| Wart is a young scullery boy who befriends a
good white wizard called Merlin. Merlin endeavours to teach the boy how to understand the
mysteries of life. With the help of his wise owl, Archimedes, Merlin turns the boy into a
fish a bird and a squirrel, to demonstrate some priceless values. He learns of: brains
over brawn, look before you leap and many other great teachings from the wizard. It is
only when he becomes a squire and is trying to please his masters that his true worth is
realised. This story comes from the book by T.H.
White, which I haven’t read but have been informed that it is not such a sweet tale
but more a medieval adventure with dragons and some violence.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up?
VIDEO
I was impressed with the quality of the pan and scan animation transfer, especially since
it was created in 1963. The animation has a lovely painted and rendered tone back ground
to compliment the joyful, flat coloured, animated characters. While this certainly
doesn’t compare to such animations as the Lion King, I can’t complain
considering its age.
AUDIO
The very bland mono audio track is a little depressing but I guess that once again you
can’t complain with a film this old. The dialogue was clear however and the musical
score was certainly very cheerful. Featuring the Voice talents of Alan Napier as Sir
Pelinore, Norman Alden as Kay, Barbara Jo Allen as Scullery Maid, Sebastian Cabot as Sir
Ector, Junius Matthews as Archimedes, Rickie Sorensen as Arthur (Wart), Karl Swenson as
Merlin, Ginny Tyler as Little Girl Squirrel and Martha Wentworth as Madame Mim/Granny
Squirrel.
EXTRAS
None
Overall this is certainly and entertaining and very cute
children’s Disney Classic.
| PICTURE QUALITY |
5/10 Colourful |
| SOUND QUALITY |
4/10 Average |
| FEATURES |
0/10 Nothing |
| OVERALL |
4.5/10 very Cute |
Review Equipment
TV: GE 68cm (16:9 selectable)
DVD: Samsung DVD907 (via S-Video)
Receiver/Proc: Sansui A505/Sony Amp & Yamaha DSP-E390
Speakers:-
Fronts: Wharfdale Diamond R6 (on a pair of custom made stands you'd KILL for)
Centre: Venturi
Rears: Sony bookshelf
- Reviewed 4nd January 2000 |
