Search - Watership Down on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 11/25/2018...

1978 film based on the 1972 novel by Richard Adams, which he'd related to his daughters and they in turn insisted he write. Based on universal archetypes and the epic motifs of Homer and Virgil, Watership Down mirrors the timeless struggles between tyranny and freedom, reason and blind emotion, the individual and the corporate state. One might argue this isn't really suitable subject matter for children, but then again. There is one surreal, visually stunning sequence where a rabbit's warren gets gassed, which might very well traumatize.

There is some dialogue which is quite faint and difficult to hear in the film, so I would suggest subtitles. Have been reading great things about the Criterion Blu-ray version, but have not seen it yet.

This movie spawned the #1 hit single "Bright Eyes" by Art Garfunkel, which is essentially a song about death. The song (sung by someone else) is also used in the soundtrack of the later 39 episode series which ran from 1999 thru 2001. Sadly, only bits and pieces of this series are available in the U.S. A fourteen disc Region 2 set can be purchased across the pond, which has all 3 seasons. Features the voices of Kate Ashfield, Richard Briers, Dawn French, Jane Horrocks, Ian Shaw, Stephen Fry, Kiefer Sutherland, and the late Rik Mayall and John Hurt. The series is a bit more child friendly, at least until season 3 arrives. Still, this is one of the darkest, spooky, and tense children's shows around.

"...but first they have to catch you"

mwreview | Northern California, USA | 02/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this film for the first time after a friend who had seen it in the theater in 1978 recommended it. I was prepared to watch a children's movie and was struck by the seriousness of the subject and the realistic scenes.The film begins with the mythology of the rabbit which is rather odd but in a cute way. This introduction foreshadows the hardships and enemies the rabbit species will face. From there the story seems to touch on at least two issues: fascism/Marxism and environmentalism. The latter is only briefly touched on. The small rabbit Fiver, who has unexplained powers to foresee the future, urges a group of fellow rabbits in his "warren" to leave before their land is destroyed by some destructive force. Actually, it is man who tears up their fields, but it is only described briefly by a survivor. In their journey to the safe mountain top (utopia?), they encounter several enemies and a funny bird friend (my favorite of the characters). Once they reach their destination, they realize that they have no females in their group (the only "doe" having been killed) and must return to dangerous territory to acquire mates. Their worst enemy, ironically, is a member of their own species; a fascist rabbit who threatens to have any dissenter from his warren killed. Also, ironically, inventions of man (i.e. a boat) are used by the rabbits in their struggle to survive. A musical segment with music sung by Art Garfunkel interrupts the fairly fast-moving story. The violence in this film is surprisingly realistic and graphic. Some rabbits do not make it, so very young children may need to be prepared before watching. I also looked at a VHS copy of this film, and DVD is far superior in terms of graphics and color. The extras on this DVD were a little disappointing considering that this film is a classic (i.e. a glossary of rabbit words that is not even complete). Still, this animated film is one that adults may appreciate more than the kids."

Refugees or escaped POW's Not just cute rabits

Michael Love | Michigan, USA | 12/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like many of the reviewers before me I first watched this back when I was a child and yes it did provoke a range of emotions in me. I cheered when they escaped on the boat; I was sickened in the recount of the fate of the first warren. I admit it 15 years on I still cry at the end of the movie. Don't be fooled into thinking just because it's and animated feature about rabbits that this film will be suitable for younger kids, it is NOT. Watership down has quite graphic representations of brutality and death. Putting those facts aside it does tell a compelling story about a band of refugees looking for some place to resettle and live their lives out in peace. It just happens that the refugees are rabbits. This is a story of survival. It is a mature story told in a make believe way. It is told with an edge of realism that contradicts the candy coating of the animation and character species. I just bought a copy of this so my wife and I could watch it. Melanie (My wife) having not seen it before and not knowing what to expect was left speechless when Violet was gone. If I were to rate the film I would give it at least a PG maybe even a PG 13 for its possible NIGHTMARES for younger children. I give the story 4 stars for being entertaining and well told"

Thought provoking. Political themes within rabbit world.

trilltrill | CO,USA | 11/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't even remember when I first saw this movie. I know that I was quite young. I know that many reviewers have said it is for mature audiences, and I agree... to an extent. You see... the violence and the blood may be too much for some children. You know your children best, and you know what they can handle. So, make a call accorrding to your experience. Personally, even at a tender age, I *knew* that the movie wasn't just about rabbits. I couldn't quite grasp all of the themes, but I understood the basics. I think that children really are more capable of understanding than is sometimes thought. This film is a very good political statement. It isn't just about humans wrecking the bunny lands. It is about the interactions between certain groups of rabbits. It's really amazing that Richard Adams could create such a tale using animals. I highly reccommend this movie to everybody. Though it isn't intended to give you warm fuzzies, I think that many people could take something away with them. A family friend bought the film for her niece thinking that it was going to be a cute movie with bunnies. Please don't buy the film for your child unless you believe that your child can handle some violence and heavy themes. If I hadn't seen the movie as a young child, I don't know that I ever would have watched it or read the book. So, I think it is a good thing that I saw it. It all depend on the child. It's a great movie, though."