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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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Reviews Counted:25

Fresh:15

Rotten:10

Average Rating:6/10

Consensus: Ambitious but flawed, The Black Cauldron is technically brilliant as usual, but lacks the compelling characters of other Disney animated classics.

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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    21 - 25 (sorted by date)
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    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
    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
    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
    James Berardinelli
    ReelViews
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Easily digestible (and forgettable).

    Full Review Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    James O'Ehley
    James O'Ehley
    Sci-Fi Movie Page

    By the end of The Black Cauldron I was remembering, with something of a shock of nostalgia, the strength and utter storytelling conviction of the early Disney animators. The Black Cauldron is a return to the tradition.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Roger Ebert
    Roger Ebert
    Chicago Sun-Times
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