Alice's Adventures in Wonderland DVD, 1972

A fifteen year old Fiona Fullerton heads an all-star British cast in this BAFTA-winning musical comedy widely regarded as the most lavish and most faithful adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy novel. The score is by John Barry and the 'Scope cinematography, which brings Sir John Tenniel's illustrations vividly to life, is from Geoffrey Unsworth (2001: A Space Odyssey).

The Oracle edition (with the book thrown in) seems to have been transferred from videotape using a composite connection. Widescreen yes, but not anamorphic, and certa... more >

The Oracle edition (with the book thrown in) seems to have been transferred from videotape using a composite connection. Widescreen yes, but not anamorphic, and certainly not "restored". Whatever the merits of the film, it deserves better than this! Quite the worst-looking DVD I've seen. < less

Alice in Wonderland is a dream for set and costume designers and it is their skill, rather than any particular camera trickery or special effects, that is celebrated i... more >

Alice in Wonderland is a dream for set and costume designers and it is their skill, rather than any particular camera trickery or special effects, that is celebrated in this widescreen musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s tale. The cast list reads like a roll of honour from the acting profession. Ralph Richardson is the enigmatic Caterpillar sitting atop a mushroom, Michael Hordern the melancholy Mock Turtle, Peter Sellers the mad March Hare, Dudley Moore the Dormouse, Spike Milligan the Gryphon and Robert Helpmann the Mad Hatter. It is fascinating how the characters accurately capture the spirit of Tenniel’s illustrations while being recognisably animated by the actors. It really is perfectly cast right through to Roy Kinnear as the Cheshire Cat. Never overawed by her illustrious companions, much of the film’s great charm comes from the unaffected performance of the fifteen year-old Fiona Fullerton. She is full of curiosity and winning smiles and there is a genuine sense of fun and adventure in her performance. < less

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