Customer Reviews

Snow Queen

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

 

 

This movie is one of the best fairy tale movies made for kids in Russia (in 60's, I believe). It is based on a classical story by Andersen. Disney lovers might find this a valuable addition to their collection.

This DVD presents the movie like I never saw it before (previously I saw it only on a black and white TV). The movie is digitally restored. Great colors and 5.1 surround sound. The DVD is made for Image Entertainment by RUSCICO. Russian, English, and French dubbing (Can't comment on the quality of the last two.)

Note that this DVD presents a feature movie. There is also an excellent cartoon version of "Snow Queen" made in Russia - see "Stories from my childhood" DVD series released by Film By Jove with English, French, and Spanish (but no original Russian) soundtracks.

If you saw this on BBC television in the 1960's you will remember the "Northern Lights" curtaining effect at the snow queens palace and Kai doing an ice puzzle. (You may not remember the lady inkwell, as I think this may have been cut for television - not essential to the story). The transfer is faultless. Buy it now

I was ecstatic when I received my copy of The Snow Queen. It always seemed to be on TV in the 1980s, and it was a childhood favourite of mine. I must admit I watched the dubbed version; I usually loathe dubbing, but this was the version I watched as a child, and it wouldn't be the same to me without it. However, there is the option of watching with the original Russian dialogue with English subtitles. The transfer is great, and is presented in its original ratio. Cinematography and colours are lush, and the film hits a brilliant chord of childlike fantasy. Love it.

I was very disappointed in this production of the Snow Queen. Considering the time it was produced I can see why all religious elements were deleted from the tale. However these are major features of the story as Andersen wrote it and are essential to the very core of its significance and symbolism. The additions made to the story did little to make up for its loss of deeper meaning. I found them rather silly. I would not recommend this DVD to anyone who has read and loved the original Snow Queen in all its simple elegance. Dale Sjogren

This movie to me was like yellow snow! Yah it was really silly. In fact it was just as silly as "Morozko". But it's a kids movie, and I suppose kids movies are suppost to be silly.

WARNING POSSIBLE SPOILERS

It all starts out when Kay insults the Snow Queen, and she comes into the room and demands a kiss from Kay. Well Kay kisses the queen wah la, he's as cold-hearted as an iceical. He gets kidnap by the queen and Gurda sets out to find him.

Here is where the plot gets rather silly. There are these medium sized crows that roll their r's when speaking Russian, and they look like they're on steriods. They take Gerda to the palace so she can see if Kay is there. Well it turns out he isn't, but the prince and princess decide to give Gurda a charriage. Well 10 minuets past and Gurda is fighting the king. Yah where the heck did that come from? So then they finally set her out, and she ends up at the mercy of the forest robbers who ovbiously think they're pirates.

The leader gives Gurda to her daugther, and then well you know what happens after that, the robber girl sets Gurda free and lets her borrow her raindeer.

And then Gurda gets to the snow queen's palace, and she melts Kay's icey heart with her innoncence and kindness. Then they go home and live happliy ever after.

But there were some things I found wrong with the plot that didn't fit in.

A. The Councler

He kept saying stupid stuff and for some reason he want's to hurt Gurda and Kay. But what was he a councler for? So when he tries to make a bargin with the robbers, nothing goes as planned. And he even finds himself in the castle.

B. The Storyteller

Oh one of our heros of the story, only question is, where the heck did he come from? Was he supposted to be Hans Christian Anderson himself? If so then they sure didn't make it known. And when does he just show up at the castle to protect Gurda from the King. Which leads me to the next flaw.

C. The King

He wasn't in the original story to begin with. So what's he doing here? What was his whole point to this plot?

Overall the movie was very average and silly. Even "Morozko" couldn't match the silliness to this movie. And they did animations in it, which bothered me. So if you must see this movie, don't buy it unless you want to waste your money. But if you have kids, then they'll enjoy it.