6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Gothic Stop-Motion Romp ... and More!, January 12, 2006
This review is from: The Edgar Allan Poe Collection Volume 1: Annabel Lee (DVD)
Several years ago, I read about a fellow out east making a stop motion adaptation of a classic Edgar Allan Poe poem, Annabel Lee, in his cellar. After a long wait, George Higham's macabre marionette play is available on DVD! It was certainly worth the wait.
That's not to say the film is technically superb - don't expect the fluidity or grace of the stop-motion masters (Higham is a self-taught animator and, admittedly, this is his first real attempt). The film is full of quick cuts and glancing scenes of Poe and his tormentors in motion, but there's absolutely no denying Higham's talent for sculpture, staging and expression. Nightmarish characters -- bony reapers, fleshy demons, zombie rats -- haunt a convincingly unreal stage, deepening the horror and the tension of the poem. I also love the way Higham subtly moves between puppetry and animation, an effect which actually complements the narrative and emphasizes the power that the Poe puppet has in shaping his own destiny. Marvelous!
The DVD also deserves high praise for its professional packaging and impressive bonuses. A "making of" documentary for Annabel Lee is included, as well as two commentary tracks by Higham. Two other Poe-inspired live action short films and an interview with Poe expert Paul Clemens are also thrown into the mix. To top it all off, an informative booklet is tucked inside the case. Very well done!
If you're a romantic Goth, a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, of stop-motion animation, or just a champion of independent short cinema, I recommend this DVD -- and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Raven is worth the cost of the DVD, January 12, 2007
This review is from: The Edgar Allan Poe Collection Volume 1: Annabel Lee (DVD)
Purchased for research. The Annabelle Lee on this disc is good, if a bit long, and looks much better on a big screen than on a computer screen. If you can watch these projected, it is recommened. However, The Raven makes this disc worth it. It is a notable student production (it seems) with some very creative commentary located in the special features section of the disc.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thrilling Stop-Animation, November 18, 2006
This review is from: The Edgar Allan Poe Collection Volume 1: Annabel Lee (DVD)
I bought this stop-animation with students in mind. I teach 10th Grade English and Annabel Lee is one of the readings in the curriculum. When I got it I thought it was just interesting, but once I played for the students I confirmed! They were quiet the entire time the dvd played and they liked, they said what is that? It's different and the most important thing is that it caught their attention and finally they got to understand the poem. As teachers we have to go out of our way to try to teach students about extraordinary writers like Edgar A. Poe and what better way than to introduce them to this great stop-animation film.
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