A Wonderful Made-for-TV Movie - Now on DVD!

There are few children’s stories which have undergone more adaptations and interpretations than Alice in Wonderland. Some have been good, some have been downright scary like that creepy Tom Petty music video. I’ve enjoyed a dozen or so different ones throughout my life, but this 1985 version will always be the “true” version of Alice in Wonderland for me.

Originally, this film was a two-part movie made for television, featuring Alice in Wonderland as the first part and Through the Looking Glass as the second part. I personally remember catching it about once a year and had it videotaped. It is now presented on tape and DVD under the title “Alice in Wonderland.” The DVD version was just released on August 1, 2006, and I was thrilled to finally receive it this week from Netflix after it sat for seven days on my list at “very long wait” status.

Plot Information
Unless you have been living in a cave, you surely have at least a passing familiarity with Alice’s story. This film is based on the popular children’s books by Lewis Carroll. Alice in Wonderland tells the story of young Alice’s first magical trip down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a magical place where things don’t always make sense. Through the Looking Glass follows Alice as she plays as a pawn in a giant game of chess. This is the darker and scarier of the sections, as Alice encounters the evil Jabberwocky who is guaranteed to scare all children out of their wits as it did me as a child.

My Thoughts
Although originally a made-for-TV movie, this version does not carry the stigma of, say, a Lifetime Original movie. It is a well-done presentation accepted by many to be the very best version of this popular story. Lovers of the books by Carroll will really enjoy this series. It sticks closely to the plots of the both books, spending time on characters and scenes often cut out of movie adaptations. Some, like the Doormouse (Arte Johnson), even get their own songs. The movie manages to make some of the book’s more bizarre material seem contemporary and fun. For example, “Father William”, a somewhat odd poem in the book, becomes a hip tap-dancing number performed by Alice (Natalie Gregory) and the Caterpillar (Sammy Davis Jr.). I actually think “Through the Looking Glass” is the stronger of the two stories and I like this half better, although for some reason the story is less frequently put to screen.

This movie boasts an all-star cast, and they are having a great time. “Alice” showcases Red Buttons as the white rabbit, Ringo Starr as the Mock Turtle, Robert Morley as the King of Hearts, and Shelly Winters as the Dodo Bird. “Looking Glass” officers Ann Jillian as the Red Queen Sally Struthers as Tiger Lily, and my very favorite, Carol Channing, as the White Queen. No one has much more than a bit part because of the huge cast of characters, but no one seems to mind. All of the actors give the impression that they are very much enjoying being a part of this wonderful children’s story and giving it their all. I’m afraid little Natalie Gregory as Alice is the weak link in the cast. She isn’t particularly convincing at feigning surprise, which is really her main job. However, her performance isn’t bad enough to distract from the fun of the movie. She’s young and cute and looks like Alice should, so we’ll forgive her.

The soundtrack of this movie is great fun. The most fun number is the song about jam sung by Carol Channing, but I also really enjoy “I Hate Cats and Dogs” sung by Arte Johnson. I will admit, though, that the Mad Hatter’s melancholy song about laughter is a bit of a yawner. Most of the songs are brief and to the point enough to keep the attention of kids (and adults).

Although this adaptation was created in the eighties, I still enjoy its visuals. Certainly no one can argue that the special effects are great, and the scene where Alice “falls” down the rabbit whole is particularly laughable. However, the movie is looking good even in its old age. At least on DVD, the images are crisp and clear and the colors are extremely vivid. The actors in their crazy costumes are a refreshing break from the constant CGI characters of today. This is a pretty movie that captures the feel of “Wonderland” very well.

Overall…
If somehow you missed this frequently played made-for-TV movie in the 80’s, you can catch it now on DVD. I think 1985’s version of Alice in Wonderland is miles above most modern adaptations of the story. All Alice in Wonderland fans will enjoy this movie, and if not – off with your head!