DreddMancunian In this age of cgi animation, it might be easy to overlook the 1979 hand-drawn version. But behind its deceptively simple cartoonish style lies the best version of CS Lewis's fantasy tale ever made. For this movie has what the others lack...heart and soul. From the realistic expressions of the children, the wonderful voices of the British cast, and the truly spellbinding music, this is a charming and genuinely moving movie. I remember watching this in 1980 on the BBC, and it still does not disappoint so many years later. Don't be fooled by the way it looks. This is a great film made by the same people who brought you Charlie Brown. A classic. (For collectors, the British voiced version is now available with an updated cover - it came out in 2005 from Optimum Home Entertainment)

starmanovich In the 1979 rendition of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," details normally overlooked by today's movie makers are masterfully transfered to film. C. S. Lewis's intricate dialog is flawlessly adapted with wonderful voice actors and added to greatly by Michael J. Lewis's gorgeous score. At a time before computer effects, The music played a key role in making the story come to life. Unfortunately, the new live action version greatly suffered an unmemorable score. Another advantage of the 1979 is that it, unlike the Disney version isn't another horrible attempt to copy Peter Jackson's rendition of "The Lord of the Rings." This one follows the book, doesn't concede to today's tasteless standards, and has perfectly appropriate music.

sstack-1 While certainly the animation is a little dated, this is a wonderful version of the C.S. Lewis classic. My sister and I watched this over and over as kids on our Betamax, and I recently purchased it on DVD and watched it again with my four-year old. She was mesmerized by the trip to Narnia through the wardrobe and all of the adventures with "dear Mr. Tumnus", the White Witch and Aslan. And I must say that I, too, loved seeing it again for the first time in probably 20 years. The actress and actor who lent their voices to the White Witch and Aslan did a phenomenal job. And the action/battle scenes are intense enough to keep even the most squirmy child (or adult) on the edge of their seat but not so scary as to be unsuitable for young children. This movie has been playing almost non-stop in my house since Christmas Day, and I must say that I have enjoyed every showing. An absolute treasure.

spinelessoaf Many applaud the efforts of the BBC in Narnia, and while they are admirable they do not approach the perfection with this animated classic. Only through animation can the wonder of this story be told. You are not distracted by actors in suits or morphing technology. This film is far more encompassing of Lewis's story and is not hindered by the budget limitations the BBC faced with live action.If only they could have done the complete series!!!