Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy
by John Paul, Michael Myerberg
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Anna Russell, Constance Brigham, Frank Rogier, Helen Boatwright, Mildred DunnockDirector: John Paul, Michael Myerberg
Cinematographer: Martin Munkacsi
Producer: Michael Myerberg
Editor: James F. Barclay
Writer: Adelheid Wette
Writer: Padraic Colum
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 72 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-10-30
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: View Video
Movie Reviews of Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy
Movie Review: Bad transfer
Summary: 2 Stars
The View Video edition of HANSEL AND GRETEL (alas, the only one available as of 2008) features a video transfer that looks suspiciously like a copy from a VHS master. The overmodulated, fuzzy audio is no better. In short, this DVD is very nearly unwatchable. Only a few extras here, including a brief "making-of" short for 1950s television.
As for the film itself, it's an odd little curio but no masterpiece, certainly not as good as the Engelbert Humperdinck opera it's (loosely) based on. The animation is generally lifeless and inexpressive, and the various attempts at cuteness come off as creepy. But Anna Russell's spry turn as the Witch injects some much-needed vigor into the proceedings, and Irish poet Padraic Colum's translation of the German libretto is excellent -- when you can understand it.
RKO Pictures commissioned HANSEL AND GRETEL in 1954 as a low-budget alternative to Disney features -- a necessary move, since at the time the Disney studio was making plans to distribute its product through an in-house company. The film was animated in sequence and rushed through production, which explains why earlier scenes are smoother than later ones. It doesn't approach Disney caliber, on a technical or a narrative level. Even though the film garnered some respectful reviews on its initial release, and seems to have performed adequately at the box office, RKO didn't care to repeat the experiment.
Summary of Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy
WINNER OF...New England Film & Video Festival- Finalist
Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal
A NAIRD Award Finalist
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence
Coalition For Quality Children??Ts Video: Kids First! Endorsement
Composed by Englebert Humperdinck
Conducted by Franz Aller
Directed by Michael Meyerberg
Starring Anna Russell as The Witch
and Constance Brigham, Mildred Dunnock, Frank Rogier
Hansel and Gretel came to life in 1954 as never before, in this kinemin* animated feature set to Englebert Humperdinck's classic 1893 opera. Sung by some of the most acclaimed performers of the day, this score was nominated for a Grammy Award.
With brilliant imagination and unprecedented technical wizardry-comparable only to Walt Disney's Fantasia-this production uses 35 hand-sculpted dolls and lavish sets to create a fantasy land of unearthly beauty, inhabited by characters of unparalleled charm.
V.I.E.W. Video is proud to present this definitive production of Hansel and Gretel. A masterpiece of melodic beauty, whimsical story and magical settings that will delight children and the whole family.
*The kinemen characters took over 15 years to develop. Compounded of intricate armatures a secret chemical mixture for "flesh," human hair, magnetized feet and truly human personalities; they are "exemplary actors," able to duplicate natural movements of the human body, and with a variety of facial expressions that surpass the range of humans.
DVD BONUS FEATURES
The Making Of??? Featurette Movie
Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Digitally Mastered Audio & Video
Multi-Directional Interactive Menus
Instant Chapter Access to Songs
Over 30 Scene Selections
Composer Biography
Story Synopsis
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