Search - Jabberwocky on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Brief Nudity, Not For Children, Adult Language, Adult Humor Movie Release: 1977 DVD Release: 10/23/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 45 mins Studio: Columbia TriStar Members Wishing: 13 Genres: Comedy, Parody/Spoof, Fantasy Comedy, Absurd Comedy

An innocent country farmer experiences a number of improbable misadventures that culminate in a battle against the titular beast in this broadly comic fantasy. The first solo outing of director Terry Gilliam, who served as animator and co-director on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, returns to the medieval setting that had previously served him so well, and brings along fellow Pythonite Michael Palin for the ride as reluctant hero Dennis Cooper. Cooper's journey to defeat the fearsome Jabberwock is filled with a similar combination of traditional fairy-tale narrative and irreverent humor, which at times aims to be even raunchier than classic Python fare. But while the film is too awkward and repetitive to succeed, it does boast impressively grungy medieval sets and costumes, and flashes of the visual brilliance that would characterize Gilliam's more mature works. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Michael Palin - Dennis Cooper
Max Wall - King Bruno
Deborah Fallender - Princess
John Le Mesurier - Chamberlain
Annette Badland - Griselda Fishfinger
Warren Mitchell - Mr. Fishfinger
Terry Gilliam - Man with Rock

Director Terry Gilliam co-wrote and directed the strange offbeat tale called Jabberwocky. Columbia has done their best with the original 1.85:1 widescreen source elements, but alas the colors often look faded and very flat. This version of the film is presented anamorphicly, though the colors tend to show some bleeding and the blacks often seem a tad too gray. While there are some complaints about this transfer, this is probably the best Columbia could do with the original print. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 as well as 2.0, and neither track offers much in the way of aggressiveness or depth. Most of the sound effects and dialogue come from the center speaker with the side and rear speakers used sparingly. Most all aspects of the dialogue, music, and effects are clear with only the slightest hint of distortion or hiss. Also included on this disc are English, French, and Spanish subtitles, as well as a full- frame version of the film on side B. =Jabberwocky does include a few nice extra features for fans, starting off with a seven-minute sketch to screen comparison that shows hand-drawn storyboards intercut with scenes from the film. A poster gallery offers a look at some promotional materials for the film, and a feature-length commentary with Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin is often funny and sweetly nostalgic. Finally, there is a full-frame theatrical trailer for Jabberwocky. This edition of Jabberwocky may not be overly extensive, but it should provide fans with plenty of fun. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide