What you DID like about the BBC Movies

[Gymfan15]

We've all been moaning about how much we hate them...now let's talk about the parts we DID like. (And there were parts that were good..lol.)

1) Jadis the White Witch. I think she was cast very well. Plus she was very scary looking. (The new Jadis doesn't come off as 'scary' at first sight).

2) Peter and Edmund. I think they cast these kids pretty well. Edmund..he just looks and acts like a fat, selfish, white (think blond hair and really light skin, lol) pig and it goes perfectly with his character. In subsequent movies he's grown up. And I think Peter did a good job too. He was always what I envisioned Peter to look like.

3) Character interaction amoung the siblings. Even in the worst, cheesy movies ever, you can find parts that actually can touch you, lol. Like the part in the battle when Edmund is wounded by Jardis, and Peter rushes to his side and I 'think' thinks he's dead. Then he gets up with a look you don't see on his face before, and goes after Jardis with an air that says 'you killed my brother, and you're going to pay' type air.

4) Puddleglum..lol. He's funny.

5) Prince Caspian, young and older. Pretty good actor.

So yeah...spit it all out..lol. What did you actually like about the BBC movies?

[waterhogboy]

I completely agree bout White Witch. I thought she was great. Very dramatic - she acted a bit like a theatre actress but I think it was very effective.

I think the effects were good considering their age.

The 'true-to-the-booksness' of them. Nothing added, very little taken away.

In all honesty, the simplicity of them. I fear the Hollywood moviemakers will make it just that - a Hollywood movie, of which I am a little skeptical. A nice homemade simple movie is more my cup o'tea.

And of course - the hilarity of them - they are just incredibly funny cos theyre so bad!

[Sojourner]

I have to say both of you make the points that I would write so i will just agree with all my heart. :)

[Dernhelm]

Oh; and don't forget about the music! :D

I would agree with all you said to...except perhaps the White Witch :-/

[Sojourner]

You are right Dernhelm...I still hum some of the music from the original.

[Wallis]

That they were made!!!! I use the Chronicles of Narnia in my English classes. They help bring to life the words for my Korean students.

Three of the four programs (TV movies) were so close to the book, and the DVD breaks/chapters pretty much followed the chapters.

The actress who played Jadis happens to be one of the few British ladies who is easy on the eyes. :D

I never pictured Lucy as being such a "butterball." I notice that in the new movie, she is a bit on the heavy side (baby fat?) as well. Did I miss something in the books?

[Gymfan15]

That they were made!!!! I use the Chronicles of Narnia in my English classes. They help bring to life the words for my Korean students.

Three of the four programs (TV movies) were so close to the book, and the DVD breaks/chapters pretty much followed the chapters.

The actress who played Jadis happens to be one of the few British ladies who is easy on the eyes. :D

I never pictured Lucy as being such a "butterball." I notice that in the new movie, she is a bit on the heavy side (baby fat?) as well. Did I miss something in the books?
Eh? The girl who plays Lucy in the new movie is NOT fatish...she's a normal little girl. Don't remember any stick figures in the book either...lol

[Little~Lucy]

I liked the BBC LWW... I've read the Narnia Chronicles every summer since I was young (10+ years) and they never get old to me. The BBC LLW, though obvisously was made on a small budget, really isn't that bad if you think about the time that it was made, so on and so forth.

Sorry, I know that there are many people that don't like them (I'm not so sure I like the other 2) but I love the BBC The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe :)

I agree that the White Witch was really good.

[Tarkheena_Finduilas22]

The white witch's crown, was, well, that's the only thing I didn't like about her. I like the new white witch cus she isn't as coated in the make-up department :D

[waterhogboy]

The actress who played Jadis happens to be one of the few British ladies who is easy on the eyes. :D

Oof! Dont let Rosy hear that! She wont be very happy!

I never pictured Lucy as being such a "butterball." I notice that in the new movie, she is a bit on the heavy side (baby fat?) as well. Did I miss something in the books?

Actually - Ive been thinking bout this, In British culture, a kid thats a little podgy is considered more cute - wouldnt you agree Rosy?? I think they may be playing on this. Thinness is considered beautiful, podgyness prettyness. I think Lucy should be pretty, and Susan beautiful.

[Sojourner]

I have to say that The new Jadis scares the bejeebus out of me...no one should be that spooky looking unless of course they are the undead or soon to be. ;)

[Wallis]

Thanks for educating me on the British, guys and gals. We all have our personal preferences, and I wish not to offend. I've just not been turned on by very many British women (chuckle, chuckle), even with my predominately Welsh ancestory!

I've seen that new trailer (long version) on the Internet for the new LWW. Pings an emotional response from the heart, I don't mind admitting. Looks to be very graphic. That's something I believe the British movies were able to capture as well: there is an emotional grab. I mean, even though the original four TV movies can be compared as "old" and "simple" by today's standards, they were/are able to evince an emotional response.

[Kazakhrider]

The things that I liked about the original LWW are numerous :D

Very well cast Professor and Mrs Macready
Honest acting from the four kids (although only Peter looked like Peter ;) )
Lovely music, I have the soundtrack of it
Beautiful opening sequence with the map
Very good period props, locations, sets, and costumes in England
Very good Narnian style props in Narnia
Scary witch, despite the fact that she was OTT
Absolute faithfulness to the books
Very well done stone statues, and their coming back to life
Good Narnian sets, esp. the Beaver house, Tumnus' house, and the Stone Table
Well cast actors for the Beavers
Well cast actor for the Witch's dwarf
The wardrobe was not too plain nor too fancy


The things that really let it down:

It looked shoddy because it was shot on video instead of film.
The animal and creature costumes.
Bad bluescreen effects with flying Aslan and the animated animals.
Sheets on sticks as part of the Witch's army lol

[Tarkheena_Finduilas22]

Ok I'm not beutiful, I'm just pretty.

[waterhogboy]

Ok I'm not beutiful, I'm just pretty.

And from the sounds of it - very modest too :D

[Jene Sai]

Warning may contain sarcasm...

...Jadis is well cast as a tall, slender blonde...In hollywood all the witches are tall, slender blondes:)

-JS

[GrayCloak]

...Jadis is well cast as a tall, slender blonde...In hollywood all the witches are tall, slender blondes:)

That's bigoted! You can't exclude other woman just because of their hair colour! I can think of three actresses off the top of my head who are brunettes. I hope you're more conciderate in your later posts JS. ;) :D

[Jene Sai]

Gray,

I can almost guarentee that those women have been blonde at least briefly in their lives. I know of only a small number of actresses who have not been blonde atleast briefly...

Audrey Hepburn
Sofia Loren
Lucy Liu
Elizabeth Taylor
Catherine Hepburn
Catherine Zeta-Jones

Yeah, I would have to add Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek but are they really actresses?...It seems their appeal doesn't lie with their acting talent.

-JS

[Narnian_Lady]

I grew up on these films....namely The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Silver Chair. Though the productions were low-budget, I adore the fact that the films stayed as true to the books as possible. The acting wasn't too bad...especially in The Silver Chair. I really enjoyed the music and the sets...and Ronald Pickup, the voice of Aslan. I really wish he would reprise his "Aslan" for this new film because I think he is perfect!

The things I didn't like were that the witch seemed to over-act a bit, and they made Prince Caspian a tad shorter, combining it with The Voyage of the Dawn Treader...but other than that, I enjoyed these films very much and plan to buy them.

Does anyone know where I could get a copy of that fourth disk? I don't think it's fair that that disk is only available in the UK. I'd buy the set from there, but they wouldn't play on my dvd player.

Rachel

[GrayCloak]

I completly agree with your comments Narnian Lady, and welcome to the sight, I haven't seen you post before.

Amazon.com might be a good place to look for the dvds if you haven't already.

[Wallis]

I just checked Amazon.com. They do sell The Silver Chair separately. Looks like you can buy it for less than $10.

[Gymfan15]

Thanks for educating me on the British, guys and gals. We all have our personal preferences, and I wish not to offend. I've just not been turned on by very many British women (chuckle, chuckle), even with my predominately Welsh ancestory!

I've seen that new trailer (long version) on the Internet for the new LWW. Pings an emotional response from the heart, I don't mind admitting. Looks to be very graphic. That's something I believe the British movies were able to capture as well: there is an emotional grab. I mean, even though the original four TV movies can be compared as "old" and "simple" by today's standards, they were/are able to evince an emotional response.
Eh? Long version? I thought there was only one out..or is there two. *confused*

[Narnian_Lady]

I completly agree with your comments Narnian Lady, and welcome to the sight, I haven't seen you post before.

Thanks! I just joined a day ago. :) The extra dvd I refer to is a ducumentary dvd on CoN with a special reunion of the BBC cast. This seems to be only offered in the UK...and it wouldn't play on my dvd.

I do intend to buy the set one day...probably when this extra dvd is offered. I own LWW and SC on vhs.

BTW, thanks for the welcome. :)

Rachel

[Tarkheena_Finduilas22]

yeah! newbee! Anyways, that DVD set sounds cool. I want that!

[Narnian_Lady]

yeah! newbee! Anyways, that DVD set sounds cool. I want that!

Yeah...maybe we should start a petition for it to be available in the United States. :)

Rachel

[Tarkheena_Finduilas22]

Sign my name! grace marie. Who else is on the list? :D

[waterhogboy]

Hey - Narnian Lady - its be awesome if you could get the 4th disk - its really good!! The cast reunion is great!

[Narnian_Lady]

You're lucky!

[Tirian]

The thing I liked most about the BBC movies, were the sets and scenes. Especially, the winter scenes in LWW. They always seemed to relax me, like the scenes at Mr. Tumnus' & the Beaver's homes, (they always looked so warm & cozy, which is how I like spending my winters.) That along with the soundtrack, always made me want to come back for more viewings. Also, I thought the series got better, as it went further along. Especially, the acting.

I like each separate movie for different reasons.

[Wallis]

The reason I put down "longer" version is because this site offered both the "longer" version and a "shorter" vision. Check it out: Narnia Trailer (http://movies.channel.aol.com/franchise/exclusives/chronicles_of_narnia_movie)

I am unabashed to same that I am emotionally moved each time I see this trailer.

[QueenLizofNarnia]

I love the BBC The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe :)

I agree that the White Witch was really good.


I love the live action BBC version of Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe! PBS used to air it once in awhile and I'd always try to watch it. Then I borrowed it from the library and watched it for the first time in years back in 1998. And finally, when my dad and I went to Sam's club 5 years ago, I found the movie on VHS. Now I hope to get it on dvd (its a hassle switching video tapes).

I can't wait for this new version!


The only thing I didn't like about the BBC version was the way Lucy talked, which was very impulsively.

[holyboy]

I have the BBC LLW on DVD, and I have to say the picture is a lot better. I really liked the change from my VHS.

I liked the character they chose for Peter in the BBC version. When I saw the trailer, I was hoping for the actor who played Peter to be like the actor from the BBC version. I was disapointed when it wasn't, and I still am. Oh well, can't have everything.

[Kazakhrider]

I think I was hoping that he'd be like the BBC Peter as well ;)

[borntofly]

I know...Peter was the awesomest. He was the only one of the childeren that I liked in the BBC movies, and I'm not sure I can picture William Mosely as Peter. Although the older Peter in the new movie is rather handsome :D

[Jene Sai]

Borntofly...
...Peter should be dashing, but not a womanizer....kind of a mix between Cary Grant and William Wallace...
...But you are right, older Peter is "rather dashing" (I have talked to several NarniaFans who agree).

-JS

[Dufflepud]

I disagree Peter was cast way too young. The other kids were ok. I willia, moseley as Peter either. The older Peter is hot! They dont look like each other though.

I like Aslan's voice, most of the time. The young Prince Caspian was crappy. The older one was a good actor (and good looking).

Puddlegum was great! By far the best portrayed charater.Jill and Eustace were good too.

[Naiad]

I grew up on these films....namely The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Silver Chair. Though the productions were low-budget, I adore the fact that the films stayed as true to the books as possible.


I completely agree! I, as well, grew up on the movies, and I remember how magical and happy they were to me. They represent all the happiness of my childhood.

haha, aside from all the nostalgia, I agree with many of you on the casting of Peter and the witch. I also liked how Edmund seemed to grow with the story; his countenance completely changed from the whiny brat everyone wanted to smack into a more noble one, which I enjoyed.

[NarniaMilk]

Actually, I think they did add bits - nothing that took away from the story, but I don't recall Eustace placating a dragon in The Silver Chair book.

The videos are on almost constantly in our house, my 4 year old loves them. I think the acting in The Silver Chair was very good - Jill and Puddleglum especially.
Lucy is just really, really annoying, particularly when they children are making their way to the stone table and she keeps whining.
I actually thought Aslan was really quite good as well. I remember Blue Peter had the puppet and the people that made it on, when they first did the production, and they revealed that they'd used old furry car-seat covers to make him. Yep, when he moves, he looks like a pantomime donkey, but when he's standing still, he's still reasonably convincing. Besides, knowing what he's made of gives me a sneaking affection for him, cos I loved the old furry car seat covers...

Libbie

[waterhogboy]

Actually, I think they did add bits - nothing that took away from the story, but I don't recall Eustace placating a dragon in The Silver Chair book.

The videos are on almost constantly in our house, my 4 year old loves them. I think the acting in The Silver Chair was very good - Jill and Puddleglum especially.
Lucy is just really, really annoying, particularly when they children are making their way to the stone table and she keeps whining.
I actually thought Aslan was really quite good as well. I remember Blue Peter had the puppet and the people that made it on, when they first did the production, and they revealed that they'd used old furry car-seat covers to make him. Yep, when he moves, he looks like a pantomime donkey, but when he's standing still, he's still reasonably convincing. Besides, knowing what he's made of gives me a sneaking affection for him, cos I loved the old furry car seat covers...

Libbie

LOL!!! Yeh, on the extras for the DVD boxset Ive got it shows that episode of Blue Peter! It showed the two people inside him aswell. I'm glad someone actually thinks Aslan was good - most people say he was terrible - but for the late 80's I think they did remarkably well!!!

[inked]

They were wonderful, fabulous, terrific! I enjoyed and enjoy everything about them. BBC did a tremendous job! Aslan was way cool!

Haven't I said all this before? :p

[flora]

Actually, I`m surprised that so many people don`t like the movie. I have always adored them, and like some poeple here, grew up on them. I`ll never forget the magic they brought to my home and the excitement that the introduction with this beautiful music and maps evoked. I have always loved BBC adaptations of literature as they are true to the books and do not go for flashy special effects. All BBC productions are also characterized by certain British feel and atmosphere, which I`m afraid would be difficult to retain in the new production. Although I`m certainly curious about it, I`m not sure that I`m gonna like it. The "sneak peaks" into the production made me doubtful whether they do not put too much emphasis on special effects, monsters (some of them I don`t recall from the books) etc. If only the movie proved to be as good as PoA (HP3) that would be enough ... if not, I have the my BBC dvd to cheer me up :D

[she-elfwarrior19]

i watch only VDT and i got kinda scared of em, thats when i watched them when i was smaller and i hadnt read all of the CON at that time,i didnt really enjoy any of it really :(

[Tarkheena_Finduilas22]

I watched VOTDT when I was like 8 or 9 and I thought it was boring and I barely remember any of it!

[nejofsherwood]

I must have watched those hundreds of times growing up! I loved them; and I liked the music too, like others have mentioned. I tend to laugh when I watch them now. I just look forward to new ones. I hope they can even outdo TLotR.

[waterhogboy]

Hey nej, looks like youre an oldie before my time thats returned! Welcome back!!!

[nejofsherwood]

Why, thank you, waterhogboy! I’m going to check out your xanga.

[waterhogboy]

Why, thank you, waterhogboy! I’m going to check out your xanga.

LOL! I think you'll be one of the first to do so! :D jk

[LadyEm]

There's a topic that talks about the animated version being nostalgic...but these movies make me nostalgic! We watched them over and over and over again as kids, and I love them for that.
They might not be the best ever made, but as children they were so great! Without an adult's critical view, they were simply enjoyable.
I loved the actors they chose for Peter and Edmund - they were great and so was the white witch. That is always how I picture the witch until this day...Susan and Lucy? Well, the new Lucy is more how I picture lucy than the old one, by far...that definately was never nostaligc, and I am not so sure if Susan actually had blonde hair.
Did she?
I still adore the music, and I'd still say these were classics, just because I thought they were when I was little.
We used to rent them from the librairy and were *so* excited to go home and watch them.

[waterhogboy]

Fair Lady Em - what you've said is beautiful. I shall hire you as my spokesperson for spreading the greatness that is the BBC versions.

I love 'em too!!! Not many people on this site know that too.... :D

[LadyEm]

Fair Lady Em - what you've said is beautiful. I shall hire you as my spokesperson for spreading the greatness that is the BBC versions.

I love 'em too!!! Not many people on this site know that too.... :D

Why thankyou kind sir, I would be honored to be your spokesperson...and spread the love! BBC rocks. :p ;) :D

[Sam]

Mmm, it rocks indeed. Actually, I loved the BBC versions and have all my old videos (although I defy anyone to deny that Lucy is pretty irritating). I was thinking too, that the voice of Aslan is absolutely great. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a sporadic dose of Liam Neeson- but as the voice of Aslan? I wish the new film makers had gone and searched out the old guy. That would have been cool.

[Aslan the Wise one]

I lovd the BBC moives when i was a litte lad and stall to day i wich them.

[Inklet]

I am not so sure if Susan actually had blonde hair.
Did she?

Nah. Black hair.

I'm glad to hear good memories of these movies. Years ago, I came across the VDT movie on PBS about five minutes before the end and never saw any more. I had forgotten all about them and then heard nothing but pans. Just added LWW to Netflix!

I remember the animated LWW from so long ago. Did they make more in that series?

[Elendil]

sword

The one I liked best was the Silver Chair, Jill and Eustace were quiet good, and Puddleglum was great!

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, than no sacrifice can be to great for me to make for him.
C.T. Studd

[Elendil]

The one I liked best was the Silver Chair, Jill and Eustace were quiet good, and Puddleglum was great!
And how on earth do you get pitures? :confused:

If Jesus Christ be God, and died for me then no sacrifice can be to great for me to make for him.

[LadyEm]

Puddleglum has to be one of the most memorable characters ever! I love Puddleglum.
Interesting fact: one of my relatives who lives in Cheltenham's nicknames is Puddleglum. Weird, huh?

[Elendil]

Puddleglum, eh? Is he/she like him?

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be to great for me to make for him.

[Lionheart]

The series was the door into Narnia for me. It's what inspired me to start reading the books. Personally, I love it, and find it charming. :)

So what if the effects are outdated, or Lucy's and Susan's hair colors were swapped?

I love the music theme, I love all the Pevensies, especially Edmund and Lucy, I love Eustace and prince Caspian and of course Puddleglum. No, the actors and actresses aren't THAT professional, but they convinced me as a child, and that's all I need :).

I'm actually more skeptical about the new movies - how are the performances of Lucy and Edmund going to be? Peter I'm not worried about - he's proud and steadfast, yet humble in Aslan's presence - not too hard to portray I should think. I never really liked Susan all that much (especially after I read The Last Battle, where it says she started thinking that it had all been a fantasy), so I'm not too worried about her either, hehe.

I think they have a brilliant voicing for Aslan in the series. He's solemn and mighty, yet kind and mild - Just like Jesus :).

[Lionheart]

I think the woman playing Jadis, the witch in PC and the Green Lady in TSC has also done a terrific job, and she terrified me when I was a kid. Now I laugh a little bit at her when I watch the series, because sometimes she just seems completely insane - like the "Edmund has come to the castle"-scene and he demands more Turkish delight, she roars so fiercely lol and then she turns around, grinning falsely "Turkish delight... for the little Prince...?", turns around again and frowns lol. I think that's a great scene.

Not to mention when Edmund says Aslan's come to Narnia "WHAAATTT!!!?? He HAS NOT been here... He CANNOT have been here... say you are lying, and you shall - even now - be forgiven..." lol. That whole scene just became hilarious when I realized how much Jadis seems like a severe mental case in it. :)

I think my favorite scenes of all the BBC-series were Aslan's scenes, and I'll pick one or two from each series hehe:

LWW: When the Pevensies first enter Aslan's camp at the Stone Table. Anticipation has been built up so thoroughly, and now Lucy almost feels like she knows him and goes - in a whispering, admiring voice and a huge smile: "...ASLAN...!" And he just purrs in return :).

PC/VDT: 1: When Eustace is trying to get rid of his dragon skin and here comes the dear gospel and Aslan says: "...I... must do it for you." It's the complete gospel in one sentence! Jesus has done it for us! What has He done? Everything - lived the life we should've lived in our place and paid the penalty for our sins on the cross - AND risen from the dead so we can have His righteousness to hide within.

2: When Reepicheep has gone to Aslan's Country and Lucy, Edmund and Eustace are walking along the shore and they find the Lamb. They ask him "Please - is this the way into Aslan's Country?" The Lamb replies: "Not for you... For you, the door into Aslan's Country is from your own world." And this is where BBC has omitted that the children need to learn to know Aslan by his earthly, real name in order to get to know him. That's when I just go - being really eager: "Yes!!! It's Jesus!! And I know Him!!! :D"

The Silver Chair - well, I like the scene where Jill meets Aslan for the first time and he says "If you're thirsty - come and drink!" And she really doesn't trust him yet - but then she has no choice. :)

[eeyorebrat]

I loved these when I was little(still do too). I always loved the beavers, Aslan, the children, and the White Witch.

I grew up watching LWW, it wasn't till I was around 10 or 12 we bought PC, VDT, and SC, but I loved them just as much as when I was little.

[pegasus62]

I agree with a lot of you-the BBC version did have it's good parts, but then again the new movie will most likely make it look horrible in comparision-however, I do like Prince Caspian, and Eustace was good, too. :)

[she-elfwarrior19]

i coudltn stand the eustace they got.

[Lionheart]

until he changed. that's what made him a great young actor :)

[she-elfwarrior19]

ya i guess, but i was young when i saw that one and wasnt very familiar with the other narnia books, so i didnt finish the movie, i wasnt to interested then.

[waterhogboy]

I loved the Eustace from the BBC versions, and whats really strange is there's a lookielike kid on BBC at the moment who they could use for Eustace when it gets to VotDT!!! :eek:

[she-elfwarrior19]

I loved the older caspian they had in VDT, he was cute, well i saw him like ages ago, so i dont remember him very well, i but i knew he looked like Caspian.

[Jewel of Narnia]

I decided to buy and watch these movies because I wanted to see how bad they were, and to my surprise I actually enjoyed them! True, they don't have the best graphics and I didn't really picture the Pevensies looking like they did, but overall they stayed true to the books and had the Narnian charm. Bravo!

[Gondor Knight of Narnia]

i haven't actually SEEN the movies, but i enjoyed the pic of the flying aslan on the front of the dvd case :)

[she-elfwarrior19]

My sister bought me the LWW bc version, one day and its funny b/c i watched the preview they made for it ( the one with the lotr music in it ) and after i watched the prview she came home and gave me it as a gift. So we watched it together, and the music is pretty good.

[Gondor Knight of Narnia]

cool! :D sounds like fun :)

[she-elfwarrior19]

oh it is.
Today i rented the bbc version of PC and loved it, now all i have left to see is the silver chair bbc version, i think im falling in love wioth peter from PC...lol here i go again swooning, but he and edmund(the actors) in PC seem so grown up, i remember when the actors in LWW were opretty young, but Peter and edmund in PC( the actors i mean) have deeper voices......i love it!!!

[Eve's_young_lady]

I find the BBC eversion, well done.. I also agree the white witch gave me the creeps. The creatchers of the woods were well drawn (animated) and the kids were just wonderfl.

[CloakedShadow]

I have to say that, those movies scared me..................*shudders*

but I liked, honestly, how Aslan looked... ^^

[Aslan the Wise one]

I love the old Narnia moives when i was little i wiched them all them LOL I stell do...

[Son of Aslan]

I just recently bought them and started a thread about the old TV movies here (http://cslewis.drzeus.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3411) in Into the Wardrobe. My opinions are all posted in there.

[Narnian_Lady]

Mmm, it rocks indeed. Actually, I loved the BBC versions and have all my old videos (although I defy anyone to deny that Lucy is pretty irritating). I was thinking too, that the voice of Aslan is absolutely great. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a sporadic dose of Liam Neeson- but as the voice of Aslan? I wish the new film makers had gone and searched out the old guy. That would have been cool.

I entirely agree! I really loved Ronald Pickup's voice in the old series and am not too keen for Liam Neeson as Aslan, but we shall see. Maybe he'll alter his voice a bit....

Rachel

[she-elfwarrior19]

hey welcome to the site narnianlady, coool avvie too!

I still have yet to see The Silver Chair, in bbc version
I hated the voice they had for Aslan in the bbc's version.:D

[Narnian_Lady]

Thanks, she-elf. I got it from the NarniaWeb forum...made by Smooshley...tried to give credit to Smooshley in my signature, but I can't get it to work.

[Starbuck]

'Barbara Kellermen' the actress who also portrayed 'The Green Lady' in 'The Silver Chair' which cemented the possibilty that they might've been one in the same. Combined with decent makeup and an awesome wardrobe gave a true 'Darth Vaderish' intimidation level to the low budget but memorable feature. She also gave me nightmares when I was little.

[Starbuck]

I'd like to add that Barbara Kellerman as the 'White Witch' wasen't just scary she was TERRIFYING!!!:eek: and was just as intimidating as 'Darth Vader'. In that one scene when she visits Aslan's Camp her character thanks to her make-up and wardrobe literally looked out of place as if she was winter's symbol of cold death in such warm living scenery, no wonder the animals hated her.

[Saruman]

Barbara Kellerman was an excellent White Witch (and Green Lady to boot). She had the perfect features to make her beautiful and yet ice-cold, like grim death (perhaps Palpatine's female counterpart). Kudos to Kellerman.

[waterhogboy]

I agree - even her terrible over-acting fitted!!

[Saruman]

She did turn out to be a little too "forceful," if you will, but it befitted a witch at any rate. She did a wonderful job as the Green Lady, too. Marvelous acting.

[Queen Swanwhite]

I think the Witch was a bit scary when you watch it when you were young. :p It might be a different matter if you were, let's say, grown up. :p :D

[Meredith]

I loved Reepicheep. I haven't seen the Wonderworks films in years, but I will never forget his description of going over the edge of the world and falling down as the "ultimate adventure." :)

[ArrowsOfSilver]

totally! the Wonderworks movies got me hooked on the book, and my fascination, obsession, passion, whatever you want to call it, began. I have watched those movies since i was three, and i love them!

[she-elfwarrior19]

totally! the Wonderworks movies got me hooked on the book, and my fascination, obsession, passion, whatever you want to call it, began. I have watched those movies since i was three, and i love them!
Welcome Silverarrows. :)

I only started seeing them like this year, i saw alittle of VDT when i was young but didnt like it, b/c yeah. But ive seen them all this year( except SC) and have enjoyed them. I think i didnt like VDT when i was younger was b/c i didnt know what it was or what it was about, so i was unfamiliar about it, my mom rented them b/c they were the other CON movie ones, b/c she knew i like LWW. :o

[she-elfwarrior19]

Heres a pic from BBC

[Ite]

So Aslan from the BBC was a puppet or man in suit?

[Queen Swanwhite]

Yeah!!! Weird isn't it???

[she-elfwarrior19]

I got the dvd boxset for C-mas i havent finished watching The Silver chair yet, but i like it its well donw like the others.

[stronger_WM]

Yeah I've only seen The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe for the BBC movies, but i hope to see all the other ones as well.

Does anyone have a preference in the BBC movies, like which ones better or which one is their personal favorite?

[Eustace Scrubb]

What did I like about the BBC television series? What DIDN'T I like??

I'm one of those people who has grown up watching these shows as far back as I can remember. To me, if I can't hear the Narnia theme tune at the beginning, with the map and Aslan's face, then it's just not visualised Narnia to me.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is, of course, the classic as it's the first. I loved it when I was little, and I loved the four Pevensie children. I can't see what was annoying about Lucy though... sure, she whined occassionally and had buck teeth, but she was a great little actor, and in actual fact, I don't believe she was any worse-molared or homely than the big-screen adaption Lucy. Peter was perfect as well... pompous, unselfish and protective of his younger siblings. Very Peter-like. Susan I found to be a little one-dimensional, but only because that's how she was - gentle and lovely, but not especially brave or strong. I like Sophie Cook's apperance as well... in my opinion, she looked like Susan, even if she had the wrong hair colour. Edmund is a little favourite of mine, such a complicated, selfish and bitter little boy. Jonathon Scott played him well, and he looked the way I think Edmund should... very British, almost choir-boy in his appearance, but not obviously traitorous (like I believe they've done by choosing this Skander kid - dark looks, dark personality, anyone?). He was so spiteful and jealous, just perfect :).

Ok, now for the baddies. I didn't actually find the White Witch very scary, even when I was little. Sure, Barbara Kellerman over-acted a bit at times, but I think the character called for it. She wasn't quietly evil, she was loud and almost flamboyant, which appealed to kids if no one else. What really scared me (even now ;)) were her Secret Police werewolves! Maugrim - he was very scary. Forget Lupin's CGI werewolf in PoA, even in a fur body suit Maugrim was far more imposing. His nose was frightful - sniffing around in the dark Beaver's hut for the scent of blood, his voice, and the way he transformed was primitive in the CG dept, but frightening nevertheless. Nightmares abound as a child for me...

Aslan was so NOT done badly! Why do people think he was? Ok, so he walked a little stiffly and was obviously a slow-mover because he was a puppet, but at least he looked like a convincing lion. I loved his voice - beautiful. So commanding and gentle, yet powerful and God-like. I know his mouth didn't move in time with his words, but how the hell can a puppet's mouth keep up with spoken words, or even move around in the right ways that speaking words requires? He had a lion's mouth, not a human's. It would have looked ridiculous!

My other favourite BBC adaption was Voyage of the Dawn Treader. It was just so well done, on the ocean. And ****, King Caspian was a bit of alright too, if I may be so bold as to say. I had a massive crush on him way back when. Sam West was a serious spunk rat. They had better get someone hot with sexy blonde curls in the latest films or I don't think I'll bother watching them. My favourite part of VotDT was probably the island where Eustace turned into a dragon - the spiritual ending to his little moral (and physical, obviously) journey when Aslan appeared and helped him rake off his scales and turn human again was exquisite. Eustace's attitude changed from then on, yet while he was a much nicer kid, I still loved his snotty, bad-tempered attitude in the first half. It was quite funny, and as you can see, I'm a fan of good ol' Scrubb.

Whew... this is a long post aye? I have a lot to say on my beloved BBC adaption... but I'll leave it at that for the time being!

[LowKing_Skandar]

well i used to like peter but i was like 7 so yeah, now i just think they made a good effort!!!

[mrstumnus99]

Yeah They did the best they could!!

[she-elfwarrior19]

I think they did very well portraying the books:). And they did good with props and what not for back then when they made those movies, what was it like 1980 or something around there?:):)

[mrstumnus99]

yeah...1988-1990

[sk8ergirl]

who plays Prince Caspain Gymfan15

[marshwiggle@1216]

i liked the new LLW more then the old one, however, the older one was truer to the book. and in the silver chair puddleglum was so funny, especially in the beginning. the faces he made were funny it was hard not to laugh. I also think the owls were done perfectly, that is how i would picture them to be :)

[marshwiggle@1216]

Yeah I've only seen The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe for the BBC movies, but i hope to see all the other ones as well.

Does anyone have a preference in the BBC movies, like which ones better or which one is their personal favorite?
the silver chair......DEFINITLY!

[she-elfwarrior19]

I think my fave might have to be Prince Caspian out of the BBC's movies, i mean LWW is my fave book but for BBC movies PC was the funnest one done.

[william~moseley~luver042]

well i havent seen the bbc version but i saw the lion the witch and the wardrobe! and it was absolutely mind blowing with adventure and hottness!! i couldnt believe how believable and real it turned out to be! i have read the book so many times that i almost know every word! i immediately fell in love with it! and one is saw the movie...i fell even deep in love with it! it was absolutely unbelievable! it was a stunning picture and i give it 5 golden stars! the actors/ress were chose very well (no doubt) and i just couldnt believe how much it was like the book! yes there were a few bits and pieces missing but it was such a wonderful movie! i have seen it 5 times and it was worth every single penny!! i absolutely loved it!! and william moseley was awesome in the movie too! he was great! *Two thumbs up*

[will_moseley_fan_7]

I'm sorry if this seems rude or whatever, but I really thought they should not have attempted the movie with the technology of that time knowing CS Lewis was afraid of movies being made and messing uo everything. Personally, I think he really should have worried. The thing I liked best was you could fast forward through it. It also gave me excellent footage for a 'suckumentary' shall we say?

Again I am sorry if I insulted you with my opinion. But hey, I do live in a free country.

[Queen Swanwhite]

[QUOTE=Eustace Scrubb] What really scared me (even now ;)) were her Secret Police werewolves! Maugrim - he was very scary. Forget Lupin's CGI werewolf in PoA, even in a fur body suit Maugrim was far more imposing. His nose was frightful - sniffing around in the dark Beaver's hut for the scent of blood, his voice, and the way he transformed was primitive in the CG dept, but frightening nevertheless. Nightmares abound as a child for me...[QUOTE]

Yes! I have always had nightmares about Maugrim! He has soo scary when he was is beaversdam and he went "No tracks, but the scent is cold!" His nose was running when he looked for the beavers and co. It was so scary! **shivers**

[marshwiggle@1216]

I'm sorry if this seems rude or whatever, but I really thought they should not have attempted the movie with the technology of that time knowing CS Lewis was afraid of movies being made and messing uo everything. Personally, I think he really should have worried. The thing I liked best was you could fast forward through it. It also gave me excellent footage for a 'suckumentary' shall we say?

Again I am sorry if I insulted you with my opinion. But hey, I do live in a free country.

suckumentary! suckumentary? is that really honestly nessicary!!lewis shouldn't have worried at all, it was worth watching, an opinion like that seems kind of harsh and crule don't you think? and whats the deal with will mosely anyway he doesn't even have any PECS!!!!!

[QUOTE=Eustace Scrubb] What really scared me (even now ;)) were her Secret Police werewolves! Maugrim - he was very scary. Forget Lupin's CGI werewolf in PoA, even in a fur body suit Maugrim was far more imposing. His nose was frightful - sniffing around in the dark Beaver's hut for the scent of blood, his voice, and the way he transformed was primitive in the CG dept, but frightening nevertheless. Nightmares abound as a child for me...[QUOTE]

Yes! I have always had nightmares about Maugrim! He has soo scary when he was is beaversdam and he went "No tracks, but the scent is cold!" His nose was running when he looked for the beavers and co. It was so scary! **shivers**

eeeeeewwwww his NOSE was RUNNING how gross, that doesn't scare me it reminds me of this dude my family and i saw at the 2001 thanksgiving parade with a frozen string of snot hanging down his face *shivers* ooooh so nasty! :eek:

[Holly]

i totally agree with swanwhite, i was SO scared when i was little of the warewolves that i used to call my parents in... like the bit in bbc prince c when the white witch and the wolf turn up in the cave, omg how scary is that when ur eight!!
and the music was way better in the bbc ones than the film and there was way more detail and mystery i thought.

[cuzsis]

First off, I liked the BBC videos. I'm not saying their going to win any awards, but they were fun. And that's all I ask for really. (I usually vehmently disagree with the critics anyway...)

-White Witch, theatrical, tall, and looks strong. I can honestly believe her tearing a lampost arm off and flattening a police man with it, even if we never saw it. Believe it or not, her make up was more true to the book than the recent one (white as salt...and all that) Tho this WW was good too. She had a colder streak in her. heh.

-Aslan, voice was great (I liked Liem Neesons job too! I wish some of the writing had run more towards the books, but I understand why the changed much of it. Different cultures and generations and all that...)

-Aslan puppet. Yes I liked the puppet, I thought it was very well done for the time. It gave me many warm fuzzy feelings...still does actually.

-Theme, makes me wish I had a french horn so I could play it myself...also wish it was longer!!! Sniff.

-Sea serpent...scary! Geeze!

-That they were made! I also had them on tape for my walkman and stuff. I liked hearing the many different ways you can read it.

[SakuraJapan66]

The bbc one follows the right storyline with lucy going in the wardrobe while they eplored the houes like it says in the book when the new movie she goes in in a game of hide and seek so i have to say bbc but i was disapponted that they had cartoons but it was in 1988.I have it on dvd and aslan is sooo fake u can see the thing thets moving him and no lucy is not meant to be fat u can see a pic in the book.

[straitjackit]

Heh heh heh... I loved the BBC versions: I've got the box set of them, and the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on right now, when the kids are at the Beavers! I love the BBC LWW more than the film, to be honest - it was no where near as rushed, and Jonathan Scott was such a BRAT, it was hilarious. No offence to Georgie, but Sophie as Lucy was better, as she was just a better actor. Georgie looked the part though. :p But the BBC versions were awesome: so what if the graphics suck compared to now? So do the graphics in Star Wars, but you don't see a lot of those fans complaining. They captured the imagination. And the outtakes are funny. *pictures Aslan with waterbottle, Jonathan (Ed) eating too much Turkish Delight to talk, etc*

Right, I'm off to make an avatar of Jonathan. Um, did I mention that Edmund is my favourite character in all versions of the tales?

Jadis was freaking scary, if not funny at the same time, I agree wth that. And the Maugrim thing too. I also like how they did the conscience (nope, can't spell it) thing with Edmund - it's so BBC!!

[Danny Darnia]

I only seen Prince Caspian and VODT. The Dragon is pathetic (if I compared with the Hongarian Horntail of HP :D ).I've give 6.5 for the whole Narnia movie of BBC

[~JadisTheWhiteWitch~]

I never got to see any of the BBC how were they?

[♥AslansForgivenDaughter♥]

I never got to see any of the BBC how were they?


heh, the only BBC I've seen is LWW, and I think it's pretty good and can be really touching ,if you can get beyond the encredibly bad graphics and cheesyness and really concentrate on the story line :) (heh, my mom doesn't really care for the BBC vertion that much....but I liked it pretty well....I thought Aslan was cute although he's much more amazingly wonderful and buetiful in the new movie ^.^)

[~JadisTheWhiteWitch~]

what I have heard from one's that seen the BBC that my favorite char was scarer and colder

[♥AslansForgivenDaughter♥]

what I have heard from one's that seen the BBC that my favorite char was scarer and colder

heh, yeah, she was a lot more scarier and colder then she was in the new movie...(heh, to me in both movies the Stone Table scene is where she seemed the scariest and the coldnest....) in the new one she seemed to be a lot more calmer then in the old one

[~JadisTheWhiteWitch~]

heh, yeah, she was a lot more scarier and colder then she was in the new movie...(heh, to me in both movies the Stone Table scene is where she seemed the scariest and the coldnest....) in the new one she seemed to be a lot more calmer then in the old one
oh ok I see

[Tsukiko]

ok sorry to get off of the thread topic...but what is BBC??

[waterhogboy]

BBC stands for British Broadcasting Company. Its basically the main channel on British Television.

The White Witch in the BBC was awesome. She was a proper stage actress - WONDERFUL!!!! :D

[Gondorgirl]

I don't want to get into an argument but she was horrid compared to the new one.
but that might be just me.
pretty much the only part I liked about it was the music.
I can't find anything else good except for Puddleglum. that's it! nothing else.

(but this could just be me thinking like this.)

[Gondorgirl]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhggghh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

Lucy was FAT!!! she was not a good actress either!!