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The Storyteller - Perseus and the Gorgon/Daedalus and Icarus [VHS]

John Hurt (Actor), Brian Henson (Actor) Rated:
NR
Format: VHS Tape
4.9 out of 5 stars 10 customer reviews
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(Feb 08, 2000)
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Product Details

  • Actors: John Hurt, Brian Henson, Frederick Warder, David Greenaway, Robert Tygner
  • Writers: Jim Henson
  • Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Live, NTSC
  • Rated:
    NR
    Not Rated
  • Number of tapes: 1
  • Studio: Sony Pictures
  • VHS Release Date: February 8, 2000
  • Run Time: 47 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00003OKRG
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,125 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One of Jim Henson's finest hours was the Storyteller series that aired on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet creations (Labyrinth), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. Half of the eight-part series was adapted from Greek myths by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of the storyteller (a sturdy and wonderful Michael Gambon, accompanied by a scene-stealing dog) with dialogue from the stories--two episodes per video--to beguiling effect.

By nature, the Greek myth episodes are a bit more mature and downbeat (ages 8 and up), yet give the audience lasting impressions of oft-quoted tales. In "Perseus and the Gorgon," King Argos locks away his wife when it is foretold his future son will kill him. Soon mother and son (Perseus, fathered by none other than Zeus) are washed ashore and another angry king looks to take away Perseus's mother. How can Perseus win the day? By killing the evil Gorgon whose snake-covered head includes eyes that turn humans into statues. Derek Jacobi stars as the brilliant Greek designer in the second tale, "Daedalus and Icarus." The father goes through many hardships, including the famous episode of his son flying too close to the sun. All is not well and does not end well. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsPerseus and the Gorgon/Daedalus and Icarus
By Karen Weber on March 10, 2000
Format: VHS Tape
It's a crime that Jim Henson's "Story Teller" series isn't available in stores, but at least you can order it from Amazon!
The "Greek Myths" branch of the series is quite impressive, with good production values and acting. Medusa is quite intimidating in "Perseus and the Gorgon;" Derek Jacobi breaks your heart as the ill-starred inventor Daedalus in "Daedalus and Icarus," and his fellow actors (John Wood as King Minos, and Ian Hawkes as Icarus) are equally good. These are excellent representations of the original myths, aimed at older kids and adults. (They can be quite earthy, and too frightening for younger kids). The narrator in this series is Michael Gambon (from "The Singing Detective").
Henson finished this series shortly before he died, and it represents some of his best work. I strongly recommend this and the main "Story Teller" series, narrated by John Hurt. Myths and folk tales have never been represented on film better than they are here. You'll be sorry if you miss them!
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5.0 out of 5 starsJim Henson + Greek mythology
By D. Roberts VINE VOICE on February 16, 2003
Format: VHS Tape Verified Purchase
The late Jim Henson, mostly known for his creation of the MUPPETS, has also endeavored into other worthwhile projects of note. His STORYTELLER series is one of them.
While mostly geared towards children, the STORYTELLER videos are also wonderful for adults as well. While most of us know sketches of the Greek myths depicted, this series does a fine job of elaborating on the lesser known details of the myths. For children, it's a fabulous way to be introduced to the storys for the first time.
The majority of the actors in the series are relative unknowns. However, in the present episode the viewer is treated to none other than the legendary Shakesperian actor Derek Jacoby as the sage inventor Daedalus. Jacoby's performance makes this STORYTELLER even more appealing than it would normally be.
For Jim Henson fans and for those who are infatuated with the ancient Greeks, this video is a can't miss. If you buy this film without being familiar with either Henson or the Greeks, you may very well find yourself falling in love with both simultaneously.
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5.0 out of 5 starsBrilliant Work
By Theodore J. Freeman on June 5, 2000
Format: VHS Tape
Finally someone is bold enough to tackle Greek myths and not over dramatize or moralize them. These stories, as well as the myths of Theseus and Orpheus, are told with a wonderful mix of comedy and tragedy. Young people will appreciate the magnificent puppet mastery of Jim Henson. More mature audiences will be enraptured by the power of the myths themselves. True to the nature of Greek myths, they are dark and often reveal some tragic character flaw within humanity as a whole. Don't miss out on seeing these wonderfully artistic videos!
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4.0 out of 5 starsGreek Myths come to life beautifully.
By A Customer on March 27, 2000
Format: VHS Tape
That said, "Perseus & the Gorgon" is a verybeautiful and faithful retelling of the tale of Danae, the shower ofgold, the birth of Perseus and the slaying of Medusa (no Andromeda, though). But a particularly beautiful rendition of the legend of Atlas. However, it doesn't quite reach the high bar set by the original Storyteller series, because there's little added to the original in the adapation.
"Daedalus & Icarus", however more than compensates. Perhaps the best of the four episodes, there's a humanity infused into all the characters, but most notably through the performances of Derek Jacobi as a guilt-ridden Daedalus and John Wood as King Minos.
These episodes may be frightening to very young children simply because they are so faithful, but if they're reading things like the D'aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, this is a perfect companion.
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5.0 out of 5 starsFrustrated from England
By A Customer on October 6, 2003
Format: VHS Tape
I saw these when they came out in England on TV last Christmas, and as a Latin teacher want to show them to my classes. I managed to tape all but Daedalus and Icarus and think they are marvellous, but cannot get them on video in England. As far as I can tell the US format will not support the British VHS PAL format. Immensely irritating, but I wholeheartedly recommend them and hope more might be done.
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