Search - The Railway Children on DVD

A Family Film Not To Be Missed

Phil Stout | 12/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a family film that restores one's faith in movie-making.
There's not a doubt in my mind that this charming story will make you remember a time when movies had pure, unadulterated heart. Jenny Agutter shines as the oldest daughter in a role that could very easily have been overacted. I've seen this movie numerous times since first taking my children to see it when originally released. I'm constantly amazed at the sense of civility and decency one brings away from it. It's a family film about family, and how important (no matter how jaded we think we are) it really is. The lovely Johnny Douglas score is also quite wonderful. And I bet the last scene brings a smile to your face. Needless to say this version of "The Railway Children" is highly recommended. But please don't confuse it with the recent PBS remake, which suffers greatly in comparison."

Beautiful, poignant, full of meaning and hope

Phil Stout | 06/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen this movie 3 times on television and will buy the DVD for everyone I know. From acting to costumes, cinematography to story line, this thing is brilliant. It is literally an antidote to what ails modern living. You can practically smell the grass on the hillsides and the hunger in their stomachs. Perky, the railway man, is a favorite character. The children were cast superbly. Michael Kitchen as the father--perfect. Lest I am too effusive, let me say that I am a huge British Comedy fan and Anglophile, so maybe I'm predisposed to like this film. Pick a cold day in winter when you need to hear something positive. Make yourself a cup of tea, have some sandwiches ready, and watch this DVD under a blanket. You'll want to do this repeatedly about once a year for several years. Make it a tradition."

The Very Best

Paul R. Norton | London, England | 02/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You can forget your big budget sci-fi 'wow'-effect mega-bucks movies. There's really nothing like a well-scripted, sensitively-directed, beautifully-acted film and this one delivers everything you'd want, not just in the children's film genre, but for any kind of film.

After all these years, it's still my favorite movie of all time because it's gentle, no one gets killed or kidnapped by aliens - it's just heartwarming and lovely.

If you have never seen or heard of this movie buy it now, settle on the sofa, preferably with a warm mug of cocoa and prepared to be transported to another time and place where people CARED about one another and paranoia was at least 100 years away.

Here's your chicken soup..."

A Classic Story for the Entire Family

Paul R. Norton | 05/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1970 film is a must-see. It is a beloved children's story, but its understated evocation of soon-to-vanish Edwardian England circa 1905 will appeal to all ages. Jenny Agutter leads a superb cast; the lush countryside and period architecture give the film a sumptuous atmosphere.
The movie tells an entertaining story, but this story also carefully and lovingly explores themes involving social class, family relationships and growing up. These elements combine to give The Railway Children mutifaceted, enduring appeal. It is fun to watch, but also has gentle lessons to teach."