1 Saving Pirate Ryan
This film's culmination features a pitched frontal battle wherein sterotypically costumed, "evil" Asian pirates assault the Robinson family's formidable island stronghold in a protracted skirmish. In scenes prototypical of Saving Private Ryan, we watch sea-borne shock troops succumb to every imaginable form of mechanical defense -- collapsible bridges, hidden pits (containing carnivorous animals) and land-mine-equivalent weapons. Undaunted by this face-on carnage, the pirates advance relentlessly toward the family's command post... only to encounter bombs, grenades, withering musket fire and a horrible phalanx of logs loosed to roll down the hill and crush the invaders. The violent implications were staggering, as was the tenacity of the aggressors -- contrasted marvelously by the blithe good spirits (and, incidentally, the fine cosmetic appearances) of the defenders. All of the invaders were either killed or driven back to their vessel (to be killed then by cannonfire), and all of the defenders survived unscratched. It just doesn't get much more Disney than this.
2 and what about the animals ?
Yes, I do agree, this is a HIGHLY enjoyable movie, and yes, the commentary track by , among others, the elusive Tommy Kirk is a great pleasure(a note to the man who asked where he had been all those years : Tommy was fired by nice uncle Walt when it was discovered that Tommy was(and is) gay...thereby of course being worse than a murderer or convicted crook in the eyes of hypocrytical family loving middle america....and he went into a decline of bad movies booze and drugs, but emerged from all that and is now quite a gay icon among certain circles....good to hear him in good cheer and forgiving for all that he had to endure)..BUT...what really ticks me OFF about this movie and makes me rate it only 3 stars is the blatant Cruelty to the animals..something that appears to have been widespread in those years and especially in uncle Walt's happy family company.
A pig should NOT float mr. Annakin, and NO it is NOT funny to see the poor animal in agony, neither do I believe that it is healthy to have dogs fight with a TIGER !!! animals do NOT act, they are always themselves and violence is violence...scripted or not!! The zebra in the pit with the Hyena's is probably the most stomach turning piece of cruelty that happy bunch of macho men of the Disney crew perpetuated in the higher goal of a perfect movie(the script girls and his wife were a bit upset says Annakin in the commentary...but whoop-de-doo weren't they cry babies....aaah women!!)...so NO, I can't watch animals being FUNNY, because they are NOT...they are just suffering and waiting for the day they can be released from that living hell called fim making they had to endure take after take....just a little electric shock for the zebra laughs Annakin, why he had it administered to himself and it was HARMLESS....mmmm...pity they didn't turn up the voltage that time Ken !!
3 Idealistic Island Adventure
"The Swiss Family Robinson" probably bears little relation to the novel by Johann Wyss, but Walt Disney's intention was to create an escapist fantasy for the family audience, not to faithfully recreate the novel evidently. A New Guinea-bound family is shipwrecked by pirates and manages to transport the booty from the partially-submerged ship to an island where they create their own paradise replete with Kon Tiki-style treehouse. It's innocuous and pleasant enough with some wonderful cinematography (especially in the dramatic opening of the shipwreck and then the journey on raft by the Robinson family to exotic shores -- really, the island of Tobago in the West Indies) and yet I felt their situation could have been given a tad more authenticity. Instead, they cavort carelessly on an island abounding with an improbable array of wild animals (including a tiger and speckled anaconda) and encounters become like mini-"thrill rides" that pop up and quickly end. For instance, no less than six hyenas surrounding a mud-submerged zebra are chased away with stones by our heroes as if they were dogs and then the scene is magically free of threat. Still, there is action and the action keeps things moving.
Although I can certainly appreciate the "deserted island" fantasy here, I was nonetheless not entirely enchanted. Jane Wyman is predictably the reserved mother, tsking her adventurous boys (including father John Mills); Kevin Corcoran tries patience as the boisterous kid Frances (although I found his curiosity realistic enough) with his calculated cuteness. Still, it's a high quality production and kind of fun in spite of the two-dimensional characters, so I rate it highly. I love the song "My Heart is an Island" sung here by Jane Wyman and hearing it was a highlight. Disney made a lot of masterpieces like "Mary Poppins," not to mention so many of his animated films, and I'd say this is good, but not quite in that league of great.
As for the extras: usually I don't like extras, particularly when cast members or directors talk over the film, but I must say the extras here were terrific. They include enjoyable, interesting commentary; a cartoon short; a mini sequence about Disney pirates; an entertaining film about the making of "Swiss Family Robinson"; and a short about the opening of Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse in Disneyland narrated by Hayley Mills. It rekindled many good memories in me of what a treat "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" had been, and I hope they could rerun the original show sometime season by season.
4 Good Movie.
This is a really good movie. Especially for little kids.... but hey, we're all little kids at heart, except for scrooge, but it's still a good movie. Both versions, new and old.
5 ALL AGES
This is a classic for all ages. We have watched the video over and over as a family and now need it in DVD. From my 3 yr. old niece, to my now teenage son, and my husband and I, and even my parents, it continues to draw us in. I believe its lure is that everyone can find a character to identify with, and long to prove their mettle on the island. I love introducing new generations to this tale.
6 Don't waste your time or money
Don't bother wasting your time or money on this movie. I don't care about the quality of the cinematography, the quality of the story is what is lacking. From the elmination of Jack, one of the Robinson children, to the blatant disregard for absolutely any speck of information from the book, this film will make you cringe in horror. Rather, go get the original book, and curl up with your family and read. It's a better use of your time than watching this garbage. It doesn't deserve the one star I was forced to give it.
7 A great adventure film
I saw this movie about every other week growing up, and I still think it is the best of a slew of great Disney films from the 70's. I think anyone can appreciate this movie. It has a moral sensibility you dont find in movies these days and the pace and flow are very distinct as well. Disney flicks from this era are period pieces of a sort and they don't deliver the bang of a modern film. Even so, they resonate somehow and I heartily reccomend this one and others like Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, Hot Lead and Cold Feet, Bullwhip Griffin and a host of other Disney fare from that era. With all the new tools available to Hollywood today you can lose the ability to enjoy films like this, so buy some and pop them in the DVD player on a rainy afternoon.
8 I Love This Movie
I Just GOt My DVD on Saturday.
I haven't even had time to look at all of the special features yet but I love the fact that when they put this out on DVD that they did a specail edition 2 Disc DVD. I always loved this movie with John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran. I suggest this movie to anyone who likes good clean Disney fun.
Here is a breaf story line for anyone who has never watched this movie.
The Robinsons get shipwrecked on a island. And they have all sorts of adventrues. This is just a great movie.
9 Not as good as I had remembered....
I know this is an older film, but it was much more sexist than I had remembered and I won't be encouraging my daughter to watch it. And the way the pirates were portrayed bothered me as well, racist overtones and stereo typical. Just not the "family" film I expected it to be.
10 Don't hesitate to get this DVD!
I just received this DVD last night and viewed the first disc (I haven't even gotten to the second one!) and I can tell that THIS is a keeper! This was once, way back in the early 1970s, my FAVORITE FILM, my personal "Star Wars" before there was a "Star Wars". I saw it at LEAST 5 times in the theater! However, until last night, I hadn't seen this film in its entirety in, I estimate, about 30 years! And it is GREAT!!! Beautiful widescreen image (I can only imagine how great it looks on a 16x9 TV screen), an audio commentary with director Ken Annakin, James Macarthur (Book 'em, Danno!), Tommy Kirk (Tommy Kirk!?!? Where has he been all these years?!?) and Kevin "Moochie" Corcoran, and a Donald Duck cartoon!
The film is impressive for a number of reasons -- special effects were either in-camera or so well done that you aren't aware of them, and the stunts! The stunt work was coordinated by the great movie stuntman Yakima Canutt (who worked for many years with John Wayne), and let me tell you -- the gag in the Endor battle in "Return of the Jedi" was taken directly from this film (I won't give it away, it's terrific when it happens).
One of Disney's best live-action films, and definitely fun for everyone (no matter how big your family is)!
11 The Perfect Family Film!
A great story about a family who learns to survive on an island with love and working together. It touched my heart so much that it made me want to be shipped wreaked on an island.
12 A Magnificent Effort for Disney DVD
This is what DisneyDVD should be!
Not only is this classic live-action Disney film beautifully restored and brought to DVD format, the "Vault Disney Collection" format has created a modern masterpiece, combining 21st Century technology with timeless Disney storytelling.
In particular, Disc Two is worth the full price of admission for this set. "Adventure in the Making" describes the making of the film, featuring interviews with Ken Annakin, Tommy Kirk, James MacArthur, Sir John Mills and more. "Lost Treasures - Swiss Family Treehouse" is narrated by Hayley Mills, and takes us on a 1962 tour with Walt Disney and Hayley's entire family of this newest Disneyland attraction. Included are Production Archives for the film, and the "1960 Disney Studio Album" (video scrapbook) combine for an unforgettable DVD experience.
Congratulations to those responsible for creating the "Vault Disney Collection" DVDs. Walt would be proud!
13 one of the best disney films released on dvd
I was amazed that the two disc set had such wonderful tidbits and not just a re-transferred disney movie like some of their other titles being released on dvd. I bought this DVD because I remembered with such fondness as a child seeing this movie many times. It seems longer than I recall, but I am not complaining! The movie was a treat shown in widescreen, although sometimes I really wish I had a large widescreen tv to see it on. there is a treasure trove of behind the scenes documentaries, interviews of the main actors, and other disney treats. Also loved the cartoon presented at the beginning of the movie, just like classic disney movies at the theatre.
14 A SWEEPING DISNEY EPIC
"Swiss Family Robinson" is one of those great live action Disney movies that never seems to get old. When a family is shipwrecked on a deserted isle they must keep body and soul together and ward off pirates from the mainland, just to stay alive.
By far, this is the best represented of all of the "Vault Disney" series. The transfer for this DVD is by far the best this film has ever looked. Colors are rich, bold and vibrant. Having said that there is still some edge enhancement and shimering of fine details that distracts from time to time. A few scenes are very low in contrast in shadow delineation. The audio is stereophonic and very well represented, though dated. Interesting aside: the film's credits are framed in the 2:20 aspect ratio that the whole film was originally shot in but the rest of the feature falls back to a 2:35:1 aspect ratio - strange! As with all "Vault Disney" issued movies, there is a ton of great extra features to recommend this disc. That and a relatively clean transfer make for a fun night in front of the television for the whole family. Enjoy.
15 this LOADED dvd deserves more than 5 stars
I strongly reccommend! This has to be one of the most fun family films Walt Disney ever made. And the 2 disc DVD treatment that Disney gave this film is perfect. It is Widescreen first of all, maybe it is the first widescreen release outside of theatres ever done for the film. And what a diffenrence in makes in the beautiful island vistas of the film. The DVD transfer itself is well done, with lush colors, great image and depth, great sound, it just sparkles.
The movie was filmed on location on the tropical island of Tobago. While the production went way over budget, Walt did not get mad at the time since the film was worth it. Featuring loads of animals, comedy, action, suspense, pirates, and tropical scenery this was a hard adventure film to beat. And similar to the role the Nautilus filled in "20,000 Leagues Below the Sea", the treehouse becoems a star in it's own right. The invenetive home designed by the castaways from the ship salvage is incredible to behold. An audio commentary as an alternate track features comments from casr and crew.
The extras on this DVD are what really make it a treasure, and they are not all listed here at Amazon or even on the packaging. You have to hunt it down and get creative with your remote. So let me help by telling you what to look for if you buy this... For starters they have the original cartoon that was released with the movie, "Sea Salts" allowing you to see this with the kids the way that it is meant to be seen. There is a 2 minute "1960 Disney Studio Album", a montage of projects, attractions, shows, and films being made and released that year. Next we have 23 minutes from an old Walt Disney television episode titled "Escape to Paradise", that includes the parts of that episode that show the making of the film. Up next is original 1960 movie theatre trailers for the film, and 1960 televison spots. Then there are "Storyboard to Scene Comparisons"; a seperate "Storyboard Gallery"; and a 2 minute "Production Gallery" of photo stills from behind the scenes at location. Another gallery of production stills; "Biographies" on 8 principle actors; and "Concept Art" on the film design work.
A featurette titled "Adventure in the Making" was made just for this set, and at 49:00 minutes long it is very complete, with recent interviews of the original cast and crew. There is great behind the scenes footage in this piece, and the folks regale us with funny stories. Peter Elleshaw (matte artist), Ken Annakin (director), Danny Lee (special effects), and actors John Mills, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran are all here. ANOTHER short 4 minute featurette that was also made just for this set is "Swiss Family Treehouse" narrated by Hayley Mills, it is the pre-opening footage and the actual Opening Ceremony of the Swiss Family Robinson's Treehouse (now gone) at the Disneyland Park. Walt is really enjoying himself in this must see footage.
Included on the set is a very nice 12 minute interview with James MacArthur, who appeared in this film and 3 others for Disney along with a TV movie. This features great video as well. There is a "Pirates" music video of clips from Disney films, tv shows, cartoons, and the theme park to the tune of "Yo HO Yo HO A Pirates Life For Me". Another unusual feature has 20 minutes of excerpts from the 1940 non-disney version of the film.
The set has Audio Archives set to photos from the film, including 2 Interactive SOund Studios, 2 songs from the film, original 1960 radio spots, and the soundtrack of the original merchandise Storybook Album released on LP in 1960.
I really enjoyed this DVD, I wish all the really good classic Disney films got at least some of this kingly treatment. They are the best studio about protecting their old source material, archives, etc, and are in the best position to place intruiging extras with the movie. Thank YOU Disney for this compilation that really honors this gem of a film the way it should be!!!!
16 Who doesn't want to live in Swiss Family Robinson?
I don't remember seeing this as a kid, but as an adult I am a huge Disney fan, so I felt the need to see it at least once. After I saw it once, I had to own it! I already owned some of the Vault Disney stuff and definitely reccomend everyone of them. They are incredible entertainment,untainted by the sometimes horrible world we live in. Every moment of this movie is enjoyable, and I reccomend everyone sees it.
17 When Disney really was DISNEY
I think it was very kids fantasy back in 1960 to have this wonderful life style of living like the Swiss Family Robinson. At least i know it was that way for me. I can't begin to tell you how many times i saw that film when i was a kid. I never had the chance to see it again until recently and when i did with the new 5.1 THX Sound i was blown away. Floods of memories came over my body and i felt like a kid again.This is a timeless classic for every kid young and old. This is also a lavash production produced by the magic of Walt Disney himself. Movies like this just don't exist anymore. This movie is pure, funny, romantic, with real life lessons of survival and wonderful fantasy. After seeing this movie now that i'm 54, i really find myself missing the great Mr. Disney. This is truly a wonderful addition to your collection and a wonderful part of Americana.
18 Family night
My parents (who are in their fifties) myself (25) and my sisters (5, 13, 14, 16) all love this dvd. Everything from the featured cartoon to the restored movie is great fun to watch. If This is disney at it's best with action, adventure, humor and even a small romance. If you are looking for a fun and clean movie the whole family can enjoy look no farther. This is a great family night movie that even the most jaded person can get into.
19 Disney's Island Adventure
Grab your pillow, your favorite stuffed animal and head into the family wagon! Wait! Come Back! Okay, the days of the Drive-in movie are all but gone. But, the folks from Disney have created a terrific alternate experience with their "Vault Disney" DVD series. Each film fully restored, commentaries and documentaries galore and a cartoon short (Sea Salts) preceding it making the evening a family event just like the Drive-in... without the fumes or the fighting with your brother.
The Robinson Family is marooned on an uninhabited island when Pirates force their ship into a storm. They are alone but grateful to be alive. Survival instincts take over and the crew scurries to work on a makeshift shelter. Well, that shelter is a wonderful tree house that offers the latest and greatest amenities... with an island flavor. But, even though they are at peace with their new home, they still are looking for rescue, so the boys set out to encircle the island where they pick up a stowaway held prisoner by the same pirates. And they want their prisoner back!
Many of the cast members are returning from previous Disney adventures. Dorothy Maguire, Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran all were featured in OLD YELLER and share familial relationships again. This time, mother would make Gloria Steinem violently ill, as she is treated like a queen. Tommy Kirk plays the intellectual in the group and Corocoran is again an energetic youth with nothing more important in his life then chasing down every animal on the planet. John Mills (Hayley's Dad) is the father who helps the boys in this calypso Father Knows Best. James MacArthur (Hawaii Five-O, Helen Hayes' son) plays the sturdy eldest son. The film, directed by Ken Annakin is more interesting when the family is establishing its home turf on the island. But, when the second half of the film kicks in and pirates begin to pursue them, the quality level declines. Like other Disney films of this period, animal actors play a major part. This film must have been a huge film back in 1960 as it was filmed on location in Tobago over a long period and including difficult circumstances... like a hurricane destroying the set.
The Disney Organization continues to provide its fan base with many smiles with its DVD output. The vault collection also includes other family favorites POLLYANNA, THE PARENT TRAP and OLD YELLER. They have also started their archive collection, which includes THE SILLY SYMPHONIES, the entire DAVY CROCKETT series, important episodes of DISNEYLAND, and color MICKEY MOUSE cartoons. Let's keep `em coming!
20 A Classic...
This film was made back in the day when Disney knew how to make a live action film. Nowadays they just make that teeny-pop junk that only little 8 yr old girls go to see. But anyway, this film, "Swiss Family Robinson" was one of my most favorite films when I was growing up. Man, did I want to be on that island with them. Diving off waterfalls, capturing wild tigers and ofcourse, battling scirvy pirates with the aid of coconut bombs. If that ain't livin, I don't know what is. If you're like me and love the old tales of adventure like "Treasure Island", then this movie is a must buy. Speaking of "Treasure Island", Disney also did a great adaption of this story aswell, which I recommend highly. You might also want to look up a film Disney did called "Ship Wrecked", which was only made a little more than ten years ago I think, but is of the same calibur as "Swiss Family Robinson". Enjoy!
21 Excellent - As good as I remember it was
This is a beautifully done DVD, and the movie is still as good as it was when I saw it as a child. I vividly remember that the big pirate with the top-knot and the machete scared the [heck] out of me. Not to be missed.
22 A great adventure
A family is shipwrecked on a seemingly uninhabited island. Using the remaining recourses of the wrecked ship they build an elaborate tree house. Then the adventure begins.
This movie has a great family feel to it and I really liked the animal races. It is a classic Disney. The pirate attack scene was suspenseful. You are kept wondering if, and how they will get out of it.
You can see John Mills play a more serious side with his real daughter Hayley Mills in "The Chalk Garden" ASIN: 6300186121
23 Classic Disney adventure -- Superlative DVD release
The folks at Walt Disney Home Video have put together four excellent new "Vault Disney" releases that truly showcase DVD technology at its best. "Swiss Family Robinson," one of Walt Disney's best-loved live-action adventures, benefits immensely from DVD technology, especially the wide-screen presentation and THX restored picture and sound quality. The widescreen alone would have satisfied most fans, so the plethora of extras on the supplemental disc are truly special. I have never seen a DVD with so many extras presented in such a creative and easily accessible way. Thank you to everyone at Walt Disney Home Video for this wonderful DVD. Hopefully, more titles will follow in this series (like Third Man on the Mountain, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Moonspinners, and Summer Magic) and ALL Disney DVD's will be released in their original theatrical ratios
24 This is why I have a home theater!
This movie had my eight year old jumping out of his seat
with excitement and laughing out loud. It was a little
scarey for my five year old but nothing that would give
her nightmares or anything like that. I enjoyed it, too.
The opening sequence of a toy ship being blown across a
tank of water by a big fan is a classic! You know it isn't
a computer effect but it looks so realistic, it is just
wonderful to watch. I almost gave this movie five stars,
there aren't many movies for kids that are this good.
25 Vault Disney DVD packed with extras for a low price
What a fantastic DVD this is. The Vault Disney series is wonderful, and I hope they give more films the same treatment soon. Not only is the film beautifully restored (in its original 2:35:1 theatrical aspect ratio, and with 5.1 THX surround sound), but the DVD itself is packed with delightful extras.
There's a documentary about making "Swiss Family Robinson" that is nearly 50 minutes long and contains interviews with Sir John Mills, James MacArthur, Tommy Kirk, and Kevin Corcoran. There's a commentary track with the latter three contributing comments about the film. There's an additional interview with MacArthur about his film work, the original theatrical trailer and television spots, radio spots, the entire story album that came out with the film, a Donald Duck cartoon, and more! If you like "Swiss Family Robinson," get this DVD -- even if you already have the VHS tape. It's worth it just to finally have a widescreen version of this family-friendly classic (the better to view the wonderful island vistas), even if you don't figure all of the wonderful extras into the bargain.
26 Great family fun and entertainment
This adaptation of the classic story is a great and enjoyable film of a family of castaways and their adventures on a desert island. Not a perfect reproduction of the book, but still a worderfully enjoyable show. AND.... you can show it to your kids, which makes it 1000 times better than so many of the modern generation of films. Lots of fun, excitement and humor are blended together with serious action. You'll love little Francis, the imp.
27 Not Disney's best, but entertaining
Walt Disney basically threw out the Johann David Wyss story, kept the title, and instructed writers to compose a rousing adventure befitting the Disney standard. It was done. What we have here is not a moralizing tale but a swashbuckling adventure, starring John Mills (Hayley's dad) and Dorothy McGuire, along with Disney favorites James MacArthur, Tommy Kirk, Janet Munro and Kevin Cocoran as well as a great villain in Sessue Hayakawa. It's not Disney at his peak, but it does have many fun moments with a storm at sea, plenty of wild animals (unlikely on such an island, but who cares), a love story (two young guys fighting over one young woman) and a battle with pirates. And the DVD has two discs with plenty of extras. We hope this, too, is a standard of the new "Vault Disney" series. Disney DVDs are making great strides to include many of the extras available in the studio's library. 'Robinson' will appeal primarily to baby boomers who remember it from their childhood and their children, with whom they've shared their videotape of it for years.
28 A great film!
This is a great Disney film for the entire family. It's a real classic and has a great story line, filled with adventure, romance, and some great scenary. I'd give it ten stars if I could.
29 Great Fun
I purchased this video after renting it at my local video store. I really think I enjoy it more now than I did as a child. Filled with adventure this movie stars John Mills. Ironically Kevin Corcoran who plays the youngest child had just finished making Pollyanna with John Mills daughter Hayley Mills. Hayley Mills stayed on the island with her father and younger brother after the completion of Pollyanna. It was filmed in the West Indies.
30 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY...
You can't get much more wholesome than this. This film definitely has the Disney stamp all over it. The Swiss Family Robinson are on their way to New Guinea. Chased by pirates on the high seas, their ship runs up against a reef, and they find themselves shipwrecked by a deserted tropical island. They manage to get themselves and all their belongings and animals ashore, intact and none the worse for wear. They even survive a shark attack.
The mother, played by the lovely Dorothy MaGuire, is always clean, perfectly groomed and coiffed. The father, played by the wonderful English actor, John Mills, is positively cheerful the entire film. Talk about optimism. His three sons, played by the hunky James MacArthur, the adorable Tommy Kirk, and the cute-as-a-button Kevin Corcoran, work tirelessly to make their new home into an island paradise. In record time, they build a multi-level house to die for, high up in the trees. Somehow, they manage to get a pipe organ off the wrecked ship, ashore, and up into their multi-level tree house, so that they can sing Christmas Carols at the appropriate time. Kevin Corcoran even has a baby elephant for a pet, and they parade around their sculpted lawn which is surrounded by what appears to be an English garden.
After a while, two of the boys set out on a home made sail boat to check the terrain around the island. Their boat capsizes and crashes on the rocks, when they notice pirates ashore, the very same ones who had bothered them before. Now, the pirates appear to be holding two males captive, an old man and a young boy. The two Robinson boys help the young boy escape, while the older man tells them to leave him, as he will be ransomed.
The boys go off with their young companion in tow, while chased by the pirates. They manage to thwart the pirates and get back to the safety of their home on the other side of the island. In the meantime, they discover that the "boy" is really a girl, delightfully played by Janet Munro, and the older man was her grandfather. The two older boys are sweet on her, which causes a little fun loving tension. As the pirates are now aware that they are on the island, they set up all sorts of ingenious defenses. When the pirates do come a calling, they capably battle off a horde of pirates without injury to themselves.
Just as the pirates are in flight, a ship comes to the rescue led by the grandfather, who seems to have been ransomed and rescued in no time, and managed to get a sailing ship to the island to recue them, lickety split. Who in their right mind, however, would ever want to be rescued from this magical island, where nothing can possibly go wrong, and everyone loves each other. Pure Disney fantasy, this film is a lot of fun to watch and, better yet, can be enjoyed by the whole family.
31 For pure escapism and adventure, this is one of the best.
"Swiss Family Robinson" is a rollicking entertainment from Walt Disney that's just about perfect for old-fashioned film-goers. The scenery, sets, and photography are lush and vigorous. I highly recommend "Swiss Family Robinson" to Disney fans or fans of high adventure films.
32 A Great classic
This is one of Disney's classic great non-animated movies! I've probably seen it at least 50 times since I was a young one, and still enjoy it on TV when it comes on. It's the story of a family stranded on an island, who work together to survive and fight off nasty pirates. The movie finishes with a climactic battle to defeat the pirates.
As a boy, I absoulutely loved this! The battle scene at the end with the pirates is great, especially with all the slick traps they family set up for the bad guys. The little kid in the family is the usually AnnoyingDisneyKid, but that's alright, cuz he likes explosives.
Thre's plenty of adventure and story here to keep adults and kids amused. No fear of watching this one with the young ones; it's clean.
33 Swiss Family Robinson is a perfect movie for families!
This movie starts out wonderfully as the swiss family Robinson are trapped in a room on a ship in a huge ship. The captain abandons the ship in fear it might sink but the boat merely crashes into some rocks. When the family gets out of the room, they notice that land is not to far away. They quickly build a tropical paradise. This movie is fun for children and families. It deserves the five stars I gave it.
I recommend this film to fans of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Escape To Witch Mountain.
34 Fantastic!
This movie was one of my very favorites as a child. I still enjoy it because it has a little bit of everything. This is a movie the whole family will like!
35 WONDERFILLED FOR KIDS...
Though as an adult you may find yourself twitching a bit during this slightly overlong adventure tale, children from any era will find it mesmerizing. The Disney-ification of this classic Verne adventure tale is filled with innocent thrills, and features sets and adventures that make children drool -- they are, quite simply, fantasy adventures come to life. You will easily understand why the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse remains a fixture at the Magic Kingdom -- is it possible to conceive and imagine and create a more perfectly fabulous place for castaways to live? Dorothy Maguire and John Mills transcend some of the corn with their sturdy and oh-so-appealing portrayals of upright parents suddenly thrust into a terrifying -- and challenging -- new place to raise their children. How about that watering hole???
36 pretty good
this is just like most disney movies.pretty good while there is always a little kid that is so annoying.so i liked some of this movie.i also thought it was annoying as well
37 Old fashioned adventure
Overall, this is a wonderful movie that my 7-year-old son enjoys watching over and over and over again. It's old fashioned in ways that are both good and not so good: the action and adventure are much tamer than what's out there in today's hyper-violent movies. On the other hand, the attitudes toward women are pretty sexist and outdated, and the treatment of animals not the most sensitive. Nonetheless, it really is a terrific adventure move for children and adults.
38 Fun to watch over and over and over.....
I was renting this movie repeatedly for my two children (7 and 4). This is the ONLY movie they both enjoy watching again and again. It quickly became obvious this movie had to become a permanent addition to our video library.
39 A truely excellent film with great enjoyment for all the fam
Excellent, the characters are graet actors. I watched it over and over again as a child and now I am more grown up I can still watch it and respect it!!!!
40 At eight years old, I saw it five times on the big screen!!
This is old time fantasy. A good feeling movie where the good guy wins.Filmed on a real island with some up coming stars!
