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Movies / On DVD / The Black Cauldron
The Black Cauldron

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The Black Cauldron (1985)

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62 %
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Reviews Counted: 21

Fresh: 13

Rotten:8

Average Rating: 6/10

Runtime: 80 mins

Genre: Childrens

Synopsis: Young would-be warrior Taran searches for the titular magic vessel, lest it fall into the dastardly hands of the evil Horned King and allow him to summon an army of the undead. Fortunately,... Young would-be warrior Taran searches for the titular magic vessel, lest it fall into the dastardly hands of the evil Horned King and allow him to summon an army of the undead. Fortunately, assisting in his quest are a feisty princess, the furry, friendly Gurgi, and psychic pig Hen Wen. Unusually dark but highly acclaimed Disney fare, released to video thirteen years after its theatrical run. Based on the juvenile fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander; part of the "Chronicles of Prydain" series. Gold Collection Edition features a spooky bonus cartoon. [More]

Starring: Grant Bardsley, John Byner, Susan Sheridan, Freddie Jones

Starring: Grant Bardsley, John Byner, Susan Sheridan, Freddie Jones, John Hurt, Nigel Hawthorne, Arthur Malet, Lindsay Rich, Eda Reiss Merin

Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich

Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich
Producer: Joe Hale
Story: Lloyd Alexander

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Oct 3, 2000

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • The Black Cauldron
  • Disney's 25th full-length animated classic, THE BLACK CAULDRON, fills the screen with magic and wonder. This fun-filled tale of heroism overflows with colorful characters, trailblazing animation, and nonstop action. In the mystical land of Prydain, Taran, a young boy who dreams of a future as an invincible warrior, finds himself leading a real-life quest. In a race against the evil Horned King, Taran must be the first to find the mysterious Black Cauldron or the Horned King will unleash its power and take over the world. With the help of a magic sword, an enchanting princess, an adorable clairvoyant pig, and a furry little creature named Gurgi, Taran overcomes winged dragons, the King's monstrous henchmen, three batty witches, and more -- and learns nothing is as powerful as courage and friendship.
  • Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for The Black Cauldron

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    1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
    02/05/09
    Variety
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    It's quite good, though by the impossible standards the film sets for itself it inevitably falls short.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
    09/05/08
    Dave Kehr
    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    As usual it is technically excellent, but the charm, characterisation and sheer good humour that made features like Pinocchio and Jungle Book so enjoyable are sadly absent.

    Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
    02/09/06
    Time Out
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    08/11/05
    Emanuel Levy
    EmanuelLevy.Com

    Middle road Disney animation, unmemorable.

    comment Comment
    01/02/05
    Steve Crum
    Kansas City Kansan

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    01/02/05
    Philip Martin
    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    11/02/04
    Kevin Carr
    7M Pictures

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    09/02/04
    Andy Klein
    Los Angeles CityBeat

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    03/12/04
    Carol Cling
    Las Vegas Review-Journal

    John Hurt's gravelly voice of the Horned King steals the show.

    Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
    02/10/04
    Christopher Null
    Filmcritic.com

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    07/29/03
    Ryan Cracknell
    Movie Views

    This is the 25th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney studios, and professionally put together as it is, many of the ingredients may seem programmed to those who have seen some of the others.

    Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
    05/21/03
    Walter Goodman
    New York Times
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    02/03/03
    Jeffrey Westhoff
    Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    11/12/02
    Mark Palermo
    Coast (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

    [The Black Cauldron is] too dark and scary for younger children, and it's too silly and childish for older viewers to embrace.

    Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews | comment Comment
    09/26/02
    David Nusair
    Reel Film Reviews

    A mite disappointing, but certainly watchable enough.

    comment Comment
    07/25/02
    Scott Weinberg
    eFilmCritic.com

    THE BLACK CAULDRON hitches up its pants, says good-bye to Mom at the door, but then decides to go no further than the front yard

    Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
    08/15/01
    Shane Burridge
    rec.arts.movies.reviews

    A flawed, but ambitious film that was obviously aiming to draw as many adults into the theater as children.

    Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk | comment Comment
    02/27/01
    James Kendrick
    Q Network Film Desk

    ...it serves a purpose in reminding us that even today's animation can't compare to the brilliance that hand-drawn animation offers its audience.

    Full Review Source: Cinemaphile.org | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    David Keyes
    Cinemaphile.org

    The backgrounds are as richly textured and detailed as in any other Disney film.

    Full Review Source: ReelViews | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    James Berardinelli
    ReelViews
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic
     
     
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