...some fables should be left on the written page; they lose something in their translation to the screen.
So, what's changed about "Animal Farm" that peeves me? Let's start with the film's opening sequence. As I said before, it's narrated by the dog Jessie, a narration that isn't in the book and adds nothing to the story. Worse, the dog gives away the whole conclusion of the film in the first two minutes! Even worse than that, the ending itself is changed. In a nod toward the falling of the Berlin Wall, the movie ignores Orwell's pessimist warnings and, like the cartoon before it, opts for a happy ending. The pigs all die, the farm falls into disrepair, and new owners take over, presumably giving new hope for the future of democracy. Did the filmmakers neglect to notice that the most populous country in the world, China, still lives under the yoke of Communism? A film that might have offered vision and impact is, instead, diluted into fodder for children.
Among the movie's minor vices are the complete changing of the song "Beasts of England," the unaccountable shooting of Old Major, the introduction of microphones and television sets into the farm yard, an expanded relationship between Farmer Jones and his neighbor Pilkington, and a wholly incomprehensible affair between Jones and Pilkington's wife! Did I say "minor vices"? What was director John Stephenson thinking of?
Video:
"Animal Farm" was a joint production of Hallmark Entertainment and the TNT cable network. This may explain the added sweetness and light. Because it was originally shown on TV, I expected its screen size to be that which is stated twice on the box, full screen. But no, it's projected in a 1.72:1 widescreen ratio. No explanation is given whether this is a matted or an expanded rendering of the standard-frame version. The image quality is slightly blurred, and colors can range from vividly bright to somewhat faded. No matter what the circumstance, however, the hues never seem deep or lustrous.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio is not particularly wide ranging or all encompassing but comes sporadically to life in the rear channels, such as at the Battle of the Cowshed, Snowball's ousting, and the climactic storm scene. It is decent, serviceable sound.
Extras:
Beyond the movie, there are interviews with Kelsey Grammer and producer Robert Halmi, Sr.; storyboard comparisons; a section called "The Animal Rules," which takes you to parts of the movie to illustrate its points; a little historical background on the Russian Revolution; cast and crew information; production notes; thirty-two scene selections; and a trailer.
Parting Shots:
Is there a moral to this film after all? Yes. It is that some fables should be left on the written page; they lose something in their translation to the screen. One thing, though: English teachers will be able to tell which kids read the book and which ones tried to fake it with the movie. Thank Hollywood for small favors.
Among the movie's minor vices are the complete changing of the song "Beasts of England," the unaccountable shooting of Old Major, the introduction of microphones and television sets into the farm yard, an expanded relationship between Farmer Jones and his neighbor Pilkington, and a wholly incomprehensible affair between Jones and Pilkington's wife! Did I say "minor vices"? What was director John Stephenson thinking of?
Video:
"Animal Farm" was a joint production of Hallmark Entertainment and the TNT cable network. This may explain the added sweetness and light. Because it was originally shown on TV, I expected its screen size to be that which is stated twice on the box, full screen. But no, it's projected in a 1.72:1 widescreen ratio. No explanation is given whether this is a matted or an expanded rendering of the standard-frame version. The image quality is slightly blurred, and colors can range from vividly bright to somewhat faded. No matter what the circumstance, however, the hues never seem deep or lustrous.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio is not particularly wide ranging or all encompassing but comes sporadically to life in the rear channels, such as at the Battle of the Cowshed, Snowball's ousting, and the climactic storm scene. It is decent, serviceable sound.
Extras:
Beyond the movie, there are interviews with Kelsey Grammer and producer Robert Halmi, Sr.; storyboard comparisons; a section called "The Animal Rules," which takes you to parts of the movie to illustrate its points; a little historical background on the Russian Revolution; cast and crew information; production notes; thirty-two scene selections; and a trailer.
Parting Shots:
Is there a moral to this film after all? Yes. It is that some fables should be left on the written page; they lose something in their translation to the screen. One thing, though: English teachers will be able to tell which kids read the book and which ones tried to fake it with the movie. Thank Hollywood for small favors.
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[release]3575[/release]