The teller of tall tales, Baron Munchausen, is perhaps one of the most international characters in the entertainment world. The French and science fiction pioneer Georges Melies began it all with their silent film released in 1911. America featured the Baron on popular radio programs off and on for some 20 years, plus a movie spin-off. Then came Germany, Czechoslovakia, Soviet Union, and Britain.
The U.S. release of this animated children's version from France, dubbed in English, is faithful to the stories(although a hound by the name of Zounds is thrown in for ?good measure), but a little too silly for most adults to sit through. The mermaids are depicted accurately, though, for a change, and their enchanting singing would appeal to anyone. Reminiscent in fact of the Readers Digest cartoon short from 1974 of The Little Mermaid. The artwork is standard, and only the voice characterization of the Baron stands out. The music by Michel "Windmills of Your Mind" Legrand is, of course, a bonus.
As released on video, the picture and color quality were very good, so perhaps the ultra low budget DVD release might not be too bad. It would be nice, though, to hear this movie in its original language.
The U.S. release of this animated children's version from France, dubbed in English, is faithful to the stories(although a hound by the name of Zounds is thrown in for ?good measure), but a little too silly for most adults to sit through. The mermaids are depicted accurately, though, for a change, and their enchanting singing would appeal to anyone. Reminiscent in fact of the Readers Digest cartoon short from 1974 of The Little Mermaid. The artwork is standard, and only the voice characterization of the Baron stands out. The music by Michel "Windmills of Your Mind" Legrand is, of course, a bonus.
As released on video, the picture and color quality were very good, so perhaps the ultra low budget DVD release might not be too bad. It would be nice, though, to hear this movie in its original language.