Product Details

• Actors: Michael Craig, Joan Greenwood, Michael Callan, Gary Merrill, Herbert Lom
• Directors: Cy Endfield
• Writers: Crane Wilbur, Daniel B. Ullman, John Prebble, Jules Verne
• Producers: Charles H. Schneer
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Columbia Pictures
• VHS Release Date: June 24, 1994
• Run Time: 101 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302736951
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,463 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

During the US Civil War, Union POWs escape in a balloon and end up stranded on a South Pacific island, inhabited by giant plants and animals. They must use their ingenuity to survive the dangers, and to devise a way to return home.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest Jules Verne film adaptation, September 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mysterious Island [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This film is perhaps the best of the Verne adaptations, with solid direction from Cy Endfield, who right after this film , co produced and directed the epic classic, ZULU. Ray Harryhausen's special effects are a major part of the film for sure, but, the acting , script and drama, are also of equal caliber. Bernard Herrmann's score is a milestone in film music history. The London Symphony Orchestra gives the score the full power of Herrmann's genius (the new surround stereo sound is amazing to hear). Contrary to a previous review, the main title theme is not repeated over and over again, but is used only at the beginning, (one of the most dramatic main titles ever composed) and once more before the volcano eruption. Herbert Lom's performance of Capt. Nemo is of equal stature to James Mason's in Disneys 20,000 Leagues. The photography,art direction and sets etc. are exquisite. Of all of the Harryhausen films, this is the most character driven,and, a story where the human element is not secondary to the special effects.Produced with a big budget and with great taste,It embodies the very essence of adventure and drama and fun,that few if any films today can even approach.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent family film, both entertaining and substantial., September 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mysterious Island [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Those who have become accustomed to the virtually limitless possibilities of computer-generated special effects should learn to appreciate the "old ways," the by-now-primitive techniques that delivered the goods while working within the limits of the technology of the time. When you consider that Mysterious Island was produced in 1961, you have to marvel at the way the oversized creatures were brought to life in this film, thanks to the magical touch of Ray Harryhausen, the acknowledged master of stop-motion animation. But more than the special effects, this production is well-acted, beautifully filmed, perfectly scored, and intelligently written. Plus, it's an excellent way to introduce the kids to Jules Verne. I eagerly await the DVD release of this movie.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robinson Crusoe Seven, May 13, 2002

By 

C. A. Luster "The Rook" (Burke, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mysterious Island [VHS] (VHS Tape)

A very entertaining adventure movie for the whole family with the F/X (special effects) of Ray Harryhausen and music of Bernard Herrmann. Once again this adaptation doesn't follow the book entirely. You still get the same great entertainment even though it does not. Castaway some men and women on an island without "Wilson", but with Captain Nemo, giant animals, giant insects, and cutthroat pirates. This all adds up to fun like the older version of Swiss Family Robinson, Treasure Island, or some other equivalent classic. Although not produced by Disney it is the same type of quality family oriented film with great cast, sets, special effects, and music. This was English made so the accents are a little thick for being Americans, but the acting is top notch. Well worth owning on DVD. If you enjoyed the Harryhausen version of "Jason and the Argonauts" you should enjoy this.