Customer Reviews

Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant [VHS]

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I saw this animated short when I was growing up in the 1970s... as it used to air on special occaisions on the local tv network. It has stayed in my mind as a beautifully animated interpetation of Oscar Wilde's short story. This memory has not been garnished or embellished, as I recently had an opportunity to see this show once again. The Selfish Giant learns the harsh lesson of his own self-imposed limitations after he seals himself off from the world in anger. In his self-imposed exile, for selfish reasons, Summer (who is characterised as a real person) passes his home by. 'He is too... Selfish!' she thinks. Because summer 'forgets' to visit the giant's garden and home, the north wind, the hail, the frost and the snow come to stay and rule the giant's garden. These are all presented as real characters, and the animated series and music that accompanies this program is delightful. The hail is a true inspiration (you must see his character!). When the giant begins to rue his mistake, he is given the opportunity to repent his selfishness when some children sneak into his garden and spring briefly returns. There is a good lesson in this video, if you can find it. The music, animation stylings and the story make for a magical video that the whole family will enjoy. I definately recommend it, and will continue to search for an available copy!

I saw this video many times as a child and young girl and it still touches my heart. This story of the giant who banishes the village children from his garden only to become very lonely and is then haunted by the spirits of the weather (wind, hail, snow) is beautifully animated and I can still hear the theme song in my head (you're just building a wall to surround yourself, you're just building a wall to protect yourself, you're just building a wall, that will break your heart) still has the power to give me goosebumps. I really hope that this wonderful video is re-released (along with its partner The Happy Prince). I would love for my children to have the opportunity to see this.

I only saw the Selfish Giant once many, many years ago. It was a beautiful and touching story that lingers in my memory to this day. I have two young nephews that I think would be touched by the magic of this story as well. I bought the book for Christmas for them, and if I could couple that with the video, it would make a memorable gift. But, alas, the video is not available. It must be rereleased.

I searched far and wide to find this video for over a year. It was broadcast on British TV in the 1980s and I copied it for my eldest girls. Unfortunately the tape was erased and when my youngest daughter came along I regretted losing such a lovely film. I never thought I would ever be able to find it again and when I came across a copy from Out Of Print Video through Amazon.com I literally cried with pleasure! The film was speedily shipped to me in the UK and I feel very priviledged to be able to enjoy The Selfish Giant again with my youngest daughter and my now four Grandchildren.

The Selfish Giant is a jewel of a video, combining a heartfelt story with lessons in kindness and sharing. With wonderful illustrations and haunting music, it's a lovely tale for all ages.

I saw this once on TV in the eary 1970's and have never forgotten how special it is. I recently obtained it on VHS and, not having seen it in 30 years, was so very moved by it. It is something that should be watched by the whole family, I can't believe it's not more well known. And the two songs...I still can't get them out of my head.

This is a truly special show that, once you watch it, you want to share with others.

We used to check this out from our local library on 16mm film when I was a child in the early to mid- 70s and I have never forgotten it! The songs are great... "Building a Wall" still rings in my ears. I can't wait to share this with my own daughter!

This memorable thirty minute film touched the heart of me as a young twenty something in the 1980`s when it was broadcast on UK television.I am almost certain it did the same for many other people.I now have children and I would dearly love to obtain a copy of my own to show them and to keep and treasure.

I remember this version being televised in the UK a couple of times in the 1980's and I absolutely loved it both the animation and the soundtrack. I would love to obtain a copy if it was ever re-released and can only hope that it will be.

A wonderful story with beautiful music. I wish it was more widely available so that others can enjoy it. It has been years since I have seen this film but the lessons learned from it are still with me and I have very fond memories of the music and story. It is something that once you've seen it you want to share it with others.