Customer Reviews

Kidnapped [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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).

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.

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 !!

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.

I agree with the other (more eloquent) reviewers awarding high marks to this film. I own nearly 800 classic movies. My family watches one or two every night. This does not make us experts, but it does make our house short on storage space.

Kidnapped is one of those rare, incredible masterpieces, so absorbing, alluring, and timeless that I have watched it dozens of times. There are only a handful of movies ever produced I can say that about. Most are the older Disney films produced before Walt passed away and his company deteriorated (starting with the release of Black Hole which had a particularly gory scene inserted so the film would rate PG and make more money). In consequence, Mr. Disney's passing was the beginning of sorrows for the company, the new management staining Walt's reputation and obscuring his legacy of exquisite family classics.

Kidnapped has a quality and imparts an especially authentic feeling that is indescribable! I watched it again last week, and just thinking about it while writing this review, I may watch it again soon!

It is interesting that there are many great films which, although excellent the first time, evoke no desire for even a second viewing. The classic versions of Kidnapped, Sword and the Rose, Rob Roy The Highland Rouge, Kim (not a Disney film, but a real jewel), Treasure Island, Return to Treasure Island (alias Long John Silver), Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mysterious Island, and Captain Kidd, I never get tired of; all from a period of great movie-making now gone by.

I love most of the Disney live action movies. Any fan of their movies like "Swiss Family Robinson" and "Treasure Island" should enjoy this movie. Some great acting from James MacArthur, Christopher Plummer, and Peter O'Toole add to the believability we are in Scotland and living the adventure with them.

A wonderful story of a Scottsman's adventure after his fathers death. An Uncle that does not wish to share his estate with his brothers son, has him kidnapped. Adventure on the high seas and land both make it an exceptional film. Some great fight and escape scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat. The acting, directing, scenery, and music make this Disney movie stand out as one of the best in their series of classic movies.

I hope along with many of the other live action Disney movies that are coming out on DVD this will be put on DVD as well. It would be great to get some more background of Scottish history in a documentary included with the movie.

I have nothing to add by qualitative review beside reinforcement of the opinion of it as being a rare masterpiece within the Disney field.

Here you are selling VHS copies for as low as $0.59 per copy while the British are selling their DVDs at 5 pounds, or the like. My question is: who's the idiot, or should I say, "developmentally diabled executive" at Disney who can't figure out how to market this classic to all the high-spirited people of Scot Ancestry in America. You know, the ones who are still rewinding their worn out VHS trying to get to the part where Alan Breck Stewart "cannae kill a man who plays the pipes a brae as Robin MacGregor"

It was my utter disappointment with the 2005 British production of Kidnapped, as shown on PBS's Masterpiece Theater, that caused me to see for the 2nd time this more faithful 1960 Disney production. Whoever directed the 2005 film completely changed the plot from that found in the original. Not only were scenes not found in the book included in the film, but the names of the two main character's Alan Breck Stewart and David Balfour
were shortened and changed to simply Alan Breck and Davie Balfour. The 1960 film, however, was so well done when I first saw it while I was in high school, it inspired me to read the original book.

Beautifully acted, directed and photographed, this is one of Disney's real gems. Peter Finch is top notch as Alan Breck and leads us through the Scottish highlands with zest and a real sense of adventure. James MacArthur is a cracking good David Balfor. And Peter O'Toole is simply wonderful in his cameo as a dueling piper!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay overdue on DVD in the US, it has been readily available in the UK on Region 2 disc. Hopefully, Disney will release a deluxe Region 1 disc in the very near future. They could give us Walt Disney's introduction and backround from the early Disney television program, a biography of Stevenson, a pdf file of the book (long in public domain), etc. Think of the potential!

A fun film for the whole family! Really.

This is a great, great film. One of Disney's finest live action films. It ranks right up there with The Swiss Family Robinson and Treasure Island. So Disney, where is the DVD? I am not talking about the Full-Screen DVD thrown out for members of the Disney fan club, I am talking about a beautiful widescreen transfer with James MacArthur commentary. I think a movie which is one of Peter O'Toole's first (pre-nosejob) performances, and one of Finch's finest should be available for me to buy on DVD.

Please, no more Fox and the Hound 2. Focus your efforts on Kidnapped. If Candleshoe can be on DVD, so can this.