Stars: Pete Postlethwaite, Julia Ormond, Peter Ustinov, Kelsey Grammer, Ian Holm, Patrick Stewart, Paul Scofield, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Director: John Stephenson

Summary: A live action adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel. The story of farmer Jones and his abusive behaviour to his animals, the animals eventually revolt and take control of the farm. All is perfect until the pigs become greedy...

British production of George Orwell's revolutionary novel, where animals (workers) take over their farm (means of production) and form a society. An esteemed cast of actors voice the convincing animatronic animals, which, BABE-style, were created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop. Director Stephenson is a former employee of the Henson-created effects company.

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A rare example of mainstream animation being used to tell a highly political story, Animal Farm retains its value as a vivid adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel. Characters were eliminated, certain elements of plot were simplified, and the book's gloomy ending was softened to offer a glimmer of hope, but Orwell's parable of the Russian revolution--retold as a revolt among not-so-equal barnyard animals--remains potently intact. As produced by the famous British animation studio run by John Halas and Joy Batchelor, this still-important 1954 film is anything but kiddie fare; it steadfastly avoids sentiment, and despite its slightly more upbeat ending this is still a story that involves exploitation, death, betrayal, and an inevitable uprising that goes a step beyond Orwell's pessimistic conclusion. With British actor Maurice Denham supplying all the voices and Gordon Heath providing newsreel-like narration, this economical, documentary-like telling of Orwell's tale was criticised for its "Disneyfied" style, but the animation is actually quite striking in its European influence and bold use of symbolism. It has aged, and some of its impact has been lost to the course of history, but it's an essential addition to any serious animation collection. Excellent commentary and a 30-minute "making of" featurette place this extraordinary milestone of British animation in proper historical context. --Jeff Shannon

Aspect Ratio:	4:3 Full Frame
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 0
Special Features:	Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Original Trailer, Cast And Crew Information, Interviews, Production Notes, Animal Rules
Year:	1999
Release Date:	January 28, 2002
Runtime:	87 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	H O L D D 047
Keywords:	Animal, Farm, General, Drama
Genre:	Drama