World Famous Comics: Swiss Family Robinson (Vault Disney Collection)
Swiss Family Robinson (Vault Disney Collection)
Starring: John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Sessue Hayakawa Directed By: Ken Annakin Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Audience Rating: G (General Audience) Binding: DVD Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Walt Disney Video Number of Items: 2 Region Code: 1 Release Date: May 07, 2002 Running Time: 126 minutes Theatrical Release Date: December 21, 1960
Description: One of Disney's biggest and most fondly remembered hits, the spectacular screen version of the literary classic SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON is full of breathtaking South Seas scenery, hundreds of exotic animals, and treacherous pirates. This heroic tale chronicles the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they skillfully overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community. But the ultimate challenge lies ahead when a band of cutthroat pirates threaten to destroy the Robinson's Makeshift paradise. Capture the thrills, romance, and fun of this unforgettable Disney film!
Amazon.com: The Disney touch is all over this grand, colorful version of the Johann Wyss adventure of a European family set off for the new world of New Guinea. The film opens on a ship jostled and torn by a raging storm while a family struggles to make it through alive. Tossed into a reef near a deserted tropical island, father John Mills takes charge and the family soon turns their island prison into a veritable paradise. Their multilevel tree house, built in record time, is complete with running water and a working pipe organ scavenged from the ship, while their grand yard is abloom in English roses. As a tale of hardship and pioneer pluck, the tale is pure fantasy, but as entertainment it's energetic and appealing. The island is impossibly populated by ostriches, zebras, lions, and elephants, a private zoo that delights the youngest boy and offers plenty of comic relief. The two older brothers discover even wilder life when they rescue the prisoner of oriental pirates (led by hard-bitten Sessue Hayakawa). There's little real danger anywhere in the film--even the climactic battle with the pirates is a cartoonish affair, with coconut bombs and nonlethal booby traps, until the final desperate, deadly moments. Hardly a faithful adaptation of the novel, but a lush, beautifully photographed film and an entertaining adventure safe for all ages. Dorothy McGuire costars as the proper, worry-prone mother. (Ages 5 and older) --Sean Axmaker
The tree house movie was (is) great. As a paperboy working for the San Diego Tribune from 1959 to 1962 I was fortunate to be treated to a free movie from time to time; a guest of the Union/Tribune. There were several movies that we saw as a result of the generosity of the paper and Swiss Family Robinson was one of those. I saw this movie several times and loved it each time I did so.
The Robinson family, made up of father Robinson (John Mills), mother Robinson (Dorthy McGuire), Fritz (James MacArthur), Ernst (Tommy Kirk), Francis (Kevin Corcoran) was sailing to some destination I can't recall when their ship is caught in a storm and smashed on a reef. The crew and other passengers are all gone, leaving the Robinson's to fend for themselves. Fortunately, the reef upon which they wrecked was part of an island paradise. They soon make rafts and load them with provisions from the destroyed ship and find themselves marooned rather comfortably upon their deserted island. With astounding creativity and ingenuity they turn a spectacular tree into a tree house to end all tree houses. In fact, when I introduced my youngest daughter to the VHS version of the movie in the late 80's she referred to Swiss Family Robinson as the "tree house" movie.
Eventually, in an attempt to fully explore their new home, Fritz and Ernst set out to circumnavigate the island. On this outing they discover Roberta (Janet Munro) disguised as a cabin boy in the clutches of pirates. Helping him (her) escape they make their way back to their tree house. They eventually have to face their pirate visitors at the end of the movie in a climatic and gripping show down.
Directed by Ken Annakin, Swiss Family Robinson, like Third Man on the Mountain, and other wonderful Disney movies, is a testament to wholesome family movies that are exciting and hold the audience's attention without resorting to adult themes to boost profits. The 50's and early 60's were years that were truly magic at the Disney studios.
I highly recommend Swiss Family Robinson to be shared with your children. It is best viewed as a family.
Peace always.
Everything it was advertised to be.... I bought this as a gift for my daughter's birthday in Decemter (I shop VERY early)
Wonderful World of Disney I grew up watching this movie during the Wonderful World of Disney night on TV. This was one of my favorite of all the "old" Disney movies. It has all the characteristics of great movies; trouble, adaptation, resolution, good vs. evil, and a happy ending. Watching this movie brings back good memories of being a child. The characters don't diminish over time, but only grow greater and truer for today. Yes, it's Disney. In the modern era, it's missing the f/x and computer special effects, but it is a refreshing film that grants us view into humanity. The scenery alone is beautiful. A great, timeless movie to share with your family and students. Portrays old-fashioned values that could use a revival in today's society.
Oldie but Goodie Classic movie that I grew up on. Now that I am older I noticed a lot more little things. Still a classic that kids can enjoy.
Great Family Movie! Great movie! Teaches great values of love and respect within a healthy family! I recommend to all- young and old!
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