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Some folks left a less than stellar review regarding the lack of special features on the DVD. Yet, they missed the point entirely, IMHO. I first watched Black Cauldron in theaters back when it was released in the summer of 1986. I was an 8-year-old at the time. This was the only Disney animated feature up to that time (and, I think, since) to be given a PG rating by the MPAA instead of the goodie-goodie G rating. Keep in mind that the MPAA was more conservative through the Reagan years than they are today. And, it deserves it.
Anyone who ever read the "Chronicles of Prydain" will tell you that the story is geared more towards teenagers and beyond. Think of this series as JRR Tolken and CS Lewis meets Edgar Allen Poe. The film is not near as dark as the books; and, Disney did take some artistic license with the film to present it towards children and pre-teens. (For instance, the character Gurgi is presented as a cute mammalian gopher kind of creature where in the book he was presented as a huge troll-like being whom smelled powerfully [though, Fleuder-Flam does refer to Gurgi as "pugent"]. Obviously, Disney was going after the cuteness factor. And it worked! At age 8, I would identify with the Disney version before the literary one.)
It was a ballsy leap by Disney at the time to release a film with this type of plot; for, their features were rote and had a reputation for fun, feel-good, family romps. (Think Sword in the Stone, Cinderella as well as the hybrids like Pete's Dragon.) But, this one feature was different. Several of the animators had worked on United Artists' "Secret of NIMN" back in 1982 - and it showed. NIMN was also quite dark. Disney hoped to target an older crowd (13-18) in an attempt to bring in that demographic. Unfortunately, it blew-up in their face.
Back then, I remember my mother being seriously ticked-off by this movie, as she had no idea it was so dark and foreboding. "Here come the nightmares," she thought. And, after what my parents went through with me after I watched "Poltergeist" on HBO that night a couple years before this, I wouldn't blame her! :-P But, I actually liked Black Cauldron. It would not be released on video until the turn of the Century, however.
Disney did a very good job of finding enough of a balance that both those 7-18 and adults would find it a good experience, especially members of the "Lord of the Rings" crowd. The ending (no spoilers) regarding Gurgi - and Taran's reaction to it - was so not Disney. And THAT is what made the film so special, and made me identify with the characters so deeply. But, hang in there. Disney will throw the kids a bone - it will be happy, soon. Yet, it was very fast-paced and hokey.
Technically speaking, there were good and bad things regarding the production of this feature. On the good side, this was the first Disney feature to FINALLY be presented in Dolby Surround, instead of the very dated RCA-Victor. The theatrical version contained six tracks of audio - Front L and R, Rear L and R, and Between L and R (Similar to the THX Format). This would set the stage for the wonderful and rich-sounding tracks of "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," and all those after them. Thankfully, the DVD's (The 1999 release and then this one) artfully represent the theatrical Dolby Surround soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1. And, it works well.
This feature was also originally shot in 60mm (similar to TODD-AO), instead of the standard 45mm. This makes the film wider than the standard 16x9 ratio we think of, today. This was only the second film to that time that was shot in 60 when it was released in theaters in 1986 - Fantasia being the first, I think. And, thankfully, it was presented in Anamorphic Widescreen for the 25th Anniversary DVD Release. (The 1999 release was presented in 60mm; however, it was Letterboxed instead of Anamorphic - would not fit the entire screen on a 16x9 television set.)
Disney mixed several special colors for this film - most notably the "radioactive green" used for the birth of the cauldron born. Also, several unique reds were used when the powers of the cauldron were ultimately stopped. The soundtrack was SUPERB, and was conducted by Elmer Berstein - the same musician who conducted the soundtrack for "The Ten Commandments" in 1956, as well as "To Kill a Mockingbird" and even "Ghostbusters." The orchestration of "The Black Cauldron" is truly one of his best, most rare works. And, being presented in Dolby Surround was the true icing on the cake!
But with the good also came the bad. This film had some downright sloppy animation in it - especially towards the beginning during the first seen in Kal Dahlbin (the farm). Not since the "shimmering cape" on the prince in Sleeping Beauty (back in the 1950's) did these errors show back up. It could be excused when the full-color animated features appeared less than 10 years ago at that time - but certainly not in 1986! The 25th Anniversary DVD *DID* clean that problem up successfully, however. If you have the 1999 DVD or VHS tape, you will see what I am talking about. Finally, the plot seemed a tad too rushed, especially towards the end. But, it still worked.
The bottom line is if you love epic fantasy plots like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, you will also love The Black Cauldron. (If your kids are old enough to watch LOR or HP, they can handle TBC, as well. After all, I did as an 8-year-old in the mid-eighties.) The Black Cauldron holds a special place in my heart, as I am of Welsh ancestry. (The author - Lloyd Alexander, who was also Welsh - placed the story in Wales.) But, if you are looking for a feel-good typical "put it in to shut the kids up" Disney flick, this ain't it. The Black Cauldron truly is a very unique cult classic.
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September 14, 2010 "Please retry" | 25th Anniversary Edition | 1 | $9.99 | $3.74 |
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Reviews with images
and has the best characters! Very funny
This movie is dark, full of magick, and has the best characters! Very funny! I watch it over and over and I cannot believe some people say things like obscure...Not for young kids....There are many of us waiting for a restoration and Blu ray release. I bought a digital version from Amazon digital movies and it is in HD I believe. Well, better than the dvd. It is a must see! I find the negative comments disrespectful. If its not your thing dont watch it! Its is terrific and one of my favorite movies of all time along with The Sword in the Stone. Paul
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2015
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Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Kolejny klasyk ale już po śmierci Disneya
Reviewed in Poland on August 26, 2021
shopboy
Mejor imagen que la primera edición
Reviewed in Mexico on December 10, 2019
