I would suggest that the admittedly upsetting bloodsport scenes at the film's opening are an essential part of underlining the stupidity and cruelty of men like Hazell and what they like to do for fun, which was surely one of Dahl's key points for comment in the original novel. These scenes are not enough to take away from the film's appropriateness or enjoyability for a family audience, which scores highly indeed.

Regarding Judy Lewis' comment on the aspect ratio of this transfer, the Internet Movie Database lists the original aspect ratio for this film as 1.33:1 (or 4:3). This was a made-for-television film in 1989, so 4:3 would have indeed been the original aspect ratio for this film, and no widescreen edition could therefore exist without severe cropping. This means you are missing nothing of the film with this transfer.

AT LAST ITS ON DVD!
Review date: 2005-08-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this film in the DVD shop as I have been looking forward to seeing this film for ages! I love everything about this film (except the first scene when they show men shooting the pheasants, which I felt was unnecessary) Its a shame there isn't more extras but the documentary, showing the film being made was very interesting.

One of Dahl's greatest
Review date: 2005-07-26 Rating: 10 out of 10

Not as extravagant or as fantastical as some other Dahl fictions, Dahl's gentle tale of a loving Father/Son relationship is definitely one of his best. With the lead roles being given to a Father and Son this film can't go wrong. Both Irons actors give a superb performance.

Danny the Champion of the World
Review date: 2005-07-24 Rating: 8 out of 10

I have been waiting for years for the release on DVD of this delightful and timeless film, based of course on Roald Dahl's book. Set in the 1950s, and featuring excellent performances from three generations of the one family (the great Jeremy Irons, his son Sam and Sam's grandfather Cyril Cusack), it is a charming and often amusing tale of poaching, bullying and revenge. The only disappointment - its aspect ratio is 4:3, something not mentioned in the technical specs.

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