Rating: 
Summary: A Rabbit Tale
Review: With the qualification that it is in no way a substitute for the classic novel, this is a good animated adaptation of "Watership Down".As with the novel, Peter Rabbit this is not. It is a brutally realistic look at how rabbits live with the threats of their thousand predators, other warrens, and above all man. From top to bottom, the vocal casting is wonderful. John Hurt is a commanding, heroic Hazel - but it's Richard Briers' Fiver who really runs away with the movie. Perfectly registering bemused apprehension, quiet despair, utter fear and sometimes even helpless rage, he absolutely steals - and breaks - your heart. The animation itself is more mixed. The three different styles - one for the main story, one for the rabbit legends in the prologue, and a third for Fiver's visions - don't always connect smoothly and are sometimes of varying quality. But, generally speaking, the English countryside background is beautiful, the violence suitably horrific (especially the confirmation by a survivor of the holocaust that Fiver predicted) and the animation of the rabbits admirably unique and individual. The story remains quite faithful - often taking from the novel verbatim. The scene that has the most impact is probably the one based on the chapter "Fiver Beyond", with Art Garfunkel singing Fiver's thoughts as he searches for a seriously wounded Hazel after everyone else has given his brother up for dead. I hesitate to discuss omissions for fear of giving things away to people who haven't read the book, so suffice it to say that almost all the important plots and scenes are intact. Any problems stem more than anything else from the fact that this work really deserved to be a miniseries doubled in length. Definitely worth it, although again a complement to - not a substitute for - the book and not for nightmare-prone children.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent DVD transfer
Review: FINALLY, the long awaited release of this beautiful animated feature is available on DVD. Its presented in its 1.85:1 ratio with a clear transfer - and the audio is also a plus ! The movie follows the Richard Adams' book quite well - with NOTHING being altered or changed drastically. Some minor character details are left out, but most of the major ones are presented wonderfully. Like many of the other reviews say, this is not a children's movie. Not only is it a bit scary and violent in parts, but it might be too sophisticated in its vocabulary to keep a child's attention span. The only flaw I personally need to address, is that its sophistication seems to be lost in parts to try and keep a childs interest - which results in the film being erratic in parts. But, still - a very SOLID adaption from the book. Though not a TRUE family picture - it does have many enjoyable moments, and with a little bit of understanding from the younger viewers - they can be taught about the life & death of the animal kingdom, along with human nature. The music is also a stand out ! It perfectly fits into the movies premise...The DVD 'extras' ???? Outside of the original theatrical trailer - there is not much of anything. I was hoping to see what the REAL Watership Down looks like, but it only offers us a small paragraph to read on its history - and the 'bunny talk' feature is cute, but if you read the book - you already know what the words 'silflay' & 'oswald' mean.....And by all means, READ THE BOOK ! Its a wonderful story. We can all be very thankful that the adaption and production of this story was given an excellent treatment ! And its not always a positive thing when you turn a 500 page book into a 92 minute film...But it was done VERY well ! Parents WILL want to view it before letting the youngsters see it.
Rating: 
Summary: A classic animation ...
Review: For those who think it is not for children, I was born in 1978 and watched it when I was seven years old at school. It found it to be a beautiful and moving experience; even though I was too young to understand the politcal allegory; it made me feel sad in a good way; and made me think how precious and beautiful animals and nature are. It became my favorite film and I demanded to see it every time we went to hire a video and got upset when my parents wouldn't let me. When I did get it, i watched several times; over and over. I think Martin Rosen did a very faithful job is directing it and bringing it to life; people will complain over the differences, but those silly people don't understand the film medium. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning for it appreciation of the nature and danger.
Rating:
Summary: A dark dramatic, yet uplifting film
Review: Some criticize the movies dakr and violent aspect as well as its creator. However, you must understand that rabbits in real-life are not the Thumpers in Walt Disney's Bambi, but wild animals who strive to survive in their world. Also, Richard Adams based his information on a book written by a friend of his who studied the lives of the English rabbit. The book and movie are both beautiful pictures of the rabbits and how they live. There are some mythical elements, which add a whimsical and dramatic air to the novel and is on par with anything written by my beloved Tolkien. I don't think children should be prevented from seeing this film, but be warned that it does realistically potray rabbits being wounded and killed. There is even blood, but it isn't a splatter-fest like in a B-rated horror flick. I suggest parents explain the movie to children and if they do get frightened, then do not show it to them again until theyr are older.
Rating:
Summary: "...but first they have to catch you"
Review: I saw this film for the first time after a friend who had seen it in the theater in 1978 recommended it. I was prepared to watch a children's movie and was struck by the seriousness of the subject and the realistic scenes. The film begins with the mythology of the rabbit which is rather odd but in a cute way. This introduction foreshadows the hardships and enemies the rabbit species will face. From there the story seems to touch on at least two issues: fascism/Marxism and environmentalism. The latter is only briefly touched on. The small rabbit Fiver, who has unexplained powers to foresee the future, urges a group of fellow rabbits in his "warren" to leave before their land is destroyed by some destructive force. Actually, it is man who tears up their fields, but it is only described briefly by a survivor. In their journey to the safe mountain top (utopia?), they encounter several enemies and a funny bird friend (my favorite of the characters). Once they reach their destination, they realize that they have no females in their group (the only "doe" having been killed) and must return to dangerous territory to acquire mates. Their worst enemy, ironically, is a member of their own species; a fascist rabbit who threatens to have any dissenter from his warren killed. Also, ironically, inventions of man (i.e. a boat) are used by the rabbits in their struggle to survive. A musical segment with music sung by Art Garfunkel interrupts the fairly fast-moving story. The violence in this film is surprisingly realistic and graphic. Some rabbits do not make it, so very young children may need to be prepared before watching. I also looked at a VHS copy of this film, and DVD is far superior in terms of graphics and color. The extras on this DVD were a little disappointing considering that this film is a classic (i.e. a glossary of rabbit words that is not even complete). Still, this animated film is one that adults may appreciate more than the kids.
Rating:
Summary: Most wonderful animated tale on film
Review: I am delighted with the September 2003 release on DVD of the beloved animated feature film Watership Down as a 25th Anniversary special edition. Owning a copy of this movie, which is to me uniquely special, indicated the central role DVD technology has assumed in preserving people's favourite movies for home viewing in a more lasting form than ever before. Only now have I begun to collect movies after many years of avoiding them owing to a concern over the utility, and durability of the decay-prone videotape system. This film, one of the very first I have purchased, has some extras added, the most useful of which is an extensive commentary from director Martin Rosen that covers most aspects of the film's generation and adaptation from Richard Adams's award-winning book. But the film itself is a true classic. I saw it at the cinema in early 1979 aged nine, soon after reading the book (which was a 9th birthday present for me).It made a very strong impression on me, and I found it a beautifully-realised tale that incorporated a mythic prologue that explained the basic workings of rabbit society, a dangerous quest, a very well-defined central cast of rabbit characters- the noble Hazel, the courageous Bigwig, the prophetic Fiver, and the oppressive General Woundwort. There is fear and danger in the rabbits' adventure but also heroism, ingenuity and loyalty, not to mention altruism when the kindly if cantankerous seabird Kehaar (voiced by Zero Mostel) is given shelter by the rabbits and later acts as a scout, helping them hatch a plan to stave off invasion by a ruthless tribe of neighbouring rabbits they come into conflict with. The English countryside is delightfully, and accurately portrayed, and the idea of animated animals enacting a tale that has at its heart the battle to survive in the face of human expansion and ecological destruction works well. The film cannot, in 88 minutes, give too much detail of the several alternative styles of societal organisation (described more fully in the book)that the rabbits encounter on their journey, but nothing crucial to the story is omitted. The other wonderful feature of Watership Down is the original song Bright Eyes, performed by Art Garfunkel. This hauntingly beautiful tune appears in an edited dream sequence in the middle of the film that represents Hazel's rescue after being dangerously hurt. It is my all-time favourite song. This movie is most suited to older children (8-9+)and adults, and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Rating:
Summary: An animated classic!
Review: A group of Rabbits seek a new home in England to a special place called "Watership Down" but unfortunately there is some danger like dogs, cats and some enemy rabbits. Splendid and brilliant animated British-Canadian drama based on Richard Adam's brilliant novel. The animation is quite good for it's time, there is some bloody violence enough though it's rated "PG" and the music score is just one of the best i've heard. This is truly a must see animated flick! also listen for the voice of John Hurt. Also recommended: " The Last Unicorn", " The Secret of NIMH", " Wizards", " Grave of the Fireflies", " The Flight of Dragons", and " The Hobbit".
Rating:
Summary: Excellent.
Review: Unlike some novels that are converted into videos, they managed to make this one enjoyable. Just a small warning- despite the rabbit characters and bright art, this is definetely not a children's video. For example, during Holly's recount of what happened after he and some other rabbits left the warren, there is a very haunting scene that creeped even me out (for a little while, at least, ^-^;). Oh, and Art Garfunkel sings the song, Bright Eyes. Yay!
Rating:
Summary: Bright Eyes
Review: I loved this movie as a child and I still love it now. This movie is a beautifully told story of a fight for freedom, and the hardships that entails. Yes, there is violence and sadness, but there is also happiness and joy. This movie mirrors life as it is and I believe this is a good movie for children of 9 and up depending on the child. If all you let a child watch is Disney they willl grow up to be simpering fools.
Rating:
Summary: About as good an adaptation as possible
Review: Just to clarify matters for a couple of confused previous reviewers:- 1. 'Animal Farm' is NOT an animal book (I can't believe I'm having to explain this...); it's a book about socialism and fascism. 'Watership Down' is a book about rabbits. True, there are some references to the evils of fascism, but if you want to pick out a message, it's obviously the spoilation of the planet and the destruction of its wildlife by humankind. Yes, there are mystical overtones, but it's definitely NOT about religion. 2. I seriously hope the person who wrote 'if you want good drama watch a soap opera' was being ironic, but I have my doubts... In short: this film is a pretty good effort at adapting an extremely difficult novel. Much has been lost, of course, but few of us would pay to see a three-hour animated film about rabbits. Martin Rosen and his team follow Richard Adams's lead in not shying away from showing us the violent side of the rabbits' lives. Children are likely to enjoy the film, but bear in mind it contains unpleasant moments. However, I think these are more likely to encourage sympathy, compassion and respect for the natural world than do any harm ( although many children and quite a few adults may shed tears before the end). Please make sure you read the book, too - it's superb. And look out for the animated version of Adams's 'The Plague Dogs'... although that really IS dark and distressing. I'm a big fan of Disney's work, but I'm still glad they didn't produce this adaptation ( as was originally intended) because I'm sure they would have softened the story's harsher elements. The animation isn't spectacular but it serves it's purpose, and the rabbits themselves are well done. All in all, it's difficult to see how anyone else could have made a better effort.
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