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The Borrowers - Series 1 [1993]


RRP: £14.99
Our Price: £9.99 (subject to change)

One of our all time favourite BBC adaptations
Review date: 2006-05-10 Rating: 10 out of 10

Faithfully based on Mary Norton's books from the 50's, my son (9) and daughter (11) loved the two BBC 'borrowers' series, first screened in 1993 with season two in 1994 - this DVD has series one only (6 separate half hour episodes). Check out the twin DVD set though as this has both Borrowers series one and two on 2 DVD s (12 episodes in all), as often that is a bit cheaper than buying the two series as separate single DVD sets. The present price (£14) is a bit expensive for a single DVD (at the moment the entire 4 DVD BBC Narnia set is the same price). If you can't decide whether to buy, try renting. Picture quality is quite good (better than than the slightly older BBC Narnia sets).

My kids really enjoyed the 1997 film version, but to be honest this BBC series is far darker, being played straight with no slapstick. Despite the Borrower's amusing antics and the witty script, it's got many quite tense moments and is all the better for it. The special effects in The Borrowers are actually very good - certainly more than adequate - although a lot of the atmosphere is derived from the superb 'miniature' sets. It's also set in the original isolated 1920'ish shires countryside, about the time of Norton's childhood, in a period when children were more strictly brought up and would think nothing of keeping big secrets from the adults. This adaptation is fairly faithful to the book, so don't expect a really sugary happy ever after ending, the books are really just snapshots of the borrowers lives, where like us, they just get on with it.

The 'Borrowers' are a family of tiny people, just a few inches high, who live in a miniature world under the floorboards of an old country house in England. Pod, Homily and their thirteen-year-old daughter Arrietty collect things for their miniature home by "borrowing" food scraps and oddments which are no longer missed by the humans in the house. There are many famous faces in the cast, including Ian Holm (simply great as the sensitive and secretive Pod), Penelope Wilton (the house proud Homily), Sian Philips (the sinister and strict 'human' Mrs Driver, scourge of the human boy George unfortunate enough to be left in her care) and Gemma Jones ('human' Muriel Menzies in series two). The principal child actors who play Anrietty, George and Spillar are also top notch, interacting completely convincingly with humans and borrower alike. These adaptations are a real delight both for any new audience, adult or child, and for those revisiting the series ten years on.

Being presented in serial form as screened, the Borrowers DVD is ideal for one or two episodes a night before bedtime. The pretty beginning and end credits and catchy theme tune really set the pace as the serials are always scripted to the cliffhanger. Plus there's no adverts, previews giving away the main plot elements from next week's episode or anyone prattling over the credits and music. The original 'Borrowers' books are a good fairly easy read as for later preteens. Just a shame the BBC didn't continue with a few more of the Borrower's books with this superb cast.

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Reviews


BBC Childrens Classics Have Arrived on DVD!
Review date: 2004-05-17 Rating: 8 out of 10

The Borrowers Series one was made and shown on BBC in 1992 and this DVD features all of the original episodes in their original 30 minute episode format. It is good that they are released this way, unlike when they are all joined together on the video release.
This is not the best drama that BBC made but it captures all of the enchantement and imagination that made the sunday tea time slot famous. The story, based on Mary norton's book, centres around a family of small people living in a small ara of a large country house who make their way by "borrowing" things from humans. One day when the daughter is accidentally seen by a human, they have to go on the run to avoid being exsposed by humans, who they believe are evil.

Ian Holm and Penelope Wilton star. The acting is good, as are the set designs and script. The story seems to loose its pace slightly as it nears its close but is still very entertaining, imaginative and fun.

BBC have gone to some trouble to raid the archives and put on extras. There is a 9 minute Blue Peter sketch from 1992 featuring behind the scenes interviews and looks at how it was made. Also included is a photo gallery, a preview of season 2 and a quiz. The case is also quite nice since it folds out like an old fashioned playing card.

At the start of the DVD before the title menu comes a promo saying that other BBC drama classics are coming to DVD. This is great news! The Chronicles of Narnia (already released) along with Just William, The Secret Garden, Five Children and It and The Box of Delights. It is great that all of these classics are being re-released for a new generation and all will be great additions to collections!

So overall, this is definelty worth buying if you like quality dramas, it can be enjoyed by children, families or...yes, adults!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Ian Holm
Rebecca Callard
Penelope Wilton

Creators:
Ian Holm (Primary Contributor)
Penelope Wilton (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503143923
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-04-05
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 180 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1993
Language: English (Original Language)

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