Customer Reviews

Faerie Tale Theatre - Hansel and Gretel [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

HANSEL AND GRETEL is one of the best in the FAERIE TALE THEATRE series, with lush costume and set designs based on the classic storybook illustrations of Arthur Rackham.

Young Hansel and Gretel (Rick Schroder and Bridgette Andersen) are abandoned in the forest by their cruel stepmother (Joan Collins). The children happen across a magical cottage entirely made of gingerbread and sweets, which is owned by an evil witch...

Joan Collins plays the dual-roles of the stepmother and the witch, and gives a fantastic performance as both characters. Paul Dooley plays the children's well-meaning father.

One of the best of FAERIE TALE THEATRE's earlier episodes.

After years of waiting, Faerie Tale Theatre fans can finally own the series on DVD. Shelley Duvall's series originally appeared on Showtime 20 years ago and featured well-known and rising stars of the time. The series' enthusiastic interpretations of beloved fairy tales has made it a cult classic. Better yet, the DVD prices are affordable, especially after the high prices the used VHS copies have been earning in recent years.

About this episode:

Abandoned by their parents, a brother and sister are lost in the woods and stumble across a fantastic cottage. Unfortunately, a witch lives in it and she doesn't want to keep her houseguests for long. This is one of the scarier of the Faerie Tale Theatre episodes, especially since young children play the roles and Joan Collins plays a scary witch, but it's a children's favorite nevertheless.

Cast:
Joan Collins ... The Witch/Evil Stepmother
Rick Schroder ... Hansel
Bridgette Andersen ... Gretel

"I'm only an old woman with poor, weak eyes. Don't be frightened; no harm will come to you. Come, come inside with me and I will take care of you . . . " The witch beckons Hansel and Gretel to enter her gingerbread cottage.

The dark and captivating world created by the Brothers Grimm is wonderfully depicted in this, the finest in the Faerie Tale Theatre series with costumes and set designs based on the unique work of English illustrator Arthur Rackham. Ricky Schroder and Bridgette Anderson star as the brother and sister who are abandoned deep in the forest by their woodcutter father (Paul Dooley) and their scheming and manipulative stepmother, played brilliantly by Joan Collins. It comes as a surprise to many viewers that Joan Collins also plays the part of the witch and is unrecognizable due to an incredible make-up job transforming her into a terrifying witch out of a Rackham illustration. Joan Collins was actually nominated for a Cable ACE Award in 1983 for her roles in Hansel and Gretel.

Everything about this episode of Faerie Tale Theatre is perfect, from the way it is shot to the musical score, some of which is adapted from Engelbert Humperdinck's famous `Hansel and Gretel' opera.

I highly recommend this thrilling episode of Faerie Tale Theatre, it will entertain all ages and now that it is available on DVD it can be viewed with perfect picture and sound.

This is the best Hansel and Gretel movie I've seen!The acting is GREAT.The acting of the kids who play Hansel and Gretel is pretty good for little kids.Joan Collins acting as the stepmother and the canibal witch is SUPER!The make-up artist that did the make- up on her in 'witch' form should get an Oscar,I barely recognized her.If you buy this I garantee you will not be wasting your money!!!

Fabulous and extremely entertaining episode from Faerie Tale Theatre starring Joan Collins in a dual role as the title childrens' wicked stepmother and the evil, cannibalistic witch. Collins is delightfully funny and frightening in her roles and looks like she is having fun. Ricky Shroeder and the late Bridgette Anderson turn in cute performances as Hansel and Gretel. Although excellent for the family, you may want to cuddle up with the kiddies while they are watching the witch scenes. An excellent episode.

Hansel and Gretel was my personal favorite of the Fairie Tale Theatre movies. I found it enjoyable and thrilling. I am 16 and I have loved those movies since I was a baby! I will never forget them and they will be within me for the rest of my life.

The trademarks of Shelley Duvall's outstanding "Faerie Tale Theatre" Series are superb casting and remarkable faithfulness to the original classic stories. Kudos to Duvall, director James Frawley, and writer Patricia Resnick for retaining the dark and spooky tone of "HANSEL AND GRETEL." This may be the grimmist of all the Grimm Fairy Tales, but it makes for one of the best "Faerie Tale Theatre" productions (1982).
Joan Collins, then at the height of her popularity as witchy Alexis on "DYNASTY", has a performing field day as both the Selfish Stepmother and the hideous Witch who terrorizes the title tots. As the Witch, Collins is every bit as terrorfying as Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch Of The West in "THE WIZARD OF OZ." When the Witch shoves Hansel (Rick(y) Schroder) into a cage, there is another victim inside as well. As the Witch drags the pudgey boy off to the oven, Hansel gets a glimpse of his grizsly fate. The scene where Gretel finally pushes the hideous hag into her own oven is genuinely frightening.
Bridgette Anderson makes an apple-faced, angelic Gretel. Does anyone know whatever happened to her? Rick(y) Schroder, of "THE CHAMP" re-make, "SILVER SPOONS," "N.Y.P.D. BLUE", "STRONG MEDICINE", and dozens of TV movies, is stalwart and protective as big brother Hansel. Paul Dooley completes the cast as their rather milqtoast, put-upon father.

I loved to watch this movie as a child and I still love it today. I enjoy seeing the actors perform when they are so young and fresh. Shelly Duvall's collection is wonderful and it is a MUST for all children and adults young at heart to see.

Usually, it is the humor of Faerie Tale Theatre episodes that make them tick. This time, however, it is just a solid re-telling of the classic children's tale. The emotions are palpable, while the visuals and tone are also quite striking.

Guest stars include Ricky Schroder, Joan Collins, Paul Dooley, and Bridgette Anderson.

The acting of the two children really stands out in this performance, as they prove to be more than up to the task of executing some difficult material.

I used to watch fairie tale theatres when i was a little girl, now my seven year old daughter loves them!!! I got her hooked on these movies!! Our order arrived before expected and was in awsome condition!!! thank you so very much!!