Il leone, la strega e l'armadio

This version is by far the best and most faithful to the original books, including the new one Disney just put out. Though a few things are missing and one or two changed, it is 90% true to the book with a good portion of the dialogue. True, the animation is from the 70s but that makes it even safer for younger kids and I still find it enjoyable. The voice characterizations were incredibly on the money. The witch seemed to come straight off of the pages of the book as did Aslan. The musical score for this production is absolutely beautiful and captures the feeling of Narnia, and should not be overlooked. The scene beginning with the girls following Aslan to the stone table and culminating with his death was portrayed very tastefully yet powerfully. I can never watch it without crying. My children and I have seen all of the versions (including Disney's latest) and this one is by far the favorite. A classic.

This one is even superior to the 1988 BBC TV presentation, which was dull in story, shoddy in effects, less-than-mediocre casting, and horrible action. But I do wish the animation was better. However, the animators did do good on the expressions of the characters. Just as with the 2005 version, everything was as I had imagined, it's just that this was an animated feature, and that was a live action feature. That is the only difference. Some people might wonder why the only thing I dislike about it is the animation, and say that I should have given it a higher rating, since that was the only thing wrong with it. WRONG! With animated films, it is always very complicated to try to understand how to write a review on them. The animation in movies that are animated all the way through should at least mean something when you review them. With movies that are animated at only some parts, this opinion should not be used as much, because, more than likely, there is more live-action in the movie than there is animation.

C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" will forever remain one of the most timeless allegories, and stories in fiction, and lessons ever written. It was inevitable that this gem of a story be done for the sake of media, and no better a way to have been done as so in 1979. Featuring the voices of unknowns, this animated version, done by the "Peanuts" gang, put together drawn sequences, and still frames to piece together a wonderfully told version.

The story revolves around young Lucy, who enters the land of Narnia through an old wardrobe at the house of a professor which they are staying at during the war. Naturally, she shows this world to her siblings, exciting and dangerous adventures follow. Great story kids are able to follow but even more fun for older people as well. The story is told to perfection, as most every line is directly from the book, and given in such realism, it is hard to believe you are watching a small television program, and not something more. The action scenes are just right for the kiddies and the exposition scenes are full of enough intellect for adults to boot.

Music score is beautiful, and full of life, like "Narnia." I am an adult and I still love this film, cannot get enough of it. Great especially for film buffs or those like myself who enjoy talking about films to that level.

10/10

This charming animated film is great for stirring up the imaginations in children. I first saw The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was 7 years old, and have loved it ever since. We had it on tape when I was a kid and watched it over and over. But after I grew up a little I forgot about it. Then when I was 17 I read the book for the first time and searched for the animated movie again. It was not only nostalgic to hear the familiar, old dialogues and music and to see my favorite characters again, but I realized how true to the book the cartoon movie really is. I was also old enough to recognize and appreciate the message that the story delivers in such a clever way.

The animation sometimes looks inconsistent (maybe the artists got tired, or took shifts drawing!) but the drawing style is so unique and unforgettable. Some scenes and sounds really are funny, too, if you're paying attention. I really do like the actors' voices, also; they all did a great job. They sound kinda British? The music is really cool, too! I wish the score was available on CD.

I give The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe a 10/10 for originality and overall charm. It's not an obnoxious Disney cartoon. Nor is it a musical with drawn-out songs that take time away from the story.

If you appreciate the Narnia books, you should find a way to see this movie. Though very stylized, it is a solid adaptation of the classic story.

In fact, this movie is only genuinely unfaithful to the book in one (inexplicable!) place: the "Father Christmas" scene is mostly omitted. Maybe they didn't have a clear idea of the look they should go for with him, who knows? At least they cover it well, later in the movie.

Special note must be given to the sound in this film: the voice work (at least in the English version!) is quite good, with the exception of Lucy's crying, which is really, really terrible. And definitely pay attention to the musical score--it is one of the best I've ever heard in an animated film.

If you can find it, give it a watch you won't be disappointed.