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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 1.85:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  • Dual Sided
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • French: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • German: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Italian: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Dutch: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  Subtitles
    English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, English - Hearing Impaired, Italian - Hearing Impaired, German - Hearing Impaired
  Extras
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Featurette - Scoring The Music

The King and I (1999)

Warner Bros./Warner Home Video . R4 . COLOR . 85 mins . G . PAL

  Feature
Contract

For those unfamiliar with the original Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I, this delightful musical earned Yul Bryner an Academy Award for his portrayal of the king of Siam. Deborah Kerr was also incredible as the English schoolteacher Anna with the film being fondly remembered the world over. This time around, the musical has been given the animation treatment, sticking to the original story in many ways but adding a multitude of new characters in an attempt to entertain the younger viewers and introduce them to this wonderful piece.

The original story looked at the English schoolteacher Anna Leonowen's travelling to Siam with her son to teach the children of the king. Although the king was very forward thinking, he still held onto tradition and this frustrated Anna immensely. Through their conflict, Anna became very close to the king and helped him to look towards the future rather than the past. The children became very fond of Anna and the king realised that he in fact was the one being taught.

"...etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!"

For this animated version, a few new characters have been introduced. Firstly there's the bad guy, Prime Minister Kralahome, who has magical powers and is driven in his quest to take control of Siam. His sidekick Master Little is a funny character who is obsessed with his teeth, losing them gradually throughout the story. There are also many animal characters added for this animated story, there is Moonshee the monkey, Tusker the white elephant and Rama the black panther. None of the animals speak, but they do add an element of physical humour to the story.

The character of the king is very much based on Yul Brynner - even the accent is imitated, as is the case with Anna. The songs are all there, familiar as ever are I Whistle a Happy Tune, Hello Young Lovers, Getting to Know You and of course the most familiar of all, Shall We Dance. All songs are performed well with the music supplied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, who of course are faultless.

This does look very good and the use of the new characters perhaps adds a new dimension for children to enjoy this family favourite, but the degree to which this has been altered makes you wonder why they didn’t just create a whole new story. The new characters are obviously added for the kids, but most kids will have no idea of the original story, unless they may have seen the more recent version Anna and the King with Jodie Foster. Therefore the need to use this classic and alter it so much seems a bit pointless. The film is very enjoyable and most should enjoy it, especially the quality, but those expecting an animated version of the original should be warned that the attempts to make it attractive to our younger viewers may take away the pleasure from the adults' viewing.

  Video
Contract

As far as animated features go, this does look terrific. Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and 16x9 enhanced, the picture is sharp and bright. The colour pallette used is vibrant and really looks good. There are several choices of subtitles and the English ones tested were true to what occurred on screen. It should also be noted that this is a dual sided disc with the Spanish, German and Italian versions placed on the second side. The only live action provided is in the extra featurette and picture on this is reasonable. It is only a brief documentary with no major problems.

  Audio
Contract

Audio supplied is a singular Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which is supplied in six different languages. The English track listened to was clear at all times with both dialogue and vocals being crystal clear. The surrounds are used well for occasional directional effect, but more importantly to support the wonderful musical backing. The subwoofer gets a little action during music tracks but is not called into action much at any other time, as there is no need. Overall a very good sound.

  Extras
Contract

There are only two extras supplied with this release. The first is a featurette entitled Scoring the Music, which runs for 4:11 and looks at the recording of the musical soundtrack with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Second is a Theatrical Trailer that runs for 2:04 and is delivered in the same aspect ratio as the main feature.

  Overall  
Contract

For a good animated family film, this is well worth a look. Those that are looking for a direct copy of the original will be disappointed, but at least the basis of the story is still there and more importantly the music is. The video and audio transfers are both very good, so this stands up well as far as quality goes, but more importantly this is aimed at kids and they should find it to be great entertainment.


  • LINK: http://www.dvd.net.au/review.cgi?review_id=1833
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      And I quote...
    "Animating the classic film and adding some new characters, this is one the kids should love."
    - Adrian Turvey
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Akai DV-P2000
    • TV:
          AKAI CT-29S55AT 68cm
    • Receiver:
          Akai AM-SS1500
    • Speakers:
          Akai
    • Centre Speaker:
          Akai
    • Surrounds:
          Akai
    • Subwoofer:
          Akai
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