Hi. I have failed to find any reviews for the 90's version of the Secret Garden. Could someone please tell me if this is a good title, with such important stuff like transfer, and extras. thanks!

If you're still interested in a review plus special features, etc., let me know. I'll post it tonight when I get home, if I hear from you.

Modfather

Hey modfather,

Even if Mikey isn't, I am.

Post the review, I might want to buy this disc. I liked the movie. But don't know how good the disc is.

Thanks.

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-David

I would love to see a post of your review!!!!!!! It seems to be quite difficult to find a review for this disk anywhere! I can only speculate why... but I would love to hear about the disk. thanks!

I purchased this DVD during one of the great "sales" at 800.com or BigStar. First of all let me say that the movie itself is a B+ title. It is not well known, but the story and script are good and consistent all the way through.
As far as the DVD goes . . . Video transfer is A-, Audio B+, Extras B. There are actually some production notes and biographies on the disk. I've only watched it once and that was a while ago. If you are familiar with the film and like it, you will be pleased with the DVD. Hope that is of some help.

Thanks for your review! The film was directed by the wonderful, European director who made such films as Olivier, Olivier and Europa, Europa. I think that this film received great film reviews upon its original showing, but because it lacked the special effects or excitement of other cheaply made children's films, it didn't fare too well at the box office. Oh well... now I can go get the DVD. : )

I saw this movie at my local art house movie theater when I was in grad school back in '94. The theater was absolutely packed. I don't think there was an empty seat in the place. And for the life of me, I don't remember any children in the audience. The audience I'd say had an average age of 25 or so. At the end of the movie, the audience applauded for almost two minutes straight. The vast majority of the audience was visibly moved in an emotional way. In my opinion, this movie isn't for children. It's for persons of all ages. I highly recommend it. I picked up the DVD at BigStar using those $10/no minimum coupons back before they raised their prices, and I'm glad I did.

It seems to be a rarity these years where we come upon a children's film that was made for children but actually has a significantly higher appeal to adults. The Secret Gardnen, as is the Little Princess, or a few select others, all have similarities which make them secretly made for adults, but are "hidden" because they revolve around the lives of children. These films don't strive to impress us by cheap gimmics such as having kids appear to be smarter than their parents, nor do they resort to body humor jokes, such as food fights of "bowling balls tossed on the head."
Films like the Secret Garden speak out to adults because the children in the film deal with adult issues and other important issues, which in turn, makes the material on the screen seem more magical. I only wish that Hollywood would make more quality childrens' films such as the Secret Garden, rather than another Home Alone clone.

Sorry I missed getting back on this topic, but as you can tell, it's a well-loved film by kids and adults and absolutely worth the purchase. The only problem is the lack of real extras, but the transfer is beautiful and sound is great. If you like this movie, I also recommend:

A Little Princess (1995)
Madeline
Matilda
Fairy Tale (A True Story) - not on DVD yet
Emma
Sense & Sensibility

S&S may be a bit too boring for kids, but my 5, 8 & 10 year old daughters love all of the rest...