Peter and the Wolf

Sergei Prokoviev's 'Peter and the Wolf' is one of his most famous works and his most frequently performed and recorded. It is not hard to see why, as far as Prokoviev's music goes it is by far his most accessible work in terms of playing (though there are difficult stretches, Prokoviev is not kind to the horns and Peter's capture of the wolf all the way through to the ending are also less easy, but certainly not unplayable, bits) and listening.

It is also a perfect introduction for children to classical music (it was one of my first classical music pieces) with a great story that's easy to follow and narration that really guides the story without over-explaining or spoon-feeding. It is not heard or experienced just through concerts, workshops, music classes and recordings. It has fared well in animation (along with this, there's also the classic Disney version and the 2006, also excellent, version) and even in ballet.

This 1995 animated version is very good. The live action have garnered a mixed response for reasons that are understandable. They do have a cosy family warmth, are heart-warming (if also slightly cloying), and are beautifully filmed and acted with picturesque scenery. The transition from live action to animation and vice versa is done smoothly. Do agree though that they pad things out too much, to me in particular it takes too long to get to the main 'Peter and the Wolf' story (the live action opening being over 10 minutes was a bit much) and the couple of in between interjections interrupted a little too much.

However, the animated portions forming the 'Peter and the Wolf' story are outstanding. The only thing that could have been done better for these parts was having more personality for the bird, after a playful start she came over as bland overall, and a design for her that had a less rushed-looking look and looked more like a bird.

Rest of the animation and characterisations were excellent though. The colours are vibrant and the backgrounds are beautifully drawn and detailed. The character designs are the star though. Particularly good is the superb one for the cat, the expressions, movements and design are classic Chuck Jones. A lot of fun was clearly put into the designs for the hunters and a great job is done too with the movements for the duck, especially in the little ballet moment, and the Grinch-meets-Hannibal-Lecter expressions for the wonderfully fiendish wolf (regardless of whether the design is realistic or not, the character is still freaky).

Lloyd Bridges' deeply felt performance as the grandfather alone makes the live action segments worth watching, and he also helps make the animated grandfather more interesting than usual. The character's additional dialogue also gives more insight into his and Peter's relationship and why he acts the way he does). Kirstie Alley is a spirited narrator and doesn't over-explain the story or action, while Ross Malinger is appealing as Peter.

Prokoviev's music really does shine brilliantly. Have to say too that the specially composed music for the live action parts had a whimsical charm to it. The orchestra do it justice and all the main character themes are beautifully played.

Whether it's the lush strings for Peter, the sprightly flute for the bird, the slinky and playful clarinet for the cat, the truly ominous and well blended and tuned (particularly difficult for this theme) sound of the three horns for the wolf and the foreboding but triumphant drums for the hunters. The meadow music also stands out.

Overall, very good animated version of a classic. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Put plain & simple - This 1996 animated TV presentation of "Peter and the Wolf" (that was mixed with live-action sequences) was downright dreadful (for the most part).

Believe me - Even though this production was only 50 minutes in length, it was still way too long to hold my undivided attention. Not only that - But, the 2-D animation was absolutely second-rate throughout.

I think that everyone who was involved in this awful production (including the actors) should be utterly ashamed of themselves for being a part of this completely empty-headed and uninspired cartoon fiasco. They really should.

I was surprised to read the other review, because I recently bought the re-released DVD reissue of this "Peter and The Wolf" for my 6 year-old grandson, and not only did he love it, but so did I!! I am a professional violinist and music educator, and know this score inside and out. The reviewer who said the producers had changed Prokofiev's music is dead wrong -- it is note for note perfect, and in addition, is beautifully played. It was actually Disney's version that was cut!! The characters in Chuck Jones version, designed by Mr. Jones, are delightful -- and not just a recycling of his Warner Bros., ensemble. The animated tale, which is the centerpiece of this production, and where Prokofiev's score plays out in entirety, is magical. And Kirstie Alley's narration is full of life and spirit -- really fantastic. I also loved Lloyd Bridges as the grandfather, and young Ross Malinger as both the live action and animated Peter. The live action parts were magical, and gave some real-life relevance to the animated story, and the ending was enchanting. It brought a tear to my eye. Ross Malinger was endearing in "Sleepless In Seattle," and he goes to the next step here. And his rapport with Lloyd Bridges seemed so very real. A fantastic bonus to this production is an extraordinary "Guide To The Symphony Orchestra" bonus feature at the end, which thoroughly explains to the young viewer how Prokofiev used the musical instruments to portray the various characters. And the producers wisely use YOUNG teenage musicians to demonstrate the instruments, which really makes it come to life for young viewers. I Googled for more information on this production -- I can't figure out why it isn't more frequently seen. I noticed it won the Emmy for Best Children's Program, as well as many other Emmy nominations and awards. I also saw that the critics gave it great reviews -- one from the Philadelphia daily newspaper called it "The best children's television special ever." So it is a mystery to me why this production is not a television classic. But in the meantime, do yourself a favor -- and for your children and grandchildren -- and watch it!

I've just watched this VHS, because I am a fan of anything by Chuck Jones. His contribution consists only of character design. The cat is good. The bird and grandpapa are very bad. The hunters, the wolf, and the duck are ok. The writer and the composer both think they can improve on Prokofiev. Why do Hollywood types who try to "improve" classics never wonder why the work is considered a classic (and they're not)? There is nothing really wrong with the live action parts. There are even a couple of nice touches in the first minute or so. But it is obvious that the live action is just to kill time and expand a less than thirty minute cartoon to fill out a "hour" time slot. The setting is changed from Russia to Switzerland, which seems pointless. Like the Disney version, they save Sonja from being eaten. This version doesn't even come close to the Disney version.

I am an elementary music teacher and Peter and the Wolf is a standard in my repertoire of fun ways to learn about music. I have used many different versions of audio and video presentations of this story and this version is by far at the top of my list. I enjoy the Chuck Jones animation and the symphonic production of the classic instrumentation is perfect. But, without a doubt, my attraction to this version of the story is primarily the lovely, heart-warming live-action story that frames the animation. Lloyd Bridges, as Grandfather, does some of his best work here, practically presenting a master class in acting in the few short scenes. He brings me to tears every time and I've seen this video at least 100 times. Kirstie Alley totally makes me believe she is seeing her father for the first time in years and I just don't understand why we haven't seen more of Ross Malinger, the grandson, since his appearances in this and Sleepless in Seattle. I should also draw attention to the amazing set of Grandfather's log cabin. The beautiful, authentic set decoration draws me in every time and I often go to this cabin in my imagination. I highly recommend this movie as a family must see. And the bonus features will contribute to a good music education.