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Wind In The Willows - The Four Seasons
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £9.49 (subject to change)
Perfect, sepia toned nostalgia for any age...
Review date: 2007-07-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
Ask most fans of one of my favourite books, "Wind In The Willows" what the most faithful adaptation is and they'll almost always say this one. Cosgrove Hall have it all down to a tee in the feature film and in these select episodes from the five series divided up into four seperate discs - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
David Jason is brilliant as the pompous and camp Mr Toad, as is Peter Sallis as fiery Mr Rat, Richard Pearson as the shy and retiring Mr Mole, and the late Michael Hordern (of Paddington fame) as the wise old Mr Badger. My particularly favourite episode is the "Yuletide Entertainment" on the Winter disc - you won't be able to stop laughing at Mr Toad swallowing his moustache before going on stage I can tell you. A must buy for anyone, no matter what your age!
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Reviews
Childhood revisited
Review date: 2006-12-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
A massive fan of the wind in the willows when i was a lot younger. Watching it the first time round when i was about 10years old, it was magical then and it is magical now. I simply love these old shows that simply have a wonderfull tale of life about them. Reminds me of times when things seemed less troubled than now and the great thing is that they are all simply perfect. I love this 4 seasons and i cant recommend it enough. Relive some memories and enjoy yourself.
Absolutely Delightful!!!
Review date: 2006-08-02 Rating: 10 out of 10
I've been waiting for the Four Seasons to be released on DVD for YEARS! I had them on VHS but lost them in a house fire, so was overjoyed that they've been finally re-released on DVD.
These tales are an absolute delight whether you are four years old or 104. The quality of the animation by Cosgrove Hall is impeccable - the little details are enchanting and warrant several viewings - Toad's outfits, the little countryside details and the backgrounds in all the friends' homes from Ratty's Riverside clap-board house to Mole and Badger's cosy retreats and of course, the magnificent Toad Hall itself.
The quality of the voice-overs also deserves a mention here, with David Jason as a superbly pompous Toad, Peter Sallis's steady and reassuring Rat, Richard Pearson's timid yet joyful Mole and Sir Michael Hordern's cantankerous yet wise old Badger. There's lots of humour and pathos played out by these magnificent actors, and one gets a sensation also that the animators really enjoyed lavishing the care and attention on the minutiae that adds both to the humour and overall quality. In my opinion, this series of tales, continued in others (look out for a Tale of Two Toads and Mole's Christmas among others) is by far the superior of all the different animated versions of the Wind in The Willows and I strongly urge you to buy it - you won't be disappointed!
Wonderful but not complete!
Review date: 2006-06-30 Rating: 6 out of 10
I bought this collection, thinking it was the complete series. But it is not. It is 4 DVD disks, with 3 episodes on each DVD. Compiled into a "4 seasons" series. Now this is to be taken literally! It is not 4 seasons of the series (like for example "The Simpsons Season 1, 2, 3, 4 etc). It is a compilation of episodes put into the themes "Spring" (DVD 1), "Summer" (DVD 2), "Autumn" (DVD 3) and "Winter" (DVD 4). So there are a few episodes I remember, which were missing. I did not find the episode where Toad impersonates a ghost, which I remember to be rather amusing.
Therefore I give this collection 3 stars. Would have been 5 stars had it been the full and complete series. So the 3 stars has nothing to do with the quality of the episodes (they are wonderful as I remember them). Only the nature in which they have been selected in a sort of "greatest hits".
What a Wonderful childhood!
Review date: 2006-05-03 Rating: 10 out of 10
These episodes/series's of the Thames Valley (later bought by BBC) productions brought me and my extended family great joy during our respective childhoods! The series's are split up into 4 'Seasons' Winter, Autumn etc! David Jason from Only Fools and Horses does the voice for Toad and is excellent, the other charachters voices are also extremely good!
This show is especially good for children but can be watched by nearly anyone (anyone who can laugh), i reckon children under 6 will find it more difficult and perhaps a little scary (see Toad's impersonation of a Ghost in the Halloween episode!). Particulary funny episodes include the 'Winter Sports' and the 'Summer' episodes! This is a must-see, must-buy for the whole family! It was one of my fondest shows of childhood!
Yours, James AF Watson, JV's Son!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Richard Pearson
David Jason
Peter Sallis
Michael Hordern
Director(s):
Recording label: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Fremantle Home Entertainment
EAN: 5030697009500
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 4
Format: Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2006-05-08
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Running time: 213 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)