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Tales Of Beatrix Potter [1971]


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A ballet for kids...and for discerning adults
Review date: 2007-08-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

Two words for this filming of the ballet by Frederick Ashton of stories by Beatrix Potter: Clever...charming. If you have small kids who aren't yet spoiled by Computer Generated Overkill, I think they'll be entranced. And any grownups who still have a bit of innocence left I think will be, too.

The dancers from the Royal Ballet are all costumed as the characters. The female creatures all are plump and wear pastel gowns with the waist around the bust and white dust bonnets on their heads. The male creatures all are chubby and wear frock coats, knickers and knee socks. The dancers also wear full head masks to look like the squirrels and pigs and mice and ducks. I couldn't spot an eye port anywhere. The characters are all there (and spare me the sophisticated smirks): Mrs. Tigglewinkle, Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddleduck, Pigling Bland, The Cunning Fox, Mrs. Tittlemouse, and the others.

The music is first-rate, with plenty of waltzes and melody. The choreography is oustanding, funny and true to the characters. And the production values are excellent. This is an example of what professionals can accomplish when they're at the top of their game.

The DVD transfer is very good. And for once I wish there were extras. It would have been fascinating to learn about the development of the look of the piece and the costumes and head masks. It also would have been good to hear from some of the dancers of what it took to dance their roles in those costumes.

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Reviews


Five stars are simply not enough!
Review date: 2005-11-30 Rating: 10 out of 10

I saw this film when I was little, and have never forgotten the utter enchantment of it. Now I have rediscovered the bliss of it all over again with my two year old daughter. She simply can't get enough of it - in particular, the Jeremy Fisher section - those thrilling leaps and elevations! The drama of his struggle with the trout! John Lanchberry's score, and Frederick Ashton's choreography are both so wonderful - as are all the performances. But what is most striking, 30 years on, is that the production hasn't aged a bit, and I doubt that the miraculously authentic masks and costumes could be bettered now. A glorious achievement, and every bit as uplifting for adults as for children.

Tales of Beatrix Potter - Ballet- Fredric Ashton
Review date: 2005-11-23 Rating: 10 out of 10

I can't describe how magical this DVD is - I first saw an extract many years ago - of the Jeremy Fisher section. I have never forgotten it - and when I discovered that I could buy this DVD, I bought one for my grandchildren (and me)
The copy I bought has been played so many times that I now have to replace it.
The dancing and music are superb - my grandchildren cannot sit still in their seats when the DVD is on. They prefer this DVD to any of the other DVDs they have in the house.
Most highly recommended.

Magical!
Review date: 2005-04-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

Pure magic! My two-year old daughter is absolutely enthralled. I confess that the 'Mouse Waltz' brings tears to my eyes, and the final picnic scene when the town mice are joined by the rather uncouth field mice will have you laughing out loud. Fabulous dancing, especially by Jeremy Fisher, Squirrel Nutkin and Johnny Townmouse, and the music itself is inspiring. Choreographed by the late great Sir Frederic Ashton, who dances the part of Mrs Tiggywinkle. A timeless classic that will delight children and adults equally.

Tales of Beatrix Potter
Review date: 2004-11-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film entranced me as a child and has had the same effect on my daughter. Beautifully filmed and danced.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Ann Howard
Julie Wood
Bob Mead
Frederick Ashton
Alexander Grant

Creators:
Frederick Ashton (Primary Contributor)
Alexander Grant (Primary Contributor)
Austin Dempster (Cinematographer)
John Rushton (Editor)
John Brabourne (Producer)
Richard B. Goodwin (Producer)
Richard B. Goodwin (Writer)
Beatrix Potter (Writer)
Christine Edzard (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900380263
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-07-12
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1971
Language: English (Original Language)

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