Barnes & Noble

Some critics, not completely enchanted with Treasure Planet, wondered why the Walt Disney Studios didn't make a straight animated version of Robert Louis Stevenson's enduring story about a boy and his pirate. One reason may be that Disney already made that movie in 1950, a ripping adventure that ranks among the studio's greatest live-action family classics. Bobby Driscoll stars as plucky young Jim Hawkins, who comes into possession of a pirate treasure map. Robert Newton is perhaps the definitive screen Long John Silver, complete with the "aargh" brogue and "pieces of eight"-squawking parrot atop his shoulder that launched a thousand parodies. Although the PG-rated violence may seem small potatoes compared to today's screen action vehicles, it's certainly notable for a Disney movie. One pirate takes a knife in the back, and in a tense climactic scene, Jim is wounded in the shoulder. Other unfortunate swabs tend to get shot in the face. DVD enthusiasts may quarrel with the less than pristine picture quality and the lack of extras, but young seafaring landlubbers and nostalgic baby boomers will thrill to the opportunity of sailing away with Jim and crew. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

The Walt Disney production of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic novel Treasure Island is one of the company's best live-action films of the '50s, and one of the best family-oriented adventures ever filmed. Bobby Driscoll plays Jim Hawkins, a young cabin boy who battles the pirate Long John Silver (Robert Newton) for a treasure. Disney changes the ending of the book, yet the film is so entertaining--particularly Newton's scene-stealing performance--that the difference is forgivable. In the '70s, Treasure Island was re-issued with "objectionable" violence cut out of the print; the original version was restored in the 1992 home video re-release. Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

• UPC: 786936216103
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Time: 1:36:00
• Sales Rank: 1,836

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Treasure Island/in Search of Castaways

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