Product Details

• Actors: Peter Finch, James MacArthur, Bernard Lee, John Laurie, Niall MacGinnis
• Directors: Robert Stevenson
• Writers: Robert Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson
• Producers: Hugh Attwooll, Walt Disney
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• VHS Release Date: March 4, 1997
• Run Time: 97 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304293925
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,689 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Sold into shipboard slavery by his wicked uncle, the newly orphaned David Balfour turns his misfortune into adventure in this Disney adaptation of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Before he can get back to the Scottish Lowlands to claim his birthright, the young man experiences mutiny, shipwreck, clan wars, trickery, illness, and bagpipe playing. Most of this is at the side of the high-spirited Highlander Alan Breck. The Stewart clan leader crashes into his prison ship, jumps aboard, and commandeers both the ship and the boy's life, tutoring him in the ways of subterfuge, battle, and loyalty. Despite the relatively heavy subject matter, the tone is light and the action swift. Add the gorgeous--and genuine--Celtic scenery, and it makes for a quickly passed 95 minutes. Although this 1960 film has no graphic violence, a boy is killed aboard ship and other more anonymous characters die, making this tale more appropriate for gradeschoolers and up. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Product Description

Robert Louis Stevenson's exciting saga of a young man's quest for his rightful inheritance bursts upon the screen in this faithful Disney adaptation. Award-winning actor Peter Finch stars as the daring rebel, Alan Breck, who joins forces with young David Balfour (James MacArthur) to do battle with scurvy sea dogs and ruthless Redcoats. A strong supporting cast features the memorable screen debut of Peter O'Toole. Filmed in the majestic Scottish Highlands, Disney's KIDNAPPED, with its swordplay, storms at sea, and heroic bravery, is a classic adventure of epic proportions!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great adventure in the classic disney style, February 13, 2003

By 

microjoe - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Kidnapped [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Originally released in 1960, filmed 10 years after Disney's "Treasure Island" (Both are based on books written by Robert Louis Stevenson). This is a grittier more realistic film than Treasure Island, not as flamboyant. Coincidentally, Disney Director Robert Stevenson wrote the screenplay based on the novel but he is not related to the original writer.

Set in 18th centurey Scotland, it features James MacArthur who made 5 other films for Disney as a young man, and later moved on to "Hawaii 5-O". The film starts with a plot of a young man finding out he has an estate after his father dies, and when he goes to reclaim it his uncle tries to cheat him out of it. There is a famous scene where the uncle tries to kill the young man by sending up a tower in the dark... with missing stairs. Peter Finch is the Hero that takes him under his wing. They have to battle their way off a ship as cutthroat sailors try to murder them. The movie draws you in, as it is very realistic and loaded with period atmosphere, costumes, sets, and weapons. The British are chasing the Scottish Highlanders all over the countryside which is loaded with friends and traitors, and so they can trust no one. There are many character actors that add to the richness of the film. This film is a rollicking good time, and has intrigue, adventure, and mystery as well. Swordfights and gun battles galore! There are numerous authentic Scottish actors and accents, as it was filmed on location in Scotland. While Disney films that were made in Europe were criticized for being "too Americanized" they loved this film and praised both it's authenticity to the original book.

The color is beautiful on this nice clean print. This film is not for the smallest kids as it does have some scary scenes and some violence. (But keep in mind that the film still takes a strong stand against killing and drinking/gambling. Nice moral lessons without being preachy. The stars fight because they have too, and truly regret having to participate in violence to defend themselves).

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best version ever, July 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Kidnapped [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have seen many filmed version of this classic adventure story but none is as excellent as this. This movie is true to the book-except but slight alterations. They kept even most of the original diaglogue although they left some of the scottisicms out and used standard English instead (with Scottish accent, indeed). But the Scottish feeling is still high. That is mostly due to the fine Scottish actors. Each and every one of them is just perfect. You must have seen John Laurie's Uncle Ebenezer! It is an outstanding performance. Add to this the finest scottish scenery and to crown all Peter Finch as Alan Breck and you are ready to tramp the highlands yourself. - P.S.: Don't be afraid of the Scottish accent - even me, who's native tongue is German has no difficulties in understandig each and every word.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic adventure and some history lessons, July 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Kidnapped [VHS] (VHS Tape)

After reading two short books on the history of Scotland, I saw this version of "Kidnapped" again. Wonderful. It is a good, fun film and the historical niceties of the director are amazing. Anyone who enjoys it might even enjoy it more after reading a bit of Scottish history and looking at it again. This is a true classic film--wish Disney would put it out on DVD !!