The Wind in the Willows (1984–1988) User Reviews

addictive fun!

[joan_freyer · 9/10 · 4 May 2011]

I bought this box over a year ago and watched it for 10 minutes and dropped it because it was not 'high tech' but when I rediscovered it last week at the bottom of my stack I was amazed. it is addictive good fun and totally enchanting! The characters are all charming and so convincing you think they are real. Each of the characters are given their 'time in the sun to shine' and the production values, the sets, the costumes (yes! there are costumes!) are all amazing.

The ferrets are wonderfully evil and are real scene stealers! The voices are wonderful too. Every voice is perfect for the role and the beauty of the narration is especially enjoyable! Try it! you will be delighted! JEF

Delightful

[angelpig · 27 March 2000]

This series remains true to the spirit of the original with further adventures of Toad and companions. The stop motion animation is quite beautifully rendered and the production values are in every way superb. Pastoral, funny, utterly charming; adults will enjoy this as much as children. This series can be purchased as a boxed set featuring four separate videos, with stories set in each season. Those of you who have enjoyed "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and the Wallace and Gromit films have a treat in store. By the way, Peter Sallis (Wallace) provides the voice of Ratty.

Only One Other Review?

[richard.fuller1 · 10/10 · 16 June 2006]

Of course, anyone who has seen this series (or the movie that preceded it) feels that anything short of 'wonderful, marvelous, brilliant' doesn't need to be said.

This version of Wind In The Willows is indeed superb. All the way around, it is perfectly done.

This version perfectly captures the subtlety of life that Rat and Mole enjoy, and the wrecklessness that is Toad.

Most American versions have opted to focus on Toad altogether, reducing the other three to supporting characters.

The quite country life that is disrupted by Toad's motorcar is truly one of the main reasons I do enjoy this program. How can something so tranquil hold your undivided attention so well? And undeniably, the peacefulness of the theme music (with and without the singer) are effective as well.

I'm watching the movie as I write this, but the movie is just as good as the TV show.

Ten stars, all the way around.

Absolutely elegant.

When I watch stuff like this, I think of Clive Dunn and the other old gentleman from "Dad's Army" and think this must have been their life.

How utterly majestic it all must have been.

Lovely.

[MsBlonde_7 · 10/10 · 4 September 2009]

As a child I ADORED The Wind in the Willows. The animation was beautiful with its picturesque scenery and realistic characters. The cast (including the likes of Sir David Jason and Peter Sallis) was fabulous and helped create a realistic world. The story lines were funny and kept true to the books whilst adding the flare of television. The stories were funny yet endearing and never over-the-top. There was just the right amount of silliness and was sometimes a little bit scary (nothing nightmareish though).

Children and adults alike will love this series, whether they are long-time fans or new.

A cherished classic, for those who love vintage animation and storytelling!!!

Whisper in the wind

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 21 March 2021]

A nice Relaxination show. Its mellow, you learn some social lessons and the animation is nice.

It's for both children and adults. The show is very smart so iunno if children today can handle it.

What can be learned? Manners

Verdict: Very mellow in deed.

A beautiful, elegant and timeless piece of television

[seanfighter · 10/10 · 6 November 2022]

I love this show, it's an almost perfect adaptation of the Riverbank that goes beyond the novel and really creates an entire world. The narration, the animation, the morales and adventure are a beautiful picturesque snapshot of days gone by, walks by the river, and an acknowledgement of the animal world and seasons around it.

It's more than nostalgic, this program is my childhood. Every Birthday or Christmas I would open a rectangular gift and hope it was another VHS for my collection. Even now I still watch it, and marvel at the detail of the animation, the wonderful voice actor work and giggle at the antics of Toad.

A beautiful show.