Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/News-ID513250.asp" target="_blank"><b>LP Column: 9/15/10 Toon Talk: The Black Cauldron 25th Anniversary Edition</b></a> Kirby reviews Disney's new 25th anniversary edition release for the animated feature The Black Cauldron.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA A Disney fan even back then, I remember seeing it in theaters and feeling bummed out that it sucked as hard as it did. Biggest problem? Boring as toast.
Originally Posted By Y Tywysog Disney The best part of that film were The Witches of Morva, hands down! The film was released 1 year before I was born, so I didn't have a chance to see it (Beauty and the Beast was the first Disney film I saw in theatres, when I was 5 years old) until it was issued on video in 1998. I remember for years being curious about it, and the only thing I knew about it was from a colouring book titled "Taran and the Magic Cauldron"
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: Well, we don't have to watch this film again because we live it every day. ORGOCH: We sure does. ORWEN: To think I could've been a star if only they'd drawn me like they originally intended to. But they went and gave my body to Jessica Rabbit!! ORGOCH: Tell the the truth, sister! Ya went an' donated yer own body ta Krispy Kremes!!! ORDDU: (sigh) Well, maybe the live action version of The Black Cauldron will turn out to be a lot better than the animated version. ORWEN: Thank you for what you said about us, Y Tywsog, duckling. Kind of makes us feel a little better.
Originally Posted By basil fan I've always liked this film, but I didn't run out and buy a second DVD to replace my DVD. I'm not made of money, ya know. The cover art is awesome, though. Sherlock Holmes <a href="http://www.whatsitsgalore.com/sherlock/holmes.html" target="_blank">http://www.whatsitsgalore.com/...mes.html</a>
Originally Posted By DlandDug <--- BIG fan of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles. I was so excited to see a Disney film version of a book series I knew so well. It took FOREVER for the film to come out (I was in grad school when it finally did), and what a disappointment! My biggest complaint to this day is that GURGI IS NOT A FLUFFY LITTLE PUPPY!
Originally Posted By u k fan ^^^Agreed. I read the book after seeing the film and was so bummed. If they'd stuck to the book story this movie would have been much better. When Disney wanted to cash in on the fantasy genre a few years ago these are the live action movies they should have been making!!!
Originally Posted By ToonKirby For those who have read the books, could you elaborate on the differences/changes made for the movie? For example, what was Gurgi in the books?
Originally Posted By u k fan It's been a while since I read the book (I have only actually read The Black Cauldron - which I think is book 2), but my favorite character in the book didn't even make it into the movie! I think once I've finished my current book I might seek out the other 2 and read the series again!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan Just looked apparently there are 5 books, but the copy of Black Cauldron I have only lists 3. Weird!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan According to Wiki <<<Exactly what Gurgi is supposed to be is never clearly stated. He is described as being some sort of cross between man and beast (although lacking the learning of one and the wisdom of the other, respectively), having long arms, covered with fur and leaves, and ever hungry but really just a sort of a, kind of a thing. His manner of speech is filled with rhymed pairs of words ("crunchings and munchings", "boatings and floatings", "sneakings and peekings"), and redundant phrases ("see with lookings!"); he refers to himself in the third person. Gurgi is humble and loyal toward his human companions, at first submitting even to Taran as a "noble lord".>>> Hope that helps!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan Sorry for all the posts! My favorite character in the book was Ellidyr who wiki describes thus: <<<Ellidyr is described as a prince, the son of a king who had nothing left to leave his son but "his name and his sword." He is deeply sensitive about his poverty, and covers this with arrogance, treating all whom he does not see as social equals with disdain and contempt.>>> I have cut that down quite a bit to avoid stonking spoilers, but to me he was the most interesting character in the book and gave it it's heart (something that was sorely lacking from the movie)!!!
Originally Posted By basil fan Gurgi is more like a man and less like an animal in the book. He rides a horse and wears a sword. And he's dirty, not cute. I think the Disney Gurgi is an absolute delight. And they kept his speech patterns, one of Lloyd alexander's strongest strong points.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: It doesn't bother us that Gurgi was drawn like a cute little furry creature by Disney. I think that's one change that actually works for the movie version. ORDDU: Exactly. Not everything from a book translates well to a motion picture.
Originally Posted By ToonKirby Well, it doesn't really surprise me that they went the "cute and fluffy" route with him then.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Here's a scene from 'Th Black Cauldron' -- where we meet Gurgi for the fist time. It's boring as heck. How many frames of animation do we need to have the kid ask for the apple back from Gurgi?
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcocIcYrZI0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...cIcYrZI0</a>
