Ah, Narnia... Just mentioning the name of this enchanted land sends a soothing cool breeze over your face. Opening this masterpiece series of children's literature is always a delight. So, the book was begging to be put on the big and small screen. I had seen this 1988 television adaptation when I was very young and just now bought the DVD copy at a flea market. I remembered having a good experience watching it as a child, and was glad I got to see it again. While primitive in its production values compared to modern films and television, this show is as good as the recent film adaptation was not. Yes, there is some mediocre acting (especially the actress playing the white witch -- a lesson in overacting if ever I've seen one, although her performance will probably send chills down children's spines), but there is also some very good acting, especially on the part of the children and Mr. Tumnus. I suppose playing the witch convincingly must be challenging, as even the fabulous Tilda Swinton couldn't do a convincing job of being intimidating in the recent film version. But where the video is rough around the edges, it excels in tone. The movie version although loaded with state of the art effects, did little to capture the whimsy and fancy of the novel. Indeed, it felt more like an adult action film marketed to children. And it took itself so seriously!. There is a light touch carried all throughout this 1988 television version. The music is just right, the actors have a certain delight on the set pieces that makes their performances all the more charming, and the pacing is nice and slow, taking its time to let you soak in the world of Narnia. Though that very same quality may be lost on the new generation accustomed to fast paced slam action effects and hollow story lines, it will still surely charm youngsters. It is a good family TV series and highly recommended for rainy day viewing. You do feel like you are taken to a new world, even with the low budget. Enjoy!
Review of The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
