Product Description This multi-million dollar television adaptation of the classic Jonathan Swift allegory was first transmitted on television over the Easter weekend in 1996 and drew critical acclaim and massive audiences. The story follows the adventures of Dr Lemuel Gulliver (Ted Danson) as he discovers strange and wonderful new lands after a shipwreck. He visits Lilliput, where he is a giant, Laputa where he is tiny, a flying island and a land of talking horses and yahoos. His recounting of his journey is interwoven with his fight to escape an asylum where no-one believes his tales. An all star cast and top production values attempt to faithfully translate the essence of the book, while featuring all of the islands that Gulliver visited in the original text (something usually ignored in adaptations). From .co.uk Ebulliently imaginative and far more cleverly presented than you would expect from a TV miniseries, this adaptation of Gulliver's Travels succeeds by never pandering to the lowest common denominator. Closely based on Jonathan Swift's 1726 classic, it is enhanced by dazzling special effects from Jim Henson Productions and a superb, multi-ethnic cast. The biggest surprise is Ted Danson in the title role--one of his best performances, even if he is the only person in England with an American accent. He conveys amusement, amazement and intelligence as he travels from one strange country into another. Not that anyone back in Blighty believes Mr Gulliver's tales of little people or giants. The story is told in flashback from an insane asylum, where he is forcibly confined. This far outshines several previous adaptations of Swift's satirical novel. --Rochelle O'Gorman, .com
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From the Back Cover This spectacular adaptation of Gulliver's Travels stars multiple Emmy Award winner Ted Danson. He heads a magnificent star-studded cast including, Mary Steenburgen, James Fox, Geraldine Chaplin, Omar Sherif, Edward Woodward, Peter O'Toole and Nicholas Lyndhurst.Jonathan Swift's timeless classic is here, brought to the screen in its entirety in this lavish production. When shown in the U.S. it attracted a record breaking 56 million viewers and was hailed as the television event of the decade. With cutting-edge visuall effects to rival any Hollywood blockbuster; coupled with stunning Portuguese and English locations, Swift's classic is brought to life as never before. See more
Reviews
4.5
All from verified purchases
A**E
Best version in 300 odd years!
I recently decided to view 3 versions of this Story- the 1936 animation (which is faded, very slow and redirects the story towards a lilliputian Love affair... and misses the giants out completely.(1 star)-the 1972 RIchard Harris mixed animation /Live version which is also slow and faded- and is perhaps a 2 star job... stopping before the giants of chapter 2- AND this star-name packed TV serial spectacular from C4 in the 90's or new millenium.This 3 or 4 hour attempt to cover Swift's entire book and some is the one to see. The writers have even attempted to interweave their own extra dimension where Lemuel has returned home like Odysseus to find another suitor moving in on his long-abandoned wife- and the evil suitor manipulating to have him incarcerated as a lunatic for his traveller's tales. It is very well written and acted... perhaps better by some actors than others - and a full-on production with every forgotten chapter and expensive special effects fit for it's time. Some sections seemed to lack a little dramatic tension that you may expect, the editing was a tad confusing at times... but then again - the mind of the protagonist was also...It certainly makes you wonder why they bothered to re-do this True classic with Jack Black in a recent decade and ruin it.Oddly, I have some vague memories of an even more visually sumptuous TV version that I thought that I once saw- with the King sat at the table tapping his small end of the egg and fuming at a guest who chose the big end... which I cannot locate?The actual book has probably never been done full cinematic justice- but this version is the closest I can find to doing it right.
C**A
Excellent Adaption of the Entire Novel
The product description gives a very nice outline of the plot, so I won't add my own summary. Having read the novel many years ago, I was delighted to find this adaption which includes all of Gulliver's adventures instead of being restricted to his visit to Lilliput.This is a TV production with exceptionally high production values. The cast is stellar with a number of veritable world stars appearing in every segment of the film. Particular favourites of mine are Peter O'Toole as the pompous Emperor of Lilliput (hilarious) and Omar Sharif who is rather impressive as the sourcerer who brings various greats in history back to life. The costumes, sets and visual effects are as amazing as the cast, making this a very enjoyable watch for a long wet winter afternoon. The total runtime of the film is 3 hours. It was originally broadcast in two parts and the episodic nature of the tale lends itself to watching in shorter sessions if so desired.Overall, this is well made and intelligent family entertainment. Mature viewers will be able to appreciate the underlying political satire while younger audiences can have their fun with the outlandish scenearios of tiny people, giants, floating islands and speaking horses.The DVD is fine, but the 15 : 9 picture aspect is awkward and it may require a bit of fiddling with the settings to get an undistorted picture ratio. Optional English subtitles are available. Also included is a very nice 24 min making of featurette.
R**T
Yahoo started here.
Jonathan Swift's book is now nearly 300 years old. Recently we have the Hobbit and Harry Potter that have captured peoples imagination but long before came 'Gulliver's Travels' which was an instant best seller with folk of that time who could read.This mini-series has really captured the essence of the book, satire and all, though those subtleties may escape young children ---- the series is still stunning and a real treat for all the family. Special effects by Jim Henson bring Swift's extraordinary stories to life and the ensemble cast guarantee believable performances throughout. What a blend of superb British And American actors. Sadly many have passed but this is a beautiful legacy to leave behind.By far the best adaption of the book, and when first shown on American television it attracted an audience of 56 Million viewers---- Wow, and it's British!English subtitles, 180 minutes long.
G**O
Absolutely wonderful
An absolutely amazing, thoroughly enjoyable adaptation of a staggeringly good book. If you like the book, this film will put a smile on your face. Whilst not being a 100% accurate adaptation, which it never could be given the breadth and complexity of the imagery of the original story, the way the makers have conceived it is a joy to see. I had reservations about the introduction of the mental asylum element, but the makers have managed to make it into a worthy, and surprisingly good addition, which brings a wonderful extra layer to film. If you've ever read 1984, and then watched the film, then this is the polar opposite, this is how you interpret and film a classic book and bring it to motion picture life. The acting is superb, the cast is truly dazzling, and the overall experience is a wonderful one.
S**R
Fantastic film and great story together with fantastic actors.
A well constructed film adaptation based on the novel of the same name by Jonathan Swift. A very powerful story combined by the acting and voice talents of most famous actors such as Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole for example. This movie follows the whole novel from start to finish really well compared to other film adaptations. For those who like the story of Gulliver's Travels, this film is the best and I would highly recommend buying it, even if you have not seen it on TV.
A**1
Gulliver's Travels DVD Review
bought this item as a teaching tool to compare alongside the book. this adaptation is the closest thing to swift's original string of books. it manages to blend the author's subtle humour with well directed action. most of the acting roles are well-played by artists from both sides of the atlantic. really can't fault it if you are looking to entertain and educate children above the age of ten, or if you are simply looking to enjoy the story for yourself.
S**H
Best version
This is an epic version of this classic story. My kids favoured it over all other adaptions we have seen. Covers all four destinations of his travels not just two like most.
M**T
YES
LOVE THE FILM. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THERE IS ANYTHING MISSING FROM THIS DVD WHICH WAS RELAYED IN THE TV SERIES.
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Fatima A.
Best international shipping I've ever tried. Worth every penny!
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Ali H.
Fast shipping and excellent packaging. The Leatherman tool feels very premium and sturdy.
This spectacular adaptation of Gulliver's Travels stars multiple Emmy Award winner Ted Danson. He heads a magnificent star-studded cast including, Mary Steenburgen, James Fox, Geraldine Chaplin, Omar Sherif, Edward Woodward, Peter O'Toole and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Jonathan Swift's timeless classic is here, brought to the screen in its entirety in this lavish production. When shown in the U.S. it attracted a record breaking 56 million viewers and was hailed as the television event of the decade.
With cutting-edge visuall effects to rival any Hollywood blockbuster; coupled with stunning Portuguese and English locations, Swift's classic is brought to life as never before.
","image":["https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515BP924NVL.jpg"],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"VUV","price":"7817.00","itemCondition":"https://schema.org/NewCondition","availability":"https://schema.org/InStock","shippingDetails":{"deliveryTime":{"@type":"ShippingDeliveryTime","minValue":16,"maxValue":16,"unitCode":"d"}}},"category":"drama","review":[{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"A***E"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 18 September 2022","name":"4.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Best version in 300 odd years!\n \n","reviewBody":"I recently decided to view 3 versions of this Story- the 1936 animation (which is faded, very slow and redirects the story towards a lilliputian Love affair... and misses the giants out completely.(1 star)-the 1972 RIchard Harris mixed animation /Live version which is also slow and faded- and is perhaps a 2 star job... stopping before the giants of chapter 2- AND this star-name packed TV serial spectacular from C4 in the 90's or new millenium.This 3 or 4 hour attempt to cover Swift's entire book and some is the one to see. The writers have even attempted to interweave their own extra dimension where Lemuel has returned home like Odysseus to find another suitor moving in on his long-abandoned wife- and the evil suitor manipulating to have him incarcerated as a lunatic for his traveller's tales. It is very well written and acted... perhaps better by some actors than others - and a full-on production with every forgotten chapter and expensive special effects fit for it's time. Some sections seemed to lack a little dramatic tension that you may expect, the editing was a tad confusing at times... but then again - the mind of the protagonist was also...It certainly makes you wonder why they bothered to re-do this True classic with Jack Black in a recent decade and ruin it.Oddly, I have some vague memories of an even more visually sumptuous TV version that I thought that I once saw- with the King sat at the table tapping his small end of the egg and fuming at a guest who chose the big end... which I cannot locate?The actual book has probably never been done full cinematic justice- but this version is the closest I can find to doing it right."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"C***A"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 28 November 2018","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Excellent Adaption of the Entire Novel\n \n","reviewBody":"The product description gives a very nice outline of the plot, so I won't add my own summary. Having read the novel many years ago, I was delighted to find this adaption which includes all of Gulliver's adventures instead of being restricted to his visit to Lilliput.This is a TV production with exceptionally high production values. The cast is stellar with a number of veritable world stars appearing in every segment of the film. Particular favourites of mine are Peter O'Toole as the pompous Emperor of Lilliput (hilarious) and Omar Sharif who is rather impressive as the sourcerer who brings various greats in history back to life. The costumes, sets and visual effects are as amazing as the cast, making this a very enjoyable watch for a long wet winter afternoon. The total runtime of the film is 3 hours. It was originally broadcast in two parts and the episodic nature of the tale lends itself to watching in shorter sessions if so desired.Overall, this is well made and intelligent family entertainment. Mature viewers will be able to appreciate the underlying political satire while younger audiences can have their fun with the outlandish scenearios of tiny people, giants, floating islands and speaking horses.The DVD is fine, but the 15 : 9 picture aspect is awkward and it may require a bit of fiddling with the settings to get an undistorted picture ratio. Optional English subtitles are available. Also included is a very nice 24 min making of featurette."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"R***T"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 18 June 2019","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Yahoo started here.\n \n","reviewBody":"Jonathan Swift's book is now nearly 300 years old. Recently we have the Hobbit and Harry Potter that have captured peoples imagination but long before came 'Gulliver's Travels' which was an instant best seller with folk of that time who could read.This mini-series has really captured the essence of the book, satire and all, though those subtleties may escape young children ---- the series is still stunning and a real treat for all the family. Special effects by Jim Henson bring Swift's extraordinary stories to life and the ensemble cast guarantee believable performances throughout. What a blend of superb British And American actors. Sadly many have passed but this is a beautiful legacy to leave behind.By far the best adaption of the book, and when first shown on American television it attracted an audience of 56 Million viewers---- Wow, and it's British!English subtitles, 180 minutes long."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"G***O"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 31 October 2015","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Absolutely wonderful\n \n","reviewBody":"An absolutely amazing, thoroughly enjoyable adaptation of a staggeringly good book. If you like the book, this film will put a smile on your face. Whilst not being a 100% accurate adaptation, which it never could be given the breadth and complexity of the imagery of the original story, the way the makers have conceived it is a joy to see. I had reservations about the introduction of the mental asylum element, but the makers have managed to make it into a worthy, and surprisingly good addition, which brings a wonderful extra layer to film. If you've ever read 1984, and then watched the film, then this is the polar opposite, this is how you interpret and film a classic book and bring it to motion picture life. The acting is superb, the cast is truly dazzling, and the overall experience is a wonderful one."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"S***R"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 27 February 2015","name":"4.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Fantastic film and great story together with fantastic actors.\n \n","reviewBody":"A well constructed film adaptation based on the novel of the same name by Jonathan Swift. A very powerful story combined by the acting and voice talents of most famous actors such as Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole for example. This movie follows the whole novel from start to finish really well compared to other film adaptations. For those who like the story of Gulliver's Travels, this film is the best and I would highly recommend buying it, even if you have not seen it on TV."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"A***1"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 10 October 2010","name":"4.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Gulliver's Travels DVD Review\n \n","reviewBody":"bought this item as a teaching tool to compare alongside the book. this adaptation is the closest thing to swift's original string of books. it manages to blend the author's subtle humour with well directed action. most of the acting roles are well-played by artists from both sides of the atlantic. really can't fault it if you are looking to entertain and educate children above the age of ten, or if you are simply looking to enjoy the story for yourself."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"S***H"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 31 March 2021","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Best version\n \n","reviewBody":"This is an epic version of this classic story. My kids favoured it over all other adaptions we have seen. Covers all four destinations of his travels not just two like most."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***T"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 13 September 2019","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n YES\n \n","reviewBody":"LOVE THE FILM. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THERE IS ANYTHING MISSING FROM THIS DVD WHICH WAS RELAYED IN THE TV SERIES."}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.625,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":8}}
![Gulliver's Travels [1996]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515BP924NVL.jpg)
