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| Jim Henson's the Storyteller - The Definitive Collection | 
| Directors: David Garfath, John Madden, Paul Weiland, Tony Smith
Actors: Michael Gambon, Brian Henson, Mark Ashman, Frances Barber, Barbara Barnes
Studio: Sony Pictures
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.94
Buy New: $12.50
You Save: $7.44 (37%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $10.25
Avg. Customer Rating:  (60 reviews)
Sales Rank: 1921
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Media: DVD
Running Time: 310 minutes
Number Of Items: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: COLD13738D
UPC: 043396137387
EAN: 0043396137387
ASIN: B000EU1Q5E
Release Date: May 23, 2006
Theatrical Release Date: November 2, 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 05/23/2006
Amazon.com
One of Jim Henson's finest works is The Storyteller series, originally airing on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet creations (Labyrinth, and The Dark Crystal), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. This definitive collection of 13 stories--9 based on European fables, and 4 slightly grittier takes on Greek myths--deserves to be in TV's pantheon. The series was adapted by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of a storyteller with dialogue from the stories to beguiling effect; the storyteller doesn't simply introduce the tales. The storytelling duties are split with an engaging John Hurt, and a study Michael Gambon for the Greek fables. Both are accompanied by a Muppet dog performed by Henson's son and successor, Brian. The European tales are wonderful especially since the stories are not well known. "The Luck Child" is a brilliant short about a king bent on destroying a commoner boy, known as the luck child ("the seventh son born of a seventh son on a week with two Fridays"), after a wizard declares the boy will grow up to be king. The fate of the king is one of those hooks that should have the kids smiling for days. "Sapsorrow" is a curious variation on the Cinderella legend. Henson himself directs "Death and the Soldier," a vivid example of how these episodes were so wonderfully complex. A penniless solider (Bob Peck) is given a magical sack and he uses it to full effect, capturing gremlins and greater evils on his way to be king. "A Story Short" is the storyteller's own adventure. He makes a deal with a king to tell a story every day of the year. Yet on the last day, the storyteller's mind is a blank and his fate may lead him to a boiling vat of oil. By nature, the Greek myth episodes are a bit more mature (ages 8 and older) and downbeat, yet give the audience lasting impressions of oft-quoted tales. In "Perseus and the Gorgon," King Argos locks away his wife when it is foretold his future son will kill him. Soon mother and son (Perseus, fathered by none other than Zeus) are washed ashore and another angry king looks to take away Perseus's mother. How can Perseus win the day? By killing the evil Gorgon whose snake-covered head includes eyes that turn humans into statues. Derek Jacobi stars as the deft Greek designer in "Daedalus and Icarus." The father goes through many hardships, including the famous episode of his son flying too close to the sun. John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) directs the tale of "Theseus and the Minotaur." A young man reunites with his father, King Aegeus, but is cursed by his witch of a stepmother (literally). When Theseus tries to stop the regular sacrifice to the half-bull, half-man Minotaur, a new curse awaits the young prince. The magical musician Orpheus (Art Malik) finds his muse in "Orpheus and Eurydice." Unfortunately, she soon dies and goes to Hades where Orpheus follows, attempting to win her soul from the devil himself. Henson's work is true family entertainment and at only 22 minutes per episode, it's the perfect companion for some fine entertainment around the TV. --Doug Thomas
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| Customer Reviews: Read 55 more reviews...
 Great for reinforcement! October 17, 2008
This is a perfect way to reinforce understanding of some of the stories. The quality of the DVD is superb and keeps viewers entertained.
Still Incredibly Interesting After All These Years! October 3, 2008
This is one of those things I vividly remember from childhood that I think all children should be exposed to. The fanciful stories aren't all puppy dogs and rainbows, and I think that's very important for kids to learn. No matter what the story was, there was always a positive note at the end to keep kid's imaginations and hopes alive. The creatures are still just as spooky as they were when I was a child, and the stories are still just as breathtaking as they were. The only difference is that now as an adult, I can truly appreciate the vocabulary.
Fabulous! I am keeping all of Jim Henson's Storyteller DVD's for my grandchildren! September 16, 2008
The series is wonderful, especially with the dog in the each introduction! I love that old stories have been brought to life in such a magical way! Thank you!!!!!
A Fantasy Fan's Nostalgic Favorite September 1, 2008
I remember watching "The Luck Child" over and over on VHS after recording it from TV when I was young and the series had just been released. As a HUGE fantasy fan it was all I could ask for. Many years later, long after the tape had been lost and DVDs had become the commonplace I had never forgot the joy this series had brought me in my youth and after much research found this DVD. This disc is NOT for the people who are looking for flawless animatronics or modern CGI technology... however, if you want delightful stories of myth and fantasy that are told by a witty storyteller and his "fearless" dog by the hearth then buy this today!!
Storyteller collection July 6, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This was a gift for my son's 23rd birthday. His amazed delight upon opening this was, for me, just the best. "Where did you FIND it?!" Jim Henson's Storyteller was possibly his favorite TV show as a small child. Listening to him excitedly describe it to his fiancee made me feel pretty good. This may have been his favorite birthday gift.
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