Search - Kidnapped on DVD

Aimee M. (AimeeM)
Reviewed on 4/22/2009...

This Version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale follows the book practically word for word. While this is a positive for some people, a novel rarely works as a screenplay the result for this method is a rather long and unexciting tale.

This movie will entertain those who enjoy literature, (I for one love the book and therefor do not mind the long nature of the movie) but for those who are looking for action and adventure, this likely will not satisfy you.

For children; they will likely find it boring as there are hardly any comedic moments worth speaking of, and most of the plot is based on character relationships rather than action. However, there is nothing too inappropriate for them except for one good ol' British "D!"

Kidnapped finally on DVD

microjoe | 04/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released in 1960, filmed 10 years after Disney's "Treasure Island" (Both are based on books written by Robert Louis Stevenson). This is a grittier more realistic film than Treasure Island, not as flamboyant. Coincidentally, Disney Director Robert Stevenson wrote the screenplay based on the novel but he is not related to the original writer.

Set in 18th centurey Scotland, it features James MacArthur who made 5 other films for Disney as a young man, and later moved on to "Hawaii 5-O". The film starts with a plot of a young man finding out he has an estate after his father dies, and when he goes to reclaim it his uncle tries to cheat him out of it. There is a famous scene where the uncle tries to kill the young man by sending up a tower in the dark... with missing stairs. Peter Finch is the Hero that takes him under his wing. They have to battle their way off a ship as cutthroat sailors try to murder them. The movie draws you in, as it is very realistic and loaded with period atmosphere, costumes, sets, and weapons. The British are chasing the Scottish Highlanders all over the countryside which is loaded with friends and traitors, and so they can trust no one. There are many character actors that add to the richness of the film. This film is a rollicking good time, and has intrigue, adventure, and mystery as well. Swordfights and gun battles galore! There are numerous authentic Scottish actors and accents, as it was filmed on location in Scotland. While Disney films that were made in Europe were criticized for being "too Americanized" they loved this film and praised both it's authenticity to the original book.

The color is beautiful on this nice clean print, but I do not think the remastered it again for this DVD release. This film is not for the smallest kids as it does have some scary scenes and some violence. (But keep in mind that the film still takes a strong stand against killing and drinking/gambling. Nice moral lessons without being preachy. The stars fight because they have too, and truly regret having to participate in violence to defend themselves). Keep an eye out for Peter O'Toole in this film."

Stands the Test of Time

Mike in the Middle | Midwest | 12/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this movie a number of times when I was young. Some of the scenes are deeply etched in my memory. I bought this movie expecting to be disappointed--I worried that it might be cute and sanitized. I was completely wrong. Great production values, wonderfully etched characters and an exciting story. I was particularly surprised how challenging the Scottish brogue was to follow. I must have missed half of the dialog when I was young; I know that I missed some on my first viewing.

I am not sure what ten year olds would make of it today. But if you saw this when young, it is definitely worth picking up.
"

Superb! This may be the best movie Disney ever made.

Will Allen III | Raleigh, NC United States | 04/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's hard to believe a movie this gritty and realistic would be made today by Disney. Nothing sugar-coated here. At one point, for instance, a mean, drunk, incompetent sailor kills a 12 year old cabin boy for mocking him, and they throw the boy's body over the rail to avoid being caught. When did you see a Disney movie like that?"