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Amazon.co.uk Review
Back in 1961, Walt Disney got a little hip with 101 Dalmatians, making use of that flat Saturday morning cartoon style that had become so popular. The result is a kitschy change in animation and story. Pongo and Perdita are two lonely Dalmatians who meet in a London park and arrange for their pet humans to marry so they can live together and raise a family. They become proud parents of 15 pups, who are stolen by the dastardly Cruella De Vil, who wants to make a fur coat out of them. Cruella has become the most popular villain in all of Disney--she is flamboyantly nasty and lots of fun. But it is the Dalmatians who shine in this endearing classic, particularly those precocious pups. Telling the story from the dogs' point of view is a clever conceit, a fundamental flaw of Disney's 1996 live-action remake. --Bill Desowitz
Amazon.co.uk Review
Disney may throw around the word 'classic' with a little too much abandon when it comes to some of its animated releases, but its take on 101 Dalmatians is very much the real deal. With lively songs, a terrifically-realised story and one of its very best villains, it remains a towering achievement, over four decades since it first appeared.
The story of 101 Dalmatians starts with the two heroes of the tale, Pongo and Perdita. But when their litter of dalamatian puppies is dognapped by the evil Cruella De Vil’s cronies, the pair must spring into action to save their offspring before Cruella gets herself the new coat that she desires.
But while Pongo and Perdita may be the pair you end up rooting for, the undoubted star of 101 Dalmatians is Cruella De Vil. A wonderfully twisted, genuinely nasty villainess, she’s an astounding creation and adds a real menace to the film. That said, it’s not a downbeat or scary tale: toe-tapping musical numbers, plenty of imagination and a good few chuckles make up the rest of the ingredients, and rarely have they all come together quite so well as they do here.
Retold by Disney in live action form in 1996, it’s nonetheless its animated take on 101 Dalmatians that remains the definitive filmed version. And now packed into a special collectors’ DVD set, there’s never been a better reason to treat your family to a copy. Unmissable, and a reminder of why Disney’s reputation in this field is quite so towering. --Simon Brew
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The special features make it even more entertaining.,
By
This review is from: 101 Dalmatians Platinum Edition [DVD] [1961] (DVD)
Note: This review is of the most recently issued (2008) version. I find it difficult to believe that it has been 47 years since this film first appeared. (I also find it difficult to believe that I now have ten grandchildren with whom to watch it.) Credit the Disney organization with providing with this latest restored version a generous selection of bonus features that substantially increase the pleasure of seeing this classic film once again. They include a DVD-ROM of a "Virtual Dalmatians Game," "Op-Up Trivia Facts," and "The Making of One Hundred and One Dalmations," and correspondence between "Sincerely yours, Walt Disney" and Dodie Smith, author of the novel on which the film is based. The basic plot involves two lonely dalmatians (Pongo and Perdita) who meet in a London park and whose owners then meet and marry. Over time, the dalmatians become parents of 15 puppies who are stolen by Cruella De Vil who is determined to make a fur coat out of their skins. That doesn't happen, of course, but younger children get all caught up in efforts to rescue the puppies (at least when viewing the film for the first time) just as they do when hoping that Pinocchio will be reunited with Gepetto, that Snow White will awaken from her deep sleep, and that Belle and the Beast will live happily ever after. In the best of Disney's animated features, there always seems to be a subtext of menace and this film is no exception. When observing Cruella De Vil's behavior, many of those in my generation will be reminded of Gloria Swanson's portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. In terms of quality of its story, art, and music, 101 Dalmatians deserves to be ranked among Disney's finest animated films. The special features offer an exceptional "bonus." My only concern, frankly, is that once again, many adults who are charmed by the Dalmatian puppies will decide -- or feel great pressure from children -- to purchase one. They would be well-advised to learn all about the breed first. Perhaps the next time around, Disney could add a special feature that provides such information. Just a thought....
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
an animal lover's film,
By carolyn webb (Ipswich, Suffolk England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: 101 Dalmatians [1961] [VHS] (VHS Tape)
101 Dalmations is based on the book brought out some time ago about an evil villain stealing away innocent dalmation puppies to try and create the ultimate pet outfit made of fur.This film is another brilliant Walt Disney classic full of imagination and adventure. With a brilliant cast of Cruella De Vil, the puppies, the owners and the parents of the puppies, it gives children of all ages through enjoyment. It is truly fantastic with riveting animation and fabulous songs, brought to you by Walt Disney. Children who love animals will adore this film about fighting for the puppies and fighting against the evil Cruella De Vil. My children thought it was fantastic and willingly watch it even now, when they are teenagers. I'm sure your children will love it too! I hope this review was of use to you.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
101 Compliments!,
By
This review is from: 101 Dalmatians Platinum Edition [DVD] [1961] (DVD)
After recently attending an animation masterclass in London staged by Pixar, I decided on purchasing a copy of this DVD as it was refered to quite a bit in the first day lecture. What can I say about it that hasn't already been said? It's wonderful and any serious student or lover of animation should buy it. You'll be intrigued to know just how Cruella De Ville's car was "animated" but I won't spoil it for you if you haven't already seen the extras. Quite simply nearly fifty years later it is still a breath taking master stroke and one of Disney's most celebrated films. Cruella De Ville is still one of the best ever screen villans and never to be repeated or equalled but much imitated the character animation is pure genius, the high water mark of Disney's nine old men. If only todays films had this much charm and character then I would never be out of the cinema but sadly CG has turbed things rather cold for my tastes.
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