Product Details

• Actors: Gordon Heath, Maurice Denham
• Directors: John Halas, Joy Batchelor
• Writers: George Orwell, Philip Stapp
• Producers: John Halas, Joy Batchelor
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Special Edition, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: Unrated
• Studio: Homevision
• DVD Release Date: November 2, 2004
• Run Time: 72 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0002ZYDUG
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,940 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Animal Farm" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A rare example of mainstream animation being used to tell a highly political story, Animal Farm retains its value as a vivid adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel. Characters were eliminated, certain elements of plot were simplified, and the book's gloomy ending was softened to offer a glimmer of hope, but Orwell's parable of the Russian revolution--retold as a revolt among not-so-equal barnyard animals--remains potently intact. As produced by the famous British animation studio run by John Halas and Joy Batchelor, this still-important 1954 film is anything but kiddie fare; it steadfastly avoids sentiment, and despite its slightly more upbeat ending this is still a story that involves exploitation, death, betrayal, and an inevitable uprising that goes a step beyond Orwell's pessimistic conclusion. With British actor Maurice Denham supplying all the voices and Gordon Heath providing newsreel-like narration, this economical, documentary-like telling of Orwell's tale was criticized for its "Disneyfied" style, but the animation is actually quite striking in its European influence and bold use of symbolism. It has aged, and some of its impact has been lost to the course of history, but it's an essential addition to any serious animation collection. Excellent commentary and a 30-minute "making of" featurette place this extraordinary milestone of British animation in proper historical context. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

Based on the classic novel by George Orwell, Animal Farm tells the story of a group of farm animals who successfully revolt against their cruel human owner, only to be enslaved anew by the unscrupulous pig Napoleon, whose slogan is "all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Presented here in its 50th Anniversary edition, Animal Farm combines superb animation, brilliant Technicolor®, and a host of memorable characters to create a timeless fable.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God Bless You Mr. Orwell!, April 23, 2006

By	Gandalf "a reader" (U.S.A) - See all my reviews

His legacy to us; Animal Farm, 1984, Down and Out in London and Paris, Keep the Aspidistra Flying; and so many other good stories is an incredible treasure trove. Here's hoping that those who watch this cartoon take a few hours, and read these books. Surprisingly easy reading too; George Orwell always felt that to say something clearly was most important. His ideas tend to stick with you. This movie version of Animal Farm is true to the book with the exception of the ending. The live action 1999 movie was not as good as this version and also suffers from a misleading ending. With the movie 1984 the book is better than either movie versions. After reading Down and Out, you'll never look at a restaurant the same way; and Aspidistra is about selling books - and living free; sort of like the modern drop out from society who still will work an undemanding job that leaves his soul free. Down and Out is similar in this sense. In fact all of these titles have living free as a central core theme. Even when the animal society fails the attempt was noble, and the revolution was inspired by freedom. Even when 1984's Winston sits arrested in a totalitarian world, he has never the less lived his life seeking freedom, and you get the idea others like him exist there in that world. This DVD is an incredible restoration with listenable sound. Enjoy! God bless you Mr. Orwell!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat different from the book, but......., November 21, 2004

By	Andre M. "brnn64" (Mt. Pleasant, SC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Okay folks, if you read Orwell's original, you might be disappointed in the differences in this film, but so what? What movie ever faithfully follows a book 100%?

With that said, enjoy the film for what it is. It's a really deep and thought-provoking film about how the exploited often becomes the exploiter. In this case, a group of animals overthrow and evil farmer and create a new society called "Animalism" which stresses cooperation among non-humans. The Pigs wind up as the rurlers of this Brave New World and a pig maned Napoleon slowly and subtly beomes their dicator. Even those who are unaware that the story is based on Stalinist Russia will be moved by what happens to Boxer the horse (this scene is pretty faithful to Orwell's original) and be repelled by the corruption of Napoleon the Pig (aka Joseph Stalin).

Made by a British company in 1955, this was probably the first adult-oriented cartoon feature. CERTAINLY not for the kiddies, as they may find it overtly grim and depressing. Nor is it a "date flick" or film you would invite your buddies over for beer and pizza (unless you want some intellectual discussion afterwards). It's a real thinking person's film and I would recommend it for high school and college history classes as a means of sparking discussion on how revolutionary movements often become reactionary.. It's amazing in modern times how this story closely mirrors what happens in a lot of so-called third-world countries today.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even today, we still buy the farm, September 18, 2002

By	Charles Tatum (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Animal Farm [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Based on the novel by George Orwell, this animated film is for adults and means just as much now as it did when released in the mid 1950's.

Manor Farm is run by the often drunk Farmer Jones. The neglected farm animals revolt, thanks to the inspiring words of an old hog, who dies and becomes a sudden martyr. The remaining animals adopt some simple rules, and get along swimmingly.

Eventually, the animal utopia begins to crumble. The remaining pigs, led by the tyrannical Napoleon, begin taking advantage of the others' hard work. They dispatch enemies as needed, but still have enough power to rally the troops to fight off a violent invasion by Jones and his drinking buddies. As the pigs begin trading with a shady businessman from the outside world, the animals finally come to their senses and do what they should have done long ago.

Finally, an animated film for adults that actually challenges the viewer to think. No Disney-like cute factor, no songs by aging white British rockers, this is a fascinating film. Orwell's book was written as a lambast against communism, fascism, and dictatorships in general, yet many of the pigs' selfish actions could be applied to modern government today.

As a country, we get upset at every mention of pork barrel (ironic) spending, yet we send our representatives back year after year because it is always some other state or district's politician who is causing the trouble. "Animal Farm" illustrates in simple, yet not dumbed down terms, the way power corrupts, especially by those whose motives seem so sincere to begin with.

If anything, this film should empower you. This should not lead you to violent revolt against your congressperson, but it should force you to ask questions about where that income and sales tax goes. "Animal Farm" is important, entertaining, and thought provoking. I would match it up against anything Disney has released in the past fifty years. Yes, their audience goals are different, but as adults, it is nice to have something besides anime aimed at our heads. Great film.

Unrated- Physical violence, gun violence, mild gore