84 of 86 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music teacher approved! Video adaptation of classic story., April 30, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Peter & The Wolf [VHS] (VHS Tape)
As a musician I mourn the loss of music as an auditory art. But the fact remains that music videos have changed the way we listen to and learn music, so we must work with it. This video is a wonderful way to introduce children to classical music and the orchestra without them thinking that it's boring, or not worthy of their time.
Kirstie Alley plays the mother of a 12-ish boy who travels back to the home where she grew up to visit her father (Lloyd Bridges). The boy has never met his grandfather. They spend some time visiting and the topic turns to "The Story". The story is, of course, "Peter and the Wolf". Kirstie Alley narrates the story, dramatized by animation done by Chuck Jones (Bugs Bunny). The animation is wonderful, the characters are endearing and funny (with Kirstie Alley doing excellent voice-overs for the hysterically dizzy duck and the cat). The part when the duck is eaten by the wolf is handled very subtley, and, unlike the original story, has a happy ending for the duck, making it appropriate for very young kids. I teach K-8 and have shown it to all grades, who have enjoyed it. I personally have seen it about 30 times, and it remains fresh and entertaining. A nice feature for music teachers is that the animated storyline is 30 minutes long, allowing you to show just that portion of the video within a class period. I highly recommend this video for parents and teachers alike who want to introduce children to classical music. They'll be learning without them even knowing it!
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55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best "PETER AND THE WOLF" ever, February 25, 2007
I was surprised to read the other review, because I recently bought the
re-released DVD reissue of this "Peter and The Wolf" for my 6 year-old
grandson, and not only did he love it, but so did I!! I am a
professional violinist and music educator, and know this score inside
and out. The previous reviewer who said the producers had changed Prokofiev's music is dead wrong -- it is note for note perfect, and in addition, is beautifully played. (It was actually Disney's version that was cut!!)
The characters in Chuck Jones version, designed by Mr. Jones, are
delightful -- and not just a recycling of his Warner Bros., ensemble.
The animated tale, which is the centerpiece of this production, and
where Prokofiev's score plays out in entirety, is magical. And Kirstie
Alley's narration is full of life and spirit -- really fantastic. I
also loved Lloyd Bridges as the grandfather, and young Ross Malinger as
both the live action and animated Peter. The live action parts were
magical, and gave some real-life relevance to the animated story, and
the ending was enchanting. It brought a tear to my eye. Ross Malinger
was endearing in "Sleepless In Seattle," and he goes to the next step
here. And his rapport with Lloyd Bridges seemed so very real. A
fantastic bonus to this production is an extraordinary "Guide To The
Symphony Orchestra" bonus feature at the end, which thoroughly explains
to the young viewer how Prokofiev used the musical instruments to
portray the various characters. And the producers wisely use YOUNG
teenage musicians to demonstrate the instruments, which really makes it
come to life for young viewers. I Googled for more information on this
production -- I can't figure out why it isn't more frequently seen. I
noticed it won the Emmy for Best Children's Program, as well as many
other Emmy nominations and awards. I also saw that the critics gave it
great reviews -- one from the Philadelphia daily newspaper called it
"The best children's television special ever." So it is a mystery to me
why this production is not a television classic. But in the meantime,
do yourself a favor -- and for your children and grandchildren -- and
watch it!
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