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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The swashbuckler genre bumped into science fiction in 1954 for one of Hollywood's great entertainments. The Jules Verne story of adventure under the sea was Walt Disney's magnificent debut into live-action films. A professor (Paul Lukas) seeks the truth about a legendary sea monster in the years just after the Civil War. When his ship is sunk, he, his aide (Peter Lorre), and a harpoon master (Kirk Douglas) survive to discover that the monster is actually a metal submarine run by Captain Nemo (James Mason). Along with the rollicking adventure, it's fun to see the future technology that Verne dreamed up in his novel, including diving equipment and sea farming. The film's physical prowess is anchored by the Nautilus, an impressive full-scale gothic submarine complete with red carpet and pipe organ. In the era of big sets, 20,000 Leagues set a precedent for films shot on the water and deservedly won Oscars for art direction and special effects. Lost in the inventiveness of the film and great set pieces including a giant squid attack are two great performances. Mason is the perfect Nemo, taut and private, clothed in dark fabric that counters the Technicolor dreamboat that is the beaming red-and-white-stripe-shirted Kirk Douglas as the heroic Ned Land. The film works as peerless family adventure nearly half a century later. --Doug Thomas
Amazon.co.uk Review
The swashbuckler genre bumped into science fiction in 1954 for one of Hollywood's great entertainments, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The Jules Verne story of adventure under the sea was Walt Disney's magnificent debut into live-action films. A professor (Paul Lukas) seeks the truth about a legendary sea monster in the years just after the Civil War. When his ship is sunk, he, his aide (Peter Lorre), and a harpoon master (Kirk Douglas) survive to discover that the monster is actually a metal submarine run by Captain Nemo (James Mason). Along with the rollicking adventure, it's fun to see the future technology that Verne dreamed up in his novel, including diving equipment and sea farming.
The film's physical prowess is anchored by the Nautilus, an impressive full-scale gothic submarine complete with red carpet and pipe organ. In the era of big sets, 20,000 Leagues set a precedent for films shot on the water and deservedly won Oscars for art direction and special effects. Lost in the inventiveness of the film and great set pieces including a giant squid attack are two great performances. Mason is the perfect Nemo, taut and private, clothed in dark fabric that counters the Technicolor dreamboat that is the beaming red-and-white-stripe-shirted Kirk Douglas as the heroic Ned Land. The film works as peerless family adventure nearly half a century later. --Doug Thomas
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Even 50 years after it was released, Disneys' 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is still the best screenplay based on the Jules Verne novel.
The story is well known:- A sea monster attacking shipping in the 1860s is hunted by a U.S. warship and is revealed as being an advanced submarine boat. Three survivors from an attack on the warship, a French professor (Paul Lukas), his assistant (Peter Lorre) and a Canadian harpooner (Kirk Douglas) end up as unwilling "guests" on board the submarine Nautilus. The interraction between these three characters and the Master of the Nautilus, Captain Nemo (James Mason) forms the backbone of the films plot.
The performance of James Mason as Nemo, the genius builder of the Nautilus and its futuristic propulsion system, driven by hatred to commit horrific acts of revenge, is superb. Unfortunately, by comparison, he tends to make the other characters seem a little two-dimensional at times.
The general "feel" of the film is rather darker than you would expect from a Disney product from this period, although a trained seal and the obligatory song help to lighten things up.
The widescreen ratio of the DVD is ideal for the subject matter. Underwater shots pf the Nautilus miniature (a masterpiece of design by Harper Goff) fill the screen nicely, while the interior sets are given a genuinely claustrophobic feel.
Scenes that remain in the memory include the glowing porthole "eyes" of the Nautilus as it churns through the water to ram an unsuspecting steamship, and the epic hand-to-tentacle battle with a giant squid.
Although not mentioned on the packaging, there are several excellent bonus features, including a tour of the Nautilus and recently discovered footage of the first attempt to film the squid attack.
All in all a very pleasing, and long awaited,DVD. My only regret is that Disney did not take the opportunity to release a 50th anniversary special edition, with extras more in line with those on the Region 1 edition.
The story is well known:- A sea monster attacking shipping in the 1860s is hunted by a U.S. warship and is revealed as being an advanced submarine boat. Three survivors from an attack on the warship, a French professor (Paul Lukas), his assistant (Peter Lorre) and a Canadian harpooner (Kirk Douglas) end up as unwilling "guests" on board the submarine Nautilus. The interraction between these three characters and the Master of the Nautilus, Captain Nemo (James Mason) forms the backbone of the films plot.
The performance of James Mason as Nemo, the genius builder of the Nautilus and its futuristic propulsion system, driven by hatred to commit horrific acts of revenge, is superb. Unfortunately, by comparison, he tends to make the other characters seem a little two-dimensional at times.
The general "feel" of the film is rather darker than you would expect from a Disney product from this period, although a trained seal and the obligatory song help to lighten things up.
The widescreen ratio of the DVD is ideal for the subject matter. Underwater shots pf the Nautilus miniature (a masterpiece of design by Harper Goff) fill the screen nicely, while the interior sets are given a genuinely claustrophobic feel.
Scenes that remain in the memory include the glowing porthole "eyes" of the Nautilus as it churns through the water to ram an unsuspecting steamship, and the epic hand-to-tentacle battle with a giant squid.
Although not mentioned on the packaging, there are several excellent bonus features, including a tour of the Nautilus and recently discovered footage of the first attempt to film the squid attack.
All in all a very pleasing, and long awaited,DVD. My only regret is that Disney did not take the opportunity to release a 50th anniversary special edition, with extras more in line with those on the Region 1 edition.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Today, 50 years after the fact, Disney's Jules Verne epic will still take your breath away, as this luxurious new one-disc edition amply proves. This edition has the warm, deep colours preserved and is full of insightful extras.
I am a lukewarm sort of fan of the Ray Harryhausen scifi epic B-movies of the 60s, which is to say, I applaud what they aim to do and the sheer fun they had doing it. With Disney's '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' we're in another realm altogether, the realm of big bucks and limitless ambition, and every cent of it shows on the screen. Today, obviously, they would film the climactic battle with the giant squid with ample use of CGI, which in my mind only serves to make things look artificial, and they would get nowhere near the dynamics and energy that exudes from this film.
James Mason's portrait of the desillusioned idealist Captain Nemo has well-deserved classic status, but too little has been made of Kirk Douglas's cheeky and heroic harpooner, and I just love his duet with the seal!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I saw this film at our local Cinema when it came out in the 60s and enjoyed it very much.
As the DVD was on offer I bought it. It didn't disappoint.
OK the Nautilus doesn't correspond to the shape in the original book but who cares.
The special effects were still good despite being over 50 years old and bearing in mind the technology available at the time i.e. no computer graphics. I really enjoyed it.
I shall watch it again soon..
As the DVD was on offer I bought it. It didn't disappoint.
OK the Nautilus doesn't correspond to the shape in the original book but who cares.
The special effects were still good despite being over 50 years old and bearing in mind the technology available at the time i.e. no computer graphics. I really enjoyed it.
I shall watch it again soon..
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
poor, poor, poor,
After reading & enjoying the book I thought I would check out the film to see how they had portrayed all the many great parts - they weren't here - its so sad to think anyone who... Read more
Published 5 months ago by sticky-sweet
my favorite jules
what to say, except it's a classic !! excellent quality & a definetly must have to your collection . 7 days delivery to Belgium is "acceptable"..
Published 7 months ago by Roberto Sedda
A Whale of a Film!
What a great film, as great now as when I saw it as a child. True family entertainment with action, adventure, comedy and just pure enjoyment. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Welshandrew
More Classic High Adventure
In its time (1954) Disney's rendering of Jules Verne's novel was an epic of high adventure. Starring Kirk Douglas at the height of his fame, and cool, enigmantic James Mason, we... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Seatinthestalls
Wonderful Verne adaptation
Watched this one recently and was delighted to find it stands the test of time as one of the better Disney live action film's on the market. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Spike Owen
Got to love Disney
Grew up with this movie before vhs and dvd. So for me it was a childhood memory that is why I got it. It has more to do with dialog and not with special effect. Read more
Published 12 months ago by pdwood
Unexpected Gem!
Actually this is not the Captain Nemo movie I thought I was buying, there is a better one. However, this film is still very good. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Philip J. Roberts
20000 leagues under the sea
This is an excellent film with great acting, music and special effects which is based upon the book of the same name.
Published on 7 Feb 2010 by Peter James
pleased
I had known this item from a long time ago so i knew what to expect and i was not disappoionted
Published on 4 Feb 2010 by Mr. I. Pickup
Fairly good film
I reckon this film gives a fairly good depiction of the Jules Verne novel. Older films often do.
Jules Verne gave good descriptions of undersea life, which is like another... Read more
Jules Verne gave good descriptions of undersea life, which is like another... Read more
Published on 25 Dec 2009 by R. Kramp
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