Customer Reviews

Alice in Wonderland (1982) / Children's Theatre Company [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was in search for Alice in Wonderland on Amazon, as I could not find the older versions for rent in the local video stores. I had no idea there were so many different versions when I began my search for the 80's version that I remembered on TV as a kid. I came across this one and it had a lot of good feedback, so I purchased it. Anyone looking for the TV version they remembered when they were a kid, this is most likely NOT the version you want. While it was well put together, keep in mind that this version is a broadway stage set. A few props against a black backdrop, and some good actors. For the time that this was made, the make-up artist's did a great job. They spent a great deal of time on the costumes. I rated this movie 3 stars because I didnt think it was worth the price. This version is for someone who is an Alice-in-Wonderland super fanatic and wants every single version ever made. If your in search for the older version you remembered on TV, I found 2 versions to be the ones I remembered: 1972 version on DVD w/ Fionna Fullerton & Dudley Moore, and the 1985 version on VHS that stars musicians (Sammy Davis, Ring Starr, ect.) I decided to write this review because I didnt want to see anyone else feel ripped off and let down to find out this was not the version they were in search for. Hope this review was helpful.

The filming of a stage play gives this version of Alice a close up feel similar to that of the 1998 film version of Cats. I have looked for this for years since PBS stopped airing it about 1986.

Wow, I loved this version!!! This is by far the BEST "Alice in Wonderland" I've seen yet. Annie Enneking is wonderful as Alice, Though she may be a little old and just a TAD, TAD bit mature, she plays the part to perfection. She sets are just Magnificent, There simple but they work so well. The music is the most interesting part of this production, It's incredibly haunting, It's sticks in your mind forever. You'll love the ending, It's unlike any "Alice" finale you'll see. This is the most scariest and Brilliant "Alice in Wonderland" ever.

Annie Enneking is the best actor in the world. She should have won the oscar for this movie. Also, Jerry Drake is a genius.

It's nice to see that this video is available for purchase. I would be great to see it sold in DVD format to lessen the cost for people who want to see it but can't afford spending 100 bucks, however I wont have to wait for that to happen. A few weeks ago I transfered my vhs copy that my parents taped off of PBS years ago, and put it on dvd for myself.

It was great to re-watch again after so many years, what with Burton's version last year, and just being an Alice fan in general. No wonder I enjoyed it so much, the acting is superb, sets and scenery vivid and colorful, and the costumes are gorgeous..the directors stick very close to the illustrations that John Tenniel created for Lewis Carroll's book. Annie Enneking who plays Alice is wonderful..she portrays the intelligence of Alice along with a few hilarious child-like immature outbursts as well. Very convincing. It was great how the directors used both outdoor life and stage to create both worlds. By using a real outdoor location for the start of the program where Alice is outside with her sister, and then using the stage and sets for Wonderland, it really takes the viewer out of the norm and allows them to view wonderland as a "dream-like" journey. Another reviewer on this video had mentioned the music of the show. They were absolutely right..what a great score! Nothing like I've heard in any other production..and I've seen them ALL between theater and film. LOL!

One of my favorite characters in this particular show is The Dutchess played by Gary Briggle. Everyone in Wonderland is a bit mad..but The Dutchess is truly demented..especially if you read the books. Gary Briggle portrayed her perfectly, nobody else has been able to do that. She is an abusive, crazy, loud mouthed woman and Gary did it superb! The way he acts the character, you'll find yourself laughing out loud for sure. I wish I could attach a video clip of one of the scenes to this review. My favorite is when the Dutchess arrives at the Queens croquet game and interacts with Alice for the second time. You can tell on Alice's face she is less than excited to see the Dutchess again, and Gary takes it to a whole new level. Smacking Alice on the arm and hugging her violently trying to avoid the Queen..and that boisterous laugh is enough to keep the laughter of the audience going.

This show combines both Wonderland and Looking-Glass story, so you get to see most of the beloved Alice characters such as The Tweedles, Humpty Dumpty and the White Knight from Looking-Glass. The show is classic Alice, along with a few fantastic fresh ideas..for 1982 anyways:)If you are an avid Alice fan as I am, you will probably want to see this version.

Not to sound too melodramatic, but a piece of my life's puzzle is completed. I used to rent this insane/scary/brilliant version of Alice in Wonderland at an independent video store down the street from my house as a child. One day, the store was gone and I could not find this movie anywhere. I've been searching for over ten years and I am so happy to have found it. I would pay $100 for this movie, that's how amazing it is. Everyone should see it.