Filthyneon 03.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Last Unicorn (DVD) (DVD)
Advantages: something for everything, a beautiful storyline, great soundtrack Disadvantages: may look dated when comapred to newer Disney films.
The Last Unicorn is an animated feature, based on the book by Peter S. Beagle. It has a great cast, which includes Mia Farrow as the voice of the Unicorn.
To quickly outline the plot: the story revolves around a beautiful white unicorn who lives in a mythical forest. After overhearing two huntsman talk of her as the last of her kind she is struck by a desire to find out if this is true; to see if she really is the only unicorn left in the world. ... ...(Christopher Lee) who together hold the key to the secret of the lost unicorns. Her story becomes entwined with that of three others - Schmendrick, an inept but likeable magician; (Alan Arkin) Molly Grue, a middle-aged woman with a heart of gold (Tammy Grimes) and Lir (Jeff Bridges) - the adopted son of King Haggard. I cannot say much more without spoiling it, but, suffice it to say that it is a feel-good fantasy tale with a poignant and bittersweet ...
suzsquirrel 14.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Last Unicorn (DVD) (DVD)
Advantages: Easy to watch , great for the kids Disadvantages: None
...and this enthrawling tale about the last surviving unicorn has you hooked from the start. You may just end up thinking that perhaps it was all for real and unicorns did once exist.
The film portrays magic and mystery with a mixture of surprise and suspense. You will soon become very attached to this loveable unicorn. Dare I say it, my wife actually shed a small tear as the stops were pulled out to save this last remaining creature.
A very endearing ...
jonwhite 05.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Last Unicorn (DVD) (DVD)
Advantages: Wonderful engaging fairytale Disadvantages: Some of the characters may scare very young children
The Last Unicorn is a fantastic, magical fairytale that is perfect for the whole family.
The story follows a Unicorn who is the magical guardian of a forest, making it always summer and keeping all creatures that live in the forest safe. One day some hunters come into the forest but one of them realises there is a unicorn present and tells his companion they cannot hunt there. As they leave the wishes the unicorn luck because, as he says, she is ... ...has said, the unicorn realises that it is a long time since she has seen a fellow unicorn. A passing butterfly tells her the tale of a terrible beast called the Red Bull, and says that this creature has captured all the other unicorns in the world.
Determined to prove she isn’t the last of her kind, she sets off on a quest to find the rest of the unicorns. Along the way she meets up with a would be wizard named Schmendrick, who is working for an ...
shorn_the_sheep 08.07.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Last Unicorn (DVD) (DVD)
Weary of being alone in the vast forest, unicorn Amalthea (Mia Farrow) begins to wonder if she's the last of her kind. Following a rumour, she joins forces with feeblish wizard Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and wayward barmaid Molly (Tammy Grimes) to look for the mystical Red Bull, a creature known to hunt and imprison unicorns. In order to walk unnoticed among men, Schmendrick magically transforms Amalthea into a beautiful woman. Together the three embark on a adventurous journey into the dark land of King Haggard, the man rumoured to control the Red Bull. Based on Peter Beagle's novel of the same name, THE LAST UNICORN is a bright, colourful tale about love and loss. Farrow loans her fluttering voice indelibly to the lips of the unicorn, and Arkin is spot on playing the spell-casting wizard Schmendrick. The film also features the vocal talents of Jeff Bridges, Christopher Lee, and Angela Lansbury. Complete with an over-the-top soundtrack by the pop band America, THE LAST UNICORN is perhaps the high point of directors Arthur Rankin's and Jules Bass's film career. They would soon move out of film to produce the two highly successful syndicated television series THUNDERCATS and SILVERHAWKS.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
ITV DVD; CINRAM LOGISTICS, ITV DVD
Release date
12/02/2007, 17/02/2003
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
3711524233, 3711504293
Barcode
5037115242334, 5037115042934
Voice
Angela Lansbury, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Lee, Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, Tammy Grimes, Alan Arkin, Robert Klein
Host
Angela Lansbury, Jeff Bridges
Featured
Christopher Lee
Narrator
Jeff Bridges
Languages
Main Language
English
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Trailer, Production notes, Character profiles, Stills gallery, Trailer, Production notes, Character profiles
Aspect Ratio
4:3
Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, Dolby Digital
Animated
Animated
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo English
Professional reviews
Review
"...Unusually good....Imaginative spirit." (New York Times, p.C10, 19/11/1982)
"...Mia Farrow brings an almost moving plaintive quality to the character....For an actress to register so strongly on voice alone is a rare accomplishment..." (Variety, 17/11/1982)
DVD Description
Weary of being alone in the vast forest, unicorn Amalthea (Mia Farrow) begins to wonder if she's the last of her kind. Following a rumour, she joins forces with feeblish wizard Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and wayward barmaid Molly (Tammy Grimes) to look for the mystical Red Bull, a creature known to hunt and imprison unicorns. In order to walk unnoticed among men, Schmendrick magically transforms Amalthea into a beautiful woman. Together the three embark on a adventurous journey into the dark land of King Haggard, the man rumoured to control the Red Bull. Based on Peter Beagle's novel of the same name, THE LAST UNICORN is a bright, colourful tale about love and loss. Farrow loans her fluttering voice indelibly to the lips of the unicorn, and Arkin is spot on playing the spell-casting wizard Schmendrick. The film also features the vocal talents of Jeff Bridges, Christopher Lee, and Angela Lansbury. Complete with an over-the-top soundtrack by the pop band America, THE LAST UNICORN is perhaps the high point of directors Arthur Rankin's and Jules Bass's film career. They would soon move out of film to produce the two highly successful syndicated television series THUNDERCATS and SILVERHAWKS.
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