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Frankenchurn
Reviews
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (1979)
A Classic
When I first saw this on *film* at our church in 1979/80 (were VCRs around back then?) soon after it was released, I was amazed at how well it was done.
Bill Melendez was the one who pushed for Linus to tell the story of Jesus' Birth in the Charlie Brown Christmas, so it's no surprise that he directed such an inspired production. It may also be from that upbringing with the Peanuts artists that he understood that simple animation draws the audience to the story and plot. And true to that Peanuts addive, the music is magnificent.
It is interesting that he chose to have Aslan deliver the gifts to the children instead of Father Christmas. Perhaps a religious statement that all our provisions for battlement come from Christ alone, and not some dead saint. To answer another question that was brought up, C.S. Lewis changed the name of the Witch's cheif of secret police from Maugrim in the UK to Fenris Ulf in the US published release.
This is one of the most spiritted productions short of the book itself that I have seen from nearly any children's literature. This is one classic that has been viewed in our house at least twice a year since we got it nearly ten years ago. Great for easter!